'Death Café' in Stamford receiving more interest amid coronavirus outbreak
Death is sometimes difficult to discuss - and yet the coronavirus crisis has brought it increasingly to the front of people’s minds.
As a result, a ‘death café’ in Stamford, which provides a space to talk about issues surrounding living and dying, is receiving more interest.
Amanda Seyderhelm and Annie Hall held the first monthly meeting of The Death Café in Stamford in September, supported by the town’s MindSpace charity.
The initial event attracted about 10 people, with interest steadily increasing as more people heard about it.
Unfortunately, the March meeting was cancelled because of social distancing, but now Amanda and Annie are holding a ‘virtual death café’ next week through the online video meeting service, Zoom.
“We are noticing there has been more interest in our Facebook page and, through talking to people who hold other death cafés around the country, it’s noticeable that more people are looking to have the sorts of discussions that might feel taboo elsewhere.
“There has been rising anxiety about death because people are dying in large numbers.
“It’s not just people who have known someone who has died. Many people are looking for a space where they can freely talk about their questions or concerns.”
The ethos of the Death Café in Stamford is that people can join a meeting - previously in a town café, but now by online video - and talk about any aspect of death that is on their mind.
Topics might include worries about getting older, losing mental health through dementia or other illnesses, or funeral arrangements and dying wishes.
“It can also raise lots of issues about life,” added Amanda, who is keen to stress that it is a discussion group, not a grief support or counselling session.
“When people discuss death the conversation often moves on to how precious life is and, since coronavirus, life and death are increasingly important topics.”
The next Stamford Death Café meeting is on Thursday (April 23) at 11am. It is open to all, and those joining are invited to have a cup of coffee and piece of cake at home during the meeting, as they might in a real café.
To register to join the café meeting by Zoom, send an e-mail to: thedeathcafeinstamford@gmail.com
Those who know someone who is interested in joining the café meeting, but doesn’t have e-mail or internet access, should have someone send an e-mail on their behalf, including a phone number.
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