Death Café (Edinburgh)

A Death Café is a warm, open space where people come together to talk about one of life’s most universal, yet often avoided, topics: death. But it’s not a morbid affair! Instead, it’s an opportunity for honest, non-judgmental conversation in a relaxed setting, usually over tea or coffee and cake. The idea is to break down the taboos and fears around death, allowing people to share thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences about mortality.

Imagine sitting in a cosy space, sipping a cuppa, in the company of others who are curious or reflective about death, dying and bereavement. There’s no agenda, and no religious or spiritual doctrine pushing an answer. Instead, it’s a chance to explore everything from personal grief to existential musings to the logistics of end-of-life planning. The conversations are as varied as the people who attend.

A Death Café isn’t about “solving” death, but about embracing its inevitable presence with a sense of connection, vulnerability, and sometimes even humour. It’s a safe space where no topic is off-limits, whether it’s sharing stories of loved ones who have passed, unpacking fears of the unknown, or contemplating the cultural practices around death. It’s a community-driven experience that highlights how talking about death can ultimately help us live more fully.

This session will be facilitated by Lara Celini and Senga Ishaq (both celebrants with Humanist Society Scotland) at the Crannie Community Hub. So come along and reclaim death as part of life. We can all benefit from being more comfortable having these conversations.

This event marks the end of Demystifying Death Week (which runs from 5 to 11 May 2025) and is about giving people knowledge, skills. and opportunities to plan and support each other through death, dying, loss, and care.

With thanks to Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief for supporting this event.

A group of six people sit around a table drinking tea and chatting about death. — Death Cafe chat around a table

Please note that a death café is not a bereavement/grief support resource and we advise that you do not attend if you have been very recently bereaved or if your grief feels very raw.

You may also be interested in our These Are My Wishes event which is happening at the same venue after the Death Cafe. Take a look at the details here.

There is no cost for participating, but places are limited, so booking in advance is required. If you later find you are unable to make it, please let us know so that we can offer your place to someone else.

When you register for this event, your personal information will be used for the purpose of enabling you to join the event and for a short evaluation after the event. For more information, please see our privacy notice.

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