Mt Barker’s Death Cafe helping kill off dying taboo

A Kendenup resident is starting a “death cafe” in Mt Barker where strangers can gather to have frank conversations about death and dying.

Rosemary Richardson is running the first meeting of the Mt Barker Death Cafe on February 23 and plans for the group to meet monthly.

She describes the group as a place to talk about “anything and everything to do with death”, to bring the often taboo topic out of the shadows.

“It’s a good thing to have a little space where people can talk, and ask questions, and learn about the things that are available for them towards the end of their life,” Ms Richardson said.

Death Cafes are a worldwide phenomenon that were started in the UK in 2010 by Jon Underwood.

Local gatherings have previously run in Albany and Denmark.

Ms Richardson said the Mt Barker Death Cafe would provide a confidential space.to talk about “what you want to happen towards the end of your life”.

The meeting will run from 1.30-3.30pm at the Mt Barker Community Resource Centre on Lowood Road, with tea, coffee and cake provided.

If you are interested in joining the group, call Rosemary on 0427 960 842.