Death Cafe - Sydney

Death Cafe - Sydney

I will be hosting a special end of year Death Cafe at Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery (LorikeetRoom) on Sunday 8th December 2019 from 2-4 pm. Details are also available from Death Cafe Sydney Facebook page. 


Christmas and the festive season can be a difficult time for many. It can be particularly difficult for anyone who has had a loved one die during the year and who will not be with them to celebrate at Christmas. For others, it may be a time when in the past, a loved one always celebrated with them or went away on holidays together. For me, it is still a reminder 25 years later, that my father is no longer here to ring me on Christmas Day.
This time of year can be stressful and the added feelings of grief can make this a difficult time of year to face, and therefore celebrating may seem the last thing that one wants to do. In addition, there may be complicated and unresolved feelings of grief. When family members or friends, in trying to be kind, and meaning to be supportive, say such things as : “ it’s already been a year (or more) and they (the loved one who has died) would want you to be celebrating with us and not sad” or ‘they’re in a better place, you should be happy” or “it’s been long enough, you will never be able to move forward if you continue to grieve”, anger, frustration or even guilt can come up.
If any of this resonates with you, come along and share your feelings with like-minded people over a cuppa and a piece of cake. Participants are invited to bring along a personal object that belonged to their loved one or a photo, and if they wish, to share stories about their loved ones, so that they can be included in this special Death Cafe. Participants are also invited to share whatever feelings may have come up for them, in a confidential, non-judgemental space.

Please be advised that Death Cafe is not a grief counselling group but a space for like-minded people who wish to discuss death and dying. As per the guidelines of deathcafe.com, there is no agenda, no promoting of businesses and no charge. Donations to Beyond Blue are welcome.
Places are limited to 15, so booking is necessary - email: deathcafesydney@gmail.com


Here is a link to a video chat with Jon Underwood, the founder of Death Cafe, and other Death Cafe hosts, held on 5th June 2014:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=skOvlyXtzaI

Here is a write-up of a previous Death Cafe which was held on 14th June, 2014:
"After participating in the Death Cafe this afternoon I was left with plenty of food for thought. Death is not a mundane subject of conversation by any means, but to participate in a group conversation about it is certainly thought provoking. I walked away today with some very interesting impressions of different perceptions death in the people around me. Confronting and mind opening. Thanks for a unique experience."