Death Cafes in Inverclyde

Ardgowan Hospice are delighted to be working on a new community initiative with Inverclyde Libraries and our local HSCP, to facilitate Death Cafes in all libraries across Inverclyde.

A Death Café is simply a relaxed, informal space where people can come together to talk openly about death, dying and bereavement. It is not a counselling session, a support group, or a religious meeting. There is no agenda, no presentations and no pressure to speak. It is just a conversation, usually over a cup of tea or coffee. Every death cafe session will be facilitated by a member of Ardgowan Hospice staff. 

The idea began in the UK as a way of helping people feel more comfortable discussing a subject that many of us avoid. Avoiding talking about death can leave people feeling isolated, unprepared, or unsure where to turn with questions.

The people who attend are ordinary members of the community. Some are caring for a loved one with a serious illness. Others are simply curious, or at a stage in life where they are thinking ahead and want to be more prepared. Some have been recently bereaved and have questions about bereavement. Many come because they want to normalise conversations about death with family and friends, but don’t know where to begin.

People bring a wide range of topics to death cafes, such as:

– Planning ahead and making wishes known

– Funeral traditions and personal choices

– Fears or worries about dying

– How to start conversations with children about death

– How we manage death in our society 

– Reflections after the death of someone important to us

Often, people simply bring their questions, their experiences, or just their willingness to listen.

Our aim is not to dwell on sadness, but to create a safe, respectful and often surprisingly warm space where honest conversation can happen. Many people leave saying they feel relieved, reassured, and less alone.

We hope that by holding these events in familiar, welcoming library spaces, we can gently challenge the taboo around talking about death and help our community feel more confident and connected.

There is no need to book, you can just turn up. However, if you would like to book, you can use this link (We are adding a link to booking on the MyLife connect app once ready ).

If you would like to ask any questions, you can call the wellbeing team at Ardgown Hospice on 01475 305401 or email wellbeing@ardgowanhospice.org

Death Café Dates 2026

• 31^st March – Gourock library
• 28^th April – Greenock Central library
• 26^th May – Kilmacolm library
• 30^th June – South West library
• 28^th July – Port Glasgow library
• 25^th August – Greenock Central library
• 29^th September – Gourock library
• 27^th October – Kilmacolm library
• 24^th November – South West library