Current Events
Monthly Death Cafes
Let’s break the taboo, and talk about Death! This event is an informal space to talk with others about something which affects us all…so boil the kettle, raid the biscuit tin and come and join the conversation!
Please note that this is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.
These events are open to staff and members of the public.
Events run by the Team
Currently these events happen on MS Teams so places are limited. However, if you are a curious about what a Death Café might be like, we’d encourage you to come along and say hello!
Please keep and eye on this page or our twitter feed for dates.
Death Cafes Around the Country (and world!)
Death Cafes are springing up all over the world and there are some that are local. Visit www.deathcafe.com to find your nearest cafe.
Some cafes we know of:
Glasgow Southside Death Cafe
This is an in-person cafe which usually runs the first Thursday of the month 7.30pm-9.00pm at Finns Place (Southside of Glasgow – Langside Church, 167 Ledard Road, Glasgow, G42 9QU). Free refreshments available. For more information and dates visit the Finn’s Place website. Email ggc.HomeFirst@ggc.scot.nhs.uk for more details.
Kali Collective Death Cafe (near Anderston, Glasgow City Centre)
Kali hosts 2 death cafes – one in-person and one online.
The in-person cafe which usually runs the last Thursday of the Month, 7.15 – 8.30pm at Kali Collective Yoga Studio, Unit 203, 54 Washington St, Glasgow G3 8AZ. Free refreshments available. Reserving a place would be beneficial so you can be given door codes etc. Please visit the kali website for more info – https://www.kalicollective.com/workshops/death-cafe
The online cafe runs the second Tuesday of the Month, 7.30 – 8.30pm, online via Zoom. You need to register (and make an account the first time) for this café so that you can be sent the joining link. Check out the Kali website for more details – https://www.kalicollective.com/workshops/death-cafe-online
Govanhill Death Cafe
This is cafe is taking a little break but hopes to run a few sessions in 2025. We will post details when we have them.
Cambuslang Death Cafe
This is a new cafe which has just started. In 2024 it met on the first Sunday of the month, 12pm-1.30pm at Cambuslang Parish Church, 1 Arnott Way, Cambuslang, Glasgow G72 7JQ. Plans for 2025 are still to be confirmed. You can email CambuslangDeathCafe@outlook.com for more information.
The Mitchell Library Death Cafe
4 cafes have been planned at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow on the last Thursday of the month, 5.30pm-7.30pm, running from January to April. For more details and to reserve a place please click this link – The Mitchell Library Death Cafe hosted by Creating Conversations CIC — Glasgow Life
Focused Fundamentals (Bite Sized Learning)
These sessions are bite sized learning events for staff which focus on a specific topic to provide an overview. Sessions are less interactive, focusing instead on delivering information, however there is an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each session. They usually last between 30 – 45 minutes.
Current Topics Covered
- Future Care Plan Clinical Portal Walk Through
- Future Care Planning Introduction
- Rockwood Clinical Frailty Score
- Power of Attorney
- Recoding Future Care Planning on EMIS
- Recording Future Care Planning on CNIS
If there is a topic you would like us to consider then please email at ggc.HomeFirst@nhs.scot
You can find more information including dates and registration links on our training hub pages.
Plan More, Stress Less Sessions
As part of our Plan More, Stress Less toolkit, we host interactive sessions which cover all you need to know about getting yourself, and those you support prepared for any unexpected event including hospital admissions.
This session last approximately 1 hour and includes opportunities for you to ask questions. The sessions are online.
Topics covered in the session include:
- Helpful paperwork
- What to bring to hospital
- What conversations we may have whilst in hospital
- Planning for a successful discharge from hospital
- Post-discharge support
Dates throughout 2024 – as advertised below.
If you are an organisation who who like to organise a specific session for the people you support please email at ggc.HomeFirst@nhs.scot In some cases we may be able to offer this as an in-person session.
Alongside this session we have created two resources which anyone can use to help them plan for any future hospital admission. This could be a planned admission, for example if someone is going to hospital for an operation or to have some tests. However these resources can also be useful if someone needs to go to hospital in an emergency.
If you have any questions or feedback about these resources please email ggc.HomeFirst@nhs.scot
Preparing for Hospital Checklist
This checklist will help you think about all the different forms which you can complete just now that would be useful if you were ever in hospital. This includes things like a Future Care Plan and a Power of Attorney.
A Plan to Get You Home
This resources lets you and the people who support you, think about what might need to happen in order to get you home from hospital in a safe and timely manner. This includes thinking about who could collect you from hospital and where you might need to live if you need some extra support for a short time or on a more permanent basis.
Previous Events
Event Recordings
We have been thrilled to host many events over the years, highlighting some important topics. We have been able to record some of these sessions for people to view at a later date. Below you will find details of these events, alongside their recordings. If you have any feedback or wish further details then please get in touch at ggc.HomeFirst@nhs.scot
Events by Name
A Day in the Life of… an Anatomical Pathology Technologist
Do you know what an Anatomical Pathology Technologist does? We’ll give you a hint – they work in our hospital mortuaries!
Whilst it may not be the career everyone imagines when they are younger, it can be a hugely rewarding and privileged role to have. This session allowed us to hear from someone with first-hand experience about what it is really like to work in a mortuary.
Future (previously Anticipatory) Care Planning – An Introduction for Staff
Anticipatory Care Planning has benefits for everyone. It empowers people to tell us what really matters; it gives friends and family an opportunity to talk open and honestly; and it helps professionals to work with everyone to create the best care and treatment plans possible. During the session we looked at tools and resources we use across NHSGGC to help promote future planning, and how our systems work together to share information.
ACP is everyone’s business, so make sure you know your role in the conversation.
Future (previously Anticipatory) Care Planning and Treatment Escalation Plans
How can we help our on-call teams to do the right thing in the middle of the night – when faced with a deteriorating patient that they have never met? Sometimes intervening may be of no benefit or could cause distress but making that judgement can be very difficult. It is possible that there is a plan but accessing it may be a challenge.
In this session we discussed the plans that may be available, how to find them, how to improve them and how to initiate them and have the conversation.
How to Slow Down When Someone Dies
We partnered with Pushing Up The Daises and Caledonia Funeral Aid to a host session which aimed to shine a light on how people can attend to their own wellbeing following the death of a significant person, especially one they may have cared for. During the event we discussed
- ideas for helping you to start your grieving process in a way that best serves you and the people around you,
- the pros and cons of being actively involved yourself with arrangements for burial or cremation and also perhaps the person’s body,
- practical information about the Funeral Support Payment which help people with certain benefits and tax credits to pay for a funeral,
- the laws around death and funerals, and
- why your choices are really important to help your grieving and for your long term well-being.
Involving and Supporting Unpaid Carers
This session looks at the legal duties of staff working in acute, community and/or primary care. In particular we discuss how staff can encourage carers to recognise their role, how to refer to support services and the legal duty staff have to involve carers in discharge planning. We also mention some of the systems which help us record information about any known carers and share this with other services.
Involving Unpaid Carers in Care Home Life
When someone moves into a residential or nursing home, it is important that friends and family are still able to be fully involved in their lives. This may include visiting and spending time together either in this new setting, or elsewhere. It is important that friends and family are still supported in their caring role, even if it may look a little different. As everyone adjusts to this “new normal”, there are lots of conversations and pieces of information which can be helpful so that everyone understands what is happening and can share their own views.
Let’s talk about…Anticipatory Grief
Whilst some deaths can be sudden and unexpected, most follow a period of illness which could last months or even years. During this time everyone can experience a wealth of emotions including anticipatory grief as we realise that a loss is coming.
This panel discussion explores anticipatory grief from various points of view including carers of those living with Dementia and parents who have a child with a life-limiting condition. There was also an opportunity to ask questions to our panel of experts who have backgrounds in various parts of this journey.
Let’s talk about…Bereavement At Workplace
All of us will experience bereavements throughout our lives, so it is very likely that some of these events may happen whilst you are working. Whether it is a sudden loss, or illness which develop over a longer time, trying to juggle work and personal life can be a challenge.
It can also be difficult for colleagues who don’t know what to say or do when someone is dealing with these issues, or returning after the death of someone close.
During this session we explored some of the things we can do to support each other in the workplace including things we can say, places we can signpost to and some of the policies organisations have to support their staff during these incredibly difficult times.
Let’s talk about…Bereavement Through Suicide
Stories From 88 Days on a Tandem Around the British Coastline
In January 2022, Xani lost his sister, Alice, to suicide. Since then he and his family have been navigating their own grief journey, supported by a number of different charities including SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide).
In the summer of 2023, Xani decided to embark on a mammoth cycling expedition as a tribute to Alice and a way to reach out to others who have been affected by suicide, whilst also raising money for some great organisations. Over 88 days he covered over 3500 miles on a tandem around the British coastline, each day joined by a new person affected by suicide. Together as they pedalled, they shared the story of their experience and the wisdom they had gained. Not only this, he has also managed to raise over £36,000 for both SOBS and PAPYRUS.
From his time on the tandem, Xani has some incredible memories but has also gained a wealth of knowledge about the impact of grief and the different ways people begin to rebuild their lives after tragedy. During this session Xani shared his own story and reflections – from the importance of conversations to meaningful ways to honour those who have died.
Let’s talk about…Deathcare in the Queer Community
Whether it is planning a funeral, or ensuring that people know your wishes and preferences when it comes to end of life care, having people and tools to help your feel empowered is vital. For members of the Queer community there can be added anxiety about some of these aspects such as what happens with legal paperwork, and how to ensure that the people you want to be involved in care and planning can be.
This panel discussion discussed some of these questions and provided a space to discuss important topics including how we can create inclusive services which embrace and celebrate people’s identities.
Let’s talk about…Donating Your Body to Medical Science
What do you want to happen to your body after you die? For most of us, this question makes us think about funeral, burials, cremations. But what about donating your body to help the next generation of students and researchers understand the inner workings of the human body?
During this session we heard from colleagues at the University of Glasgow to learn all about the process that takes place when someone decides to go down this road.
This is in partnership with the University of Glasgow.
Let’s talk about… Grief
Grief is natural and something all of us will likely experience at some point. During this session we looked at some of the different models that people have used to describe the grief process and also bust some myths people might have about what is “normal”.
This session is in partnership with the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Let’s talk about… Hospices
Have you ever visited a hospice? Would it be somewhere you’d be afraid to go?
For many people the word “hospice” is associated with end of life care and death, however the truth is a little different. In this session we heard about all the amazing things hospices do to support people and those who matter to them, recognising that hospices are places of hope and warmth.
Let’s talk about…Making a Power of Attorney / Making a Will
The legal parts of future planning can often be confusing, with lots of people not quite sure where to start. This session explored how to get started with Power or Attorney and making a Will, and why both of these things are so important.
We have split the recording into two parts.
Let’s talk about…Palliative Care
When you think about palliative care, what is the first thing that comes to mind? “Terminal illness”? “End of life”? “Comfort Care”? Whilst all these things are true, palliative care is so much more than this.
During this panel discussion, people could ask us anything – from “how did you get into this field?” to “what does a “good death” look like?” – the floor was yours!
Let’s talk about…Paying For A Funeral
With the average cost of a funeral in Scotland being over £4000*, the financial burden of death and dying can be overwhelming. Caledonia Funeral Aid aim to support people navigating this difficult time by offering advice, as well as practical and emotional support.
During this session we discussed some of the help that is available such as the Funeral Support Payment as well as thinking about creative ways we can honour and celebrate those who have died. There was also an opportunity to ask questions to our expert.
*Source: SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024
Let’s talk about…Pet Bereavement
For many people pets are family and so it is only natural to grieve their loss. Wendy Andrew founded the Scottish Pet Bereavement Counselling Service to help others recover from the death of animal companions.
During this session we talked about everything from the wealth of emotion that accompanies a decision to euthanise a pet, to speaking to children about the death of a pet. We discussed some of the common feelings that people may experience and highlight different places where support is available. There was also an opportunity to ask questions.
This session was delivered in partnership with the Scottish Pet Bereavement Counselling Service.
Let’s talk about… Pregnancy and Baby Loss
Everyday people are left with the grief and trauma that often accompanies the loss of a pregnancy or baby shortly after birth. Whilst everyone’s situations are unique, as a society we can do much more to support one another in these difficult times, and that often begin with having a conversation.
During this session we discussed some of the common feelings that people may experience and highlight different places where support is available. There was also an opportunity to ask questions to our panel of experts who have backgrounds in various parts of this bereavement journey.
This session is delivered in partnership with Sands and Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC).
Let’s talk about… Spiritual Care Considerations at the End of Life
We were delighted to be presenting at NHSGGC Grand Rounds on the topic of spiritual care considerations at the end of life. We are lucky to live in a multi-cultural country, with people coming from all walks of life and bringing their own beliefs and views with them. However sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the different things that we can do to support someone, especially as they approach death.
During this session, colleagues from the spiritual care team explored some of the common, yet simple things we can do as staff to support patients as well as their friends and family, and also highlight some of the resources available to support staff deliver this person-centred care.
You can watch this on the Grand Rounds Stream Channel. Please note there may be restricted access to this video.
Let’s talk about… What Happens When Someone Is Dying
Dying is a normal process, but these days the process is often surrounded in mystery. During this sessions we learned more about what actually happens as someone approaches the end of their life and had an opportunity to talk to some experts.
Planning for The Future
When it comes to planning for the future, do you even know where to start? During this informal information session we gave you some ideas of things to think about and tools to help you plan, as well as telling you how this information can be shared with others so that everyone is in the know.
Plan More, Stress Less
When you or someone you care about becomes ill, life can become very stressful. That is why we think it is so important for people to talk to each other and make plans before this happens.
As part of our Plan More, Stress Less Toolkit, is for anyone interested in getting started with planning ahead. In this session we talk about what paperwork we can complete before a crisis arises, what actually happens when someone goes into hospital and how we can all work together to plan for a safe and timely discharge.
Seasons of Change
An opportunity for staff to reflect on loss, grief and bereavement
Loss, grief, and bereavement are universal emotions. Whilst death and dying is a natural part of life, throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic many more people have been touched by experiences which may have triggered feelings associated with loss and change.
To give staff an opportunity to reflect on both our collective and individual experiences, a new informal online event was created. The intention was to create a space for staff to reflect and recharge. There was no active participation necessary, rather staff are encouraged to listen and reflect on the various contemplative pieces (sessions will also have subtitles).
Staff from across all parts of health and social care were encouraged to attend, including our colleagues in Care Homes, Primary Care and Third Sector.
You can read our Summary Report for the summer session.
Summer Session:
Autumn Session:
Event Resources
Below you can find copies of our past programme of events. You can also find copies of past resource lists which have further details of organisations and services who can support individuals and communities who are dealing with grief, loss or looking after others.
To keep up to date with future events make sure you are signed up to our mailing list..
Past Programmes and Resources
Carers Week
Carers Week occurs at the start of June each year, aiming to raise awareness of the challenges experienced by unpaid carers and host events that may be of interest and benefit to carers.
Carers Week 2022 Summary Report
Carers Rights Day
Carers Rights Day occurs at the end of November each year, aiming to increase awareness of the rights of unpaid carers.
Demystifying Death Week
Demystifying Death Week occurs at the beginning of May each year an aims to shine a light on death, dying and bereavement.
Summary Report for the Demystifying Death Week 2022
Demystifying Death Week 2022 – Resource List
Demystifying Death Week 2022 – Carers Resource List
Demystifying Death Week 2023 Programme
National Power of Attorney Day
National Power of Attorney Day usually occurs in November. On or around this time we aim to host one of our “Power of Attorney Overview” session. Visit our training hubs for dates of future sessions.
Seasons of Change
To Absent Friends
To Absent Friends is a week-long celebration from 1st-7th November each year.
