A special conversation café is being hosted by Yeovil Library next month, offering people a safe and supportive space to talk about death, dying, grief and funerals.

The event forms part of the Death Positive Library Service offer from Somerset Libraries and will take place on Saturday 7 October  from 11.30am-1.30pm at the library in King George Street.

The Death Positive Library Service is based on a model from Redbridge, Kirklees and Newcastle libraries. Its focus is to use libraries as safe and trusted spaces to start supportive conversations about death, dying and loss. Somerset Libraries are also looking to host death-focused support groups as well as projects with local artists which will look at the approach to death, and how those left behind can manage the many emotions when someone they love has died.

At first, the project will be primarily based within Burnham-On-Sea, Frome, Wellington and Yeovil libraries with the aim of expanding it across the county over time.

A curated collection of relevant books – which launched a little over a year ago – has been very well received and already proved to be a useful resource.  All books within the collection are available to reserve and collect from any library in the county.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Executive Lead Member for  Communities, Housing and Culture, said:

I hope this initiative provides a source of information, support and a place where people can talk about subjects that they may find difficult to raise with others. Death is a part of life and I am pleased Somerset Libraries are providing resources to open up conversations and provide support on a topic we should all be discussing.

About “Grave Talks”

It’s not easy to think about your own funeral. Talking about death, dying and funerals raises big questions that we need to face at some point, but it’s hard to talk to family and friends.

Grave Talk is a conversation café space where people can talk about big questions including death, dying and funerals.. The conversation is helped along by Grave Talk conversation cards – 52 questions covering five key areas.

Events have been held in locations across the country, and people of all ages have gathered to talk and share their thoughts about death, dying and funerals. Grave Talk is a café – so there is always tea and cake. A series of themed events is being finalised and details will be made available.