New group to open conversations around death

A community initiative designed to open up conversations around death and dying is due to start this month in Westbury.

Sian Rooke, a celebrant from Rooke’s Nest Ceremonies, is starting a Death Cafe in the town to provide a space for people to openly discuss topics around death, dying and grief.

Sian, who has been a celebrant for a year, said she had become aware of Death Cafes and the need for people to have a space to discuss death in an open and non-judgmental way.

She said, “I really hope that it just opens that conversation with a family, so that they are talking about their lives, their history, their hopes, their dreams, all of those things.”

“It’s one of those things that’s going to happen to all of us, and whether it’s discussing that amongst ourselves, with our family members, I think it’s definitely a conversation that should be opened up.”

The free sessions will be open to anyone, including people who are interested in discussing death and bereaved people who may find sharing their experiences useful.

The discussions will be participant-led and could cover topics including fear of death, end-of-life wishes, experiences of loss, and cultural and spiritual beliefs about death.

Sian also hopes the sessions will encourage people to talk to their families about their wishes, and has forms available for people to record their end-of-life preferences.

Westbury’s Death Cafe will take place on the second Wednesday of every month, starting on Wednesday 14th October from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The sessions will be held at The Westbury Vale at White Horse Country Park on Coach Road.

All adults are welcome to attend the sessions for free, with donations to Dorothy House welcome. The hospice provided care for Sian’s mum before her death.

Sian said, “Come in with an open mind. Have a chat and see what it’s all about.”

For more information, contact Sian on 07404408286 or email sian@rookesnestceremonies.co.uk.

Pictured: Sian Rooke