Talking About Death: Our Monthly Death Cafe at Greenway
14/10/2025
By: Lucille Smith, Community Development Manager
Have you ever had questions about death, or wanted to talk about it – but did not know how? You are not the only one. Many people want a safe space to have honest conversations about this thing we all have in common.
But what is a Death Café? It is a friendly and open group where people come together to talk about death. There is no set plan, no lesson, and no pressure. It is just real people, real conversation, and a cup of tea or coffee, and often cake or biscuits.
Talking about death might sound sad or scary, but most people leave feeling more connected, thoughtful, and even hopeful. Do come if you: are curious about death; want to hear what others think about it; want to understand life better by talking about death; just like good conversation over a hot drink. There is no right or wrong thing to say – just respectful, honest talk.
The sessions are run thanks to volunteers Helen, Juliet, and Katie. Helen is a historian and expert on funeral traditions; she has been studying this topic for more than 20 years and is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Bath’s Centre for Death and Society. Juliet is a civil celebrant who helps run funerals, and she is interested in how funeral traditions are changing over time. Katie is a professor of Urban Planning at UWE Bristol; she has investigated how cities plan cemeteries and how these spaces can be used as peaceful green areas.
At our last meeting, Helen brought along her collection of Mourning jewellery (pictured), some of it dating back to the 1800s. We had some interesting discussions about other ways of remembering people, like tattoos, and pin badges in the shape of a loved one’s favourite things. For a quick peek of the evening, click to the video HERE
We hope you will come along to join our next fascinating conversation on Monday 3rd November – everyone is welcome. It is free to attend. You do not need to bring anything – just come with an open mind.
Greenway Death Café takes place on the first Monday of every Month at Greenway Centre at 4.30pm.
For more information contact me, email: lucillesmith@southmead.org, or tel: 0117 950 3335
For What’s On at Greenway Centre, click HERE