The Big Conversation

In Dying Matters Awareness Week, join us to find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about death and dying but were too afraid to ask.

What can I expect?

Speakers, workshops and stalls to provoke conversations about and provide information on death and dying, including:

Life drawing with Art in Canterbury – Conquest House Gallery

A celebration of life and reflections on death through drawing the human form.

Please note: No photographs are permitted during the workshop. We will be working with nude models and therefore advise that these sessions are suitable for those aged 16 years and upwards.

• Time: 10:30 – 12:30
• Tickets: £10

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

How to care for someone who has died with Holly’s Funerals

A short talk about how to gently care for your loved one when they have died. We understand that in our culture today this isn’t common, but it’s something we have done for millennia, and for good reason. The love you feel for someone does not instantly vanish the moment they have died. It continues forever, and caring for the body after death can help some with the process of honouring and letting go.

This is a free session, but please book a ticket so we know to expect you.

• Time: 10:30 – 11:30
• Tickets: Free

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

Understanding floral tributes with Essentially Hops

A creative workshop on how to personalise sympathy flowers, including a chance to make your own natural wreath.

• Time: 10:30 – 12:00
• Tickets: £10

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

Will making and probate with Boys & Maughan Solicitors

A short talk on will writing and probate, including time for questions and discussion.

This is a free session, but please book a ticket so we know to expect you.

• Time: 12:00 – 13:00
• Tickets: Free

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

Profanity embroidery workshop with the Profanity Embroidery Group (PEG)

A profane and sweary embroidery workshop focusing on the theme of death and dying.

Please note: Due to its content, this session is suitable for those aged 18 years and upwards only.

• Time: 13:00 – 16:00
• Tickets: £15

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

Creating a beautiful and meaningful funeral with Holly’s Funerals

An inspiring and informative workshop on creating a unique and beautiful funeral.

This is a free session, but please book a ticket so we know to expect you.

• Time: 13:30 – 14:30
• Tickets: Free

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

Living with loss

Grief is a perfectly normal, natural and necessary reaction when someone close to us dies. Yet we are seldom prepared for the often overwhelming emotional reaction we experience following bereavement. This session aims to discuss and explore the process of grief; to gain a greater understanding of what is often a complicated journey, and always an individual experience.

This is a free session, but please book a ticket so we know to expect you.

• Time: 13:30 – 14:30
• Tickets: Free

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

Death Cafe

A Death Cafe is a relaxed, informal way to come together and talk about death and dying. It’s not a bereavement or counselling session, but rather a safe space to talk about a subject we often avoid as part of our daily conversations.

Our Death Cafes are lively, full of laughter and fascinating discussions. Drinks and cake will be provided.

This is a free session, but please book a ticket so we know to expect you.

• Time: 14:00 – 15:30
• Tickets: Free

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

The role of a death doula

Death and dying is everyone’s business; it is, after all, among the people we know and love. Death doulas support people with an end of life diagnosis and those close to them to help them become more comfortable with death and dying.

Come and meet some death doulas, hear about what they do, ask them anything and share your hopes and fears for your own death.

This is a free session, but please book a ticket so we know to expect you.

• Time: 15:00 – 16:00
• Tickets: Free

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

Open choir rehearsal with The Lemon Zingers

An open rehearsal with a local choir.

This is a free session with a suggested £3 donation on the door, but please book a ticket so we know to expect you.

• Time: 16:00 – 17:00
• Tickets: Free, suggested £3 donation on the door

Book tickets Join our Facebook event

Information fair

Come along and meet representatives from Pilgrims Hospices, local natural burial grounds, contemporary funeral services, eco coffins, alternative celebrants and many more. Entry is free and all are welcome, no need to book.

• Time: 10:00 – 17:00
• Cost: Free

Crematorium tour

Barham Crematorium will host an open afternoon as part of The Big Conversation. All are welcome to come along for a short tour, including a chance to ask any questions and meet the staff. No need to book, no charge, just turn up on the day!

• Time: 13:00 – 16:00
• Cost: Free

Please note: Tours take place at Barham Crematorium, Canterbury Road, Barham CT4 6QU.

Refreshments

We will be serving teas, coffees, sausage baps and a selection of homemade cakes from our pop-up cafe at the Ann Robertson Centre.

Event information

• Venue: Ann Robertson Centre, Canterbury
• Date and time: Saturday 18 May 2019, 10:00 – 17:00

All are welcome to attend this free event.*

*Please note that some sessions are ticketed.

For more information please get in touch with the Education team using the contact details below. Join our Facebook event and invite your friends.

The Big Conversation is kindly sponsored by Holly’s Funerals.

Dying Matters Awareness Week 2019

Every year in May, Dying Matters host an Awareness Week to highlight the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement on a national scale. In 2019, the week runs from 13 – 19 May and the theme is Are We Ready?

Thank you so much for your support

We host community events throughout the year for the general public, aiming to open up the conversation about death and dying; with film screenings, poetry readings, Death Cafes and much more, there’s something for everyone.

Check out our latest upcoming events

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, find out about the full range of services Pilgrims can offer.