CANADAHALIFAX news Cole Harbour resident looks to breathe life into the Death Café by admin 4 يناير، 2022 written by admin 4 يناير، 2022 39 The open forum discussion on death, dying and grief occurs the second Thursday of each month at Cole Harbour Public Library CITYnews halifax \ Steve Gow Listen to this article It comes as no surprise that people generally avoid talking about mortality. In fact, the simple thought of discussing death conjures up such negative thoughts and emotions, that most people simply ignore the topic until they are forced to deal with one of life’s most significant events in the most unsuspecting way. Cole Harbour resident Lynn Surette hopes to change all that. “There’s so much bury-your-head-in-the-sand attitude,” explains the facilitator of the Dartmouth Death Café, a drop-in program dedicated to the discussion of dying. “(But) it’s just the circle of life. You’re born, you grow up, you get old and you die.” As host of the monthly meeting for more than two years, Surette is well qualified to tackle any issues to do with eternal rest. As a retired licensed practical nurse in geriatrics and palliative care, she has been forced to face death and those who are dying many times over the years. “I couldn’t even count the number of people I have been with as they died and the biggest thing people are afraid of is being alone,” says Surette, noting that it’s important for people to talk about their fears of death. “Most people aren’t afraid to die. They are afraid to be alone when they go.” Popularized by British web designer Jon Underwood in 2011, the idea of creating a casual group meeting about death was originally influenced by the ideas of Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, who formed the Café Mortel movement in France and Switzerland. A group-directed conversation of matters dealing with the end of life, death cafés have no agenda or objective. Instead, it is a free-flowing meeting that addresses subjects related to mortality. However, as Surette says, it is important to note it is not intended to be seen as grief support. “We are not a support group and we are not a counselling group (because) there is s specific niche for that (but) you do get support here,” adds Surette. “It’s an open, respectful and confidential space where people can give their views and ideas and the goal of the whole thing is to make people more comfortable with the end of their life.” As a result, Surette says the conversation can range from everything from first-hand experiences with death to questions about wills and powers of attorney. She has even invited guest speakers such as social workers and mental health experts. “I just sort of let (the conversation) go and if it doesn’t go, I’ll hand out (a list of questions to spur discussion),” says Surette. “We always say that if someone looks nervous and you don’t want to tell us anything about yourself, just say what your name is so you can talk or not talk. There’s always someone that will talk.” The Dartmouth Death Café meets the second Thursday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cole Harbour Library. Proof of vaccination is mandatory and the group continues to follow the current COVID-19 measures as laid out by Nova Scotia Public Health. A non-profit program, Surette is dedicated to helping people discuss the topic of death, noting that her ultimate goal for the Dartmouth Death Café is to assist people in defeating the paralyzing fears surrounding end of life issues. “I feel like I’m helping people in a way,” says Surette, noting that opening up conversations about death allows people to deal with real-life matters like living wills and processing grief. “It just encourages people to discuss the finality of life and why we fear it because so many people are afraid of death.” For more information on the Dartmouth Death Café, visit the website. This story was made possible by our Community Leaders Program partner. Thank you to James Dwyer Real Estate Agent for helping to expand local news coverage in Halifax. Learn more 1 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail admin previous post هكذا وصف همنغواي عاصمة الفرنسيين في “باريس عيد متنقل” next post More booster appointments coming, premier says You may also like RMCP search for missing Lower Sackville woman 26 أبريل، 2025 Canadians at pope’s funeral say ceremony reflected his... 26 أبريل، 2025 2alarm blaze decimates home in Middle Sackville 26 أبريل، 2025 Israeli airstrike kills 10 people, half of them... 26 أبريل، 2025 كارني يندّد بالحصار الغذائي الإسرائيلي على قطاع غزة 26 أبريل، 2025 القضاء يلغي قراراً كيبيكياً بزيادة الرسوم الدراسية لغير... 26 أبريل، 2025 الزعماء في حركة مستمرة مع اقتراب الحملة الانتخابية... 26 أبريل، 2025 Teen arrested, weapons seized after threats against Halifax... 25 أبريل، 2025 Liberals maintain ‘commanding’ lead in Atlantic Canada polls 25 أبريل، 2025 Second-degree murder charge laid in latest intimate partner... 25 أبريل، 2025 1 comment Diyala University 1st 13 أبريل، 2025 - 11:38 م 501649 810342Its superb as your other posts : D, regards for posting . 191801 Reply Leave a Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.