Death Cafe acknowledges death as part of life
7 Apr, 2021 08:50 PM
3 minutes to read
Death Cafe is held at Katikati Community Centre. Photo / Supplied
Bay of Plenty Times
There s a place in Katikati where people go to talk about death.
But don t think it s macabre or sad, says its coordinator, it s just comforting.
Irene Maxwell-Curnock runs Death Cafe in Katikati. If you can help someone with what they re going through, they feel that someone understands, they can realise that what they are going through is grief. People who come to Death Cafe get comfort from it.
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Some people cringe at the name, Irene says.
The surge of interest in death cafes is only natural during a crisis like the pandemic. Photo: Pixabay
Death cafe hosts have reported an increased interest during the pandemic which has made discussions about mortality more necessary than ever.
UK-based psychotherapist Sue Barsky Reid (mother of the late John Underwood who founded the death cafe movement) who facilitated the first death cafe in 2011, and now coordinates, together with her daughter Jools, is quoted as saying in a report in
The Guardian: “In these difficult times, as death comes closer, it’s very important to have a forum to talk about our fears and anxieties .
Death cafes: Talking openly about death helps people lead more fulfilling lives thestar.com.my - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thestar.com.my Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.