Sheffield Life, Loss and Death Festival
May 2024
Death is part of life.
Let's talk about it.
We all experience death, and yet we can find it hard to talk about. By deepening our understanding of death, we can learn what really matters in life.
Sheffield Life, Loss and Death Festival offers a month of free events in Sheffield, throughout May 2024. There will be a series of over 40 free events across Sheffield and online, with at least one event each day throughout the month of May.
Events include music, activities in nature, writing, open mic session, authors panel, exhibitions, discussion groups and much more.
Everyone is welcome.
Please join our mailing list, or follow our social media channels to keep up to date on all events and activities taking place across the festival and beyond!
Festival Pamphlet:
You can download our Life, Loss and Death Festival pamphlet which contains the full programme of events using the download button below. If you would like us to send you some pamphlets in the post, please get in touch and we can arrange this for you.
Festival FAQs
How do I book a ticket to attend an event?
Please note, some events are 'drop-in events' where a booking is not required, instead, you are invited to simply attend on the day without booking a place. Most events do require that you book a free ticket to attend. Each event will state whether or not a ticket needs to be booked, under the description. Tickets can be booked for free via the Eventbrite links shown under each event description. Tickets are bookable on a first come, first served basis. If an event is fully booked, there will be a waitlist list option that you can book a place on. If you need any support with booking a ticket/s for an event, please contact us via email at CompassionateSheffield@gmail.com
or by phone:
Mariana Garcia: 07756 149 159
Caroline Plenty: 07842 444 714
How many events can I attend?
You are welcome to attend as many events as you like. We ask that if you book a place to attend an event, and your availability changes, please cancel your ticket or let us know. This will enable us to offer your space to someone else on the waiting list.
Who can Attend the Events?
*Events are open to everyone, unless stated otherwise below the event description, next to “Who can attend”.
For example: Some events are suitable for families and children, others are not suitable for children. Some events have been designed for specific groups and communities; for example, people living with dementia, members of the LGBTQ+ community etc. If you have any queries about this, please get in touch.
Event Accessibility
We have endeavoured to ensure that all festival venues and online sessions are as accessible as possible. There are three venues that are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible (Pub Philosophy on My 7th, Grief Writing Workshop on May 19th and Circle of Life in Nature on May 30th). All other events and venues are wheelchair accessible. If you have any accessibility or support needs, you are very welcome to share this with us before attending an event/s, we endeavour to ensure that the event/s you’re attending are as accessible as possible. For any questions, or to discuss any accessibility needs, please contact Cally Bowman c.bowman@hospicesheffield.co.uk
Festival Events Calendar
May 2024
Week One
1st - 4th
Grief Must be Love with Nowhere to Go - Exhibition
Wednesday May 1st : 12noon - 6pm
An art installation from artists Chris Alton & Emily Simpson exploring the experiences and language gaps of grief. Mar 22nd - May 4th.
More details: Available via Bloc Projects Event website
Booking: No booking required
Venue: Bloc Projects, 71 Eyre Lane, Sheffield S1 4RB
Who can attend: This exhibition is open to all.
3rd
Crystal Peaks Market Creative Drop-In
Friday May 3rd : 10am - 4pm
A pop-up market stall, inviting people to stop and chat, reflect on “what is important to me” in life and in death & consider how we support one another in Sheffield. Hosted by Compassionate Sheffield.
Booking: No booking required
Venue: Crystal Peaks Market, Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre, S20 7PJ. See directions here.
Who can attend: This event is open to all.
Grief Must be Love with Nowhere to Go - Exhibition - See May 1st
4th
Let’s talk about it…death. Events hosted by Sheffield Bereavement Collaborative at Victoria Hall
Saturday May 4th : 10am - 4pm
Mindful Tree of Life
Decorate a leaf to contribute to the tree, in a supportive, drop in space, hosted by art therapists, with Sheffield Mind.
Take some quiet time with your thoughts and help contribute to Sheffield Mind’s Mindful Tree of Life. Hosted by two trained art therapists, we will offer a drop-in space to be creative and process emotions. We realise death can be a heavy conversation for many and we are here to listen compassionately and provide a supportive space. People can decorate a leaf for the tree or a grounding pebble to nestle in the roots.
Facilitated by: Sheffield Mind
Booking: No booking required
Venue: Victoria Hall, Norfolk St, S1 2JB
Who can attend: This event is open to all.
Saturday May 4th : 10:30am - 3:30pm
Death Cafes
A safe space to speak openly about death, dying and loss, led by Naureen Khan.
Death Cafe Times (within Victoria Hall):
10:30-12:00 noon
14:00-15:30
Facilitated by: Naureen Khan
Booking: No booking required
Venue: Victoria Hall, Norfolk St, S1 2JB
Who can attend: This event is open to all.
Grief Must be Love with Nowhere to Go - Exhibition - See May 1st
Grief Karaoke Closing Party
Saturday May 4th : 6pm - 8pm
As part of the Grief Exhibition, Bloc Projects are hosting a karaoke party at the gallery.
Is there a song that reminds you of something you're losing or have already lost? Join us for Grief Karaoke and share that song in a supportive, life-affirming space. Singers of all abilities welcome!
There will be seating and a small bar with beer, wine and cordial. If the weather allows, there's a courtyard area for people to gather in alongside the exhibition indoors.
Facilitated by: Chris Alton and Emily Simpson
Booking: No booking required
Venue: Bloc Projects, 71 Eyre Lane, S1 4RB
Who can attend: This event is open to all.
Email: info@blocprojects.co.uk
5th
The Gifts We Leave Behind
Sunday May 5th : 2pm - 4pm
A safe, supportive space to bring items & memories that we cherish in grief, to share stories of them & reflect on what we will leave in our place. Facilitated by Yunn.
What do we treasure most from the ones we’ve loved and lost? Whether it’s a handwritten letter, a cherished piece of jewellery, or a fading photograph that holds a lifetime of memories, this is a safe and supportive session to share our stories, celebrate the lasting impact of our loved ones, and reflect on the legacy WE will leave behind.
Facilitated by Compassionate Sheffield together with singer-songwriter Yunn, you are invited to an afternoon of guided reflection and quiet contemplation. You are welcome to bring an item or a memory to share, or just come and listen to the shared stories of others. Children, carers and family members all welcome.
Facilitated by: Yunn
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/880035859947
Venue: SADACCA 48 Wicker, Sheffield S3 8JB
Who can attend: This event is open to all.
Week Two
6th
Neurodivergent Death Cafe - Online
Monday May 6th : 4pm - 5:30pm
A safe space for Neurodivergent folk to speak openly about death, dying and loss, in a neuro-affirmative space. Facilitated by Compassionate Sheffield. For more details about what to expect from a Death Cafe, please see the Eventbrite link below or contact; c.bowman@hospicesheffield.co.uk.
Facilitated by: Cally Bowman, Compassionate Sheffield
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/neurodivergent-death-cafe-online-tickets-880071967947
Venue: Online - Via Zoom
Who can attend: This event is for neurodivergent adults.
7th
Grief Ceremony
Tuesday May 7th : 1pm - 4pm
Come along for a simple ceremony where we will create a sacred space to share our grief and loss. Facilitated by Ali Harrison, Ann Staniland and others. Please see Eventbrite for full event details.
Facilitated by: Ali Harrison, Ann Staniland and others
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grief-ceremony-tickets-880102057947
Venue: Heeley Green Community Centre, 304 Gleadless Rd, S2 3AJ
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Pub Philosophy
Tuesday May 7th : 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Talk about big ideas in good company - an informal and friendly philosophical enquiry group. Come along have a drink and explore big questions about what death means to being human, with Rosie Carnall.
Facilitated by: Rosie Carnall
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pub-philosophy-tickets-880082770257
Venue: (Upstairs function room) The Fat Cat, 23 Alma Street, S3 8SA
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Accessibility: Unfortunately this event is not wheelchair accessible.
8th
Bereavement Support for Children - Training (In Person)
Wednesday May 8th : 10am - 11am
A training session on common grief reactions in children & their understanding of death at different stages of development. Delivered by Claire Dukes, Child Bereavement UK.
Facilitated by: Claire Dukes, Child Bereavement UK
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bereavement-support-for-children-training-in-person-tickets-880116631537
Venue: Burton Street Foundation, 57 Burton Street, S6 2HH
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
9th
The Role of the Coroner
Thursday May 9th : 10am - 12noon
A talk with the Investigator of Unexplained or Sudden Deaths. Come and join us to gain knowledge of how deaths are investigated and learn about what happens during an inquest.
Sheffield City Council and HM Coroner are delighted to invite you to a talk with the Senior Coroner for South Yorkshire, Mrs. Tanyka Rawden. The Coroner is an independent Judicial Officer, responsible only to The Crown. They have a statutory duty to investigate sudden, violent and unexplained deaths.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a unique insight into the duties and responsibilities of the investigator of sudden or unexplained deaths, and to put your questions to the Coroner.
Facilitated by: Sheffield City Council
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-role-of-the-coroner-a-talk-with-the-investigator-of-unexplained-deaths-tickets-873219702637
Venue: Coroner’s Court, Medio-Legal Centre, Watery Street, S3 7ES
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Let’s Talk about the Elephant in the Room - Woodhouse Community Hub
Thursday May 9th : 1pm - 3pm
A conversation around the topics of dying and death, recognising that it remains a taboo for many.
Talking about dying and death can be tricky and people often have insecurities or anxieties in approaching the subject. This event creates a safe space to talk openly about terminology surrounding death, and an opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
Facilitated by: Melanie Pickering, Care Coordinator and Communications Manager Townships 1 PCN
Jan Browse, Community Development Worker – Mental Health
Rev. Debora Marschner, Methodist Minister
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-about-the-elephant-in-the-room-tickets-880123983527
Venue: Woodhouse Community Hub & Library, 524 Stradbroke Rd, Woodhouse, S13 7GD
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
10th
“What’s Important to Me?”
Friday May 10th : 10am - 12noon
This workshop invites people to reflect on the question “what is important to me?” in life and death. Through collage, painting or drawing we will explore how we might share this with others. Facilitated by Compassionate Sheffield.
Facilitated by: Caroline Plenty and Mariana Garcia, Compassionate Sheffield.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/whats-important-to-me-tickets-880193140377
Venue: Crystal Peaks Library Art Space, 1-3 Peak Square, Waterthorpe, Crystal Peaks, Sheffield S20 7PH
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
What is Palliative Care?
Friday May 10th : 10am - 12noon
Join us for a session all about Palliative Care, delivered by St Luke’s. This session is an opportunity to learn about the services at St Luke's Hospice and to explore the topic of Palliative Care.
What is Palliative Care? What is the difference between Palliative and end of life care? What palliative care and bereavement services are offered at St Luke's?
All of these questions will be explored and answered in this informative session.
Facilitated by: Connor Browne, St Luke's Hospice
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-loss-death-festival-what-is-palliative-care-tickets-876667755857
Venue: Clifford House, St Luke’s Hospice, Ecclesall Road South, S11, 9PX
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
11th
A Buddhist view on Life, Loss and Death
The Death of Gina and how Buddhism has Helped me
Saturday May 11th : 10am - 12noon
Mike Fitter (Bhaktika) will share his experiences drawing on Buddhist teachings following the death of his wife (Gina Clayton) in May 2021. Inviting you to share reflections and discuss the Buddhist view on Life, Loss and Death. Please see more details about what you can expect from the session via the Eventbrite link below.
Facilitated by: Mike Fitter (Speaker) and Chrissie Hinde (Quaker Meeting House representative, session chair and co-facilitator)
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-buddhist-view-on-life-loss-and-death-tickets-880127092827
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James’ St, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2EW
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
When Seasons Change: Reflecting on End of Life with Nature and Creativity
Saturday May 11th : 10am - 12:30pm
Join us for a stroll through the gardens at Sheffield General Cemetery and reflect on End of Life journeys. Use this carefully facilitated time to find moments to consider and capture in writing the things that matter to you in a supportive gathering, with Prof. Michael Tan, Lab4Living.
Facilitated by: Prof. Michael Tan, Lab4Living - Sheffield Hallam University
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/when-seasons-change-reflecting-on-end-of-life-with-nature-creativity-tickets-860370781167
Venue: Samuel Worth Chapel, Sheffield General Cemetery, S11 8NT.
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
12th
Coffin Weaving, Shroud Making and the Greening of Funeral Practices
Sunday May 12th : 10:30am - 1pm
A conversation on willow coffins, natural shrouds & sustainable and green funeral practices in the UK.
Exploring the intersection of creativity, nature and death work followed by coffin weaving & shroud wrapping demonstrations, with Abi Griffin, Lena Sass, Beccy Edgar.
At this session you can learn about coffin weaving, shroud making and natural burials. Understanding the facilitators' processes and personal journey into the sector.
There will be Information and history on the development of natural burials in the UK, history of the natural death movement, environmental concerns around our death practices and information sharing on green and sustainable funeral options. The demonstrations will involve showing the weaving of a coffin base and the wrapping of a person in a shroud.
Facilitated by: Abi - Woven Farewell East Midlands,
Lena - Shroud and Ashes,
Beccy - The Woodland Burial Company
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffin-weaving-shroud-making-and-the-greening-of-funeral-practices-tickets-880137293337
Venue: Newfield Green Library, 577 Gleadless Rd, Heeley, S2 2BT
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Week Three
13th
Grief Education & Support in the Workplace - Online
Monday May 13th : 12noon - 1:30pm
Explore grief's nature, impact, & influencing factors in this workshop. Learn to support grieving employees with empathy & understanding, with Katarzyna Borowczak - Grief Educator.
Facilitated by: Katarzyna Borowczak - Grief Educator.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grief-education-support-in-the-workplace-online-tickets-880173090407
Venue: Online - Via Zoom
Who can attend: This event is open to adults and aimed at employers and colleagues.
Let’s Talk about the Elephant in the Room - Crystal Peaks Library
Monday May 13th : 12noon - 1:30pm
A session to enable conversations around the topics of dying and death, recognising that it remains a taboo for many.
Talking about dying and death can be tricky and people often have insecurities or anxieties in approaching the subject. This is an opportunity to talk openly about the terminology around death, encourage conversations around tables, as well as answer any questions you may bring.
Facilitated by: Melanie Pickering, Care Coordinator and Communications Manager Townships 1 PCN
Jan Browse, Community Development Worker – Mental Health
Rev Debora Marschner, Methodist Minister
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-about-the-elephant-in-the-room-crystal-peaks-library-tickets-880206289707
Venue: Crystal Peaks Library, 1-3 Peak Square, Waterthorpe, Crystal Peaks, S20 7PH
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
14th
Understanding Bereavement and Wellbeing
Tuesday May 14th : 3pm - 5pm
This seminar will support people to gain a greater understanding of the ways we experience bereavement & how we can support our own wellbeing, with Andy Freeman.
Facilitated by: Andy Freeman, Co-Director and Founder of Space to Breathe
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-bereavement-and-wellbeing-tickets-869817546697
Venue: Scotia Works, Leadmill Road, S1 4SE
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
15th
The Mexican Day of the Dead
Wednesday May 15th : 5pm - 6:30pm
Join Elizabeth Uruchurtu & Helen Blejerman in a conversation to explore the origins of this Mexican tradition & some of their current representations while making paper marigolds and decorating sugar skulls!
Facilitated by: Elizabeth Uruchurtu & Helen Blejerman
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-mexican-day-of-the-dead-tickets-880217453097
Venue: Sheffield Hallam University, Cantor Building, 153 Arundel Street, S1 2NU
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
16th
Creating Through Grief
Thursday May 16th : 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Join creative facilitator Grace Darbyshire for an immersive workshop using arts activities, poetry and gentle drama exercises to navigate grief, loss, and remembrance.
"Creating through Grief" is an immersive workshop designed to navigate complex emotions of grief, loss, and remembrance through the transformative power of creative expression. Join creative facilitator Grace Darbyshire for gentle drama exercises, sensory writing, poetry, and visual arts activities, which become mediums of exploration and remembrance.
All are welcome - please get in touch to discuss any specific access needs you may have before attending the session (Grace's details available in Eventbrite booking link below).
Facilitated by: Grace Darbyshire
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creating-through-grief-tickets-880229358707
Venue: Community Room (SOAR), The Learning Zone, 320 Wordsworth Avenue, S5 8NL
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
17th
Open Mic Night
Friday May 17th : 7pm - 9pm
Come share your words, poetry and music at our family-friendly event themed around life, loss and death. Hosted by singer-songwriter Yunn.
There is no pressure to share if you wish to simply come along and listen.
Facilitated by: Yunn
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-mic-night-tickets-880240441857
Venue: Common Ground Community Centre, St Peters Hall, Woodstock Rd, Sheffield, S7 1GR
Who can attend: This event is family friendly, all adults and children are welcome.
18th
Death and Dying from a Quaker and a Buddhist Perspective
Saturday May 18th : 10:30am - 12:30pm
A Quaker and a Buddhist talk about end of life and death, alongside their faith's "take" on death. Although this event has faith based elements to it, you do not need to have a faith to attend and people from all faiths are welcome.
The initial talk will be followed by a Q&A, with facilitators Shad Woodgrove and Laura Kerr.
Facilitated by: Shad Woodgrove and Laura Kerr.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/death-and-dying-from-a-quaker-and-a-buddhist-perspective-tickets-880244173017
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 10 St James’ St, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2EW
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
19th
Grief & Death Panel Discussion with Five Authors
Sunday May 19th : 11am - 12:30pm
Join us to hear from five authors who have written about grief and death. Hear their experiences and how they came to publish books on the topic.
The authors are Alison Jean Lester, David E Jones, John Adams, Kossim Osseni and Debbie Enever.
Each author will share their journey and then a discussion with our panel of authors will be facilitated by Pam Daniel.
Facilitated by: Please find more details about the individual author's and their books via the Eventbrite link below.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grief-death-panel-discussion-with-five-authors-tickets-880253049567
Venue: Utopia Theatre, 11 Rockingham Gate, Sheffield City Centre, S1 4JD
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Grief Writing Workshop
Sunday May 19th : 1:30pm - 4pm
Writing often provides solace for people in times of great loss, and the sharing of that writing aids the healing process and helps to normalise an experience that can often feel taboo.
Please join this space to write about grief and learn more about Sheffield's Grief Writers Workshop.
Facilitated by: Beverley Ward.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grief-writers-tickets-873271948907
Venue: The Writers Workshop, 14 Orchard Square, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2FB
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Accessibility: Please note, unfortunately this venue is not Wheelchair accessible (or accessible to people unable to use stairs.)
Week Four
20th
How we Empower Society to have Important Conversations
Monday May 20th : 10am - 11am
A talk on how we can enable conversations around death, dying and bereavement, with John Adams.
John Adams shares his story on why he started a Parliament Petition whilst National President of the National Association of Funeral Directors. The petition was to add content on death, dying and bereavement into the national curriculum as a compulsory session throughout schools in the UK. This ties into John’s wider goal to help empower society to have important conversations, this includes an end of life planning tool. John will share his story, the update on the Government petition and how we can help society be a kinder more compassionate place.
Facilitated by: John Adams
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-we-empower-society-to-have-important-conversations-tickets-880263240047
Venue: The Wheelhouse, 2 Bridge St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S3 8NS
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
21st
Introduction to Grief Education - Online
Tuesday May 21st : 6pm - 7:30pm
A workshop exploring grief and how we can navigate loss with empathy & understanding. Facilitated by Grief Educator - Katarzyna Borowczak.
Facilitated by: Katarzyna Borowczak
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-grief-education-online-tickets-880280601977
Venue: Online
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
22nd
Out of the Box Story Sharing Workshop
Wednesday May 22nd : 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Exploring life, loss and death through interactive multi-sensory storytelling.
This event provides an opportunity to share your story and respond creatively, e.g. with clay, paint, drawing, writing. Hosted by Kathryn Lord.
Facilitated by: Kathryn Lord, Co-founder of OutoftheBox
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/out-of-the-box-story-sharing-workshop-tickets-880298214657
Venue: Darnall Library, Britannia Rd, Darnall, Sheffield S9 5JG
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Bereavement Support for Children - Training (Online)
Wednesday May 22nd : 6pm - 7pm
An online training session on common grief reactions in children & their understanding of death at different stages of development. Delivered by Claire Dukes, Child Bereavement UK.
Facilitated by: Claire Dukes, Child Bereavement UK.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bereavement-support-for-children-training-online-tickets-880290501587
Venue: Online
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
23rd
Practical use of the Death Literacy Index - Online
Thursday May 23rd : 10:30am - 12noon
The Death Literacy Index is a series of questions that helps us asses how much we understand about death and dying. During this session we will invite attendees to complete the death literacy index online and then discuss the results with Dr Julian Abel.
Dr Julian Abel is a retired palliative care physician, Director of Compassionate Communities UK author and podcaster.
Facilitated by: Dr Julian Abel, Director, Compassionate Communities UK
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/practical-use-of-the-death-literacy-index-online-tickets-880303861547
Venue: Online
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
24th
Music and Memories
Friday May 24th : 2pm - 3:30pm
Request a song to listen to as a group and share which people, or time in your life, the song reminds you of, run by The Swan Song Project. More details via the Eventbrite page.
Facilitated by: Ben Buddy Slack - Swan Song Creative Director
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/music-and-memories-tickets-880675051787
Venue: The Bradbury Makers’ Shed, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HB
Who can attend: This event is for people living with dementia and their loved ones.
In Conversation with Dr Kathryn Mannix - Online
Friday May 24th : 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Writer and campaigner Dr Kathryn Mannix discusses some of your questions about death and dying with psychologist and End of Life Doula Mariana Garcia.
Facilitated by: Writer and Campaigner Dr Kathryn Mannix with psychologist and End of Life Doula Mariana Garcia.
Booking: No booking needed - a Zoom link to join the session, will be shared here, via social media and our mailing list soon. Click here to join our mailing list.
Venue: Online
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
25th
Grief, Loss and Love: My Journey from Hurt to Healing
Saturday May 25th : 11am - 1pm
Kelly Higgs, an Advanced Drawing and Talking practitioner, shares her grief journey, followed by a group-based Drawing and Talking session, exploring sadness and providing an opportunity to connect with others. More details via the Eventbrite page.
Hosted by SODiT (Survivors of Depression in transition).
Facilitated by: Kelly Higgs, an Advanced Drawing and Talking practitioner
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grief-loss-and-love-my-journey-from-hurt-to-healing-tickets-880696215087
Venue: Unit 4/Garden area of SODiT Sheffield, SYAC Business & Enterprise centre, 110-120 Wicker, Sheffield S3 8JD (video guide for accessing venue)
Who can attend: This event is for adult women, non-binary and gender diverse folk, who have been bereaved or who are grieving for any reason.
26th
Family Rhyme Time: Create a Poem
Sunday May 26th : 10:30am - 11:30am
A family poetry workshop, where children can create a poem about their loved ones past and present with poet Sharena Lee Satti.
Facilitated by: Sharena Lee Satti, A Poet, Spoken word artist, Educator and workshop facilitator.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-rhyme-time-create-a-poem-tickets-880706616197
Venue: The Pavilion, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HB
Who can attend: This event is for all families.
Release Grief Through Poetry:
Poetrees Workshop with Sharena Lee Satti
Sunday May 26th : 1:30pm - 3:30pm
A workshop for all, with poet Sharena Lee Satti. Exploring creative writing, how nature heals and how poetry has similar therapeutic roots.
Facilitated by: Sharena Lee Satti, A Poet, Spoken word artist, Educator and workshop facilitator.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/release-grief-through-poetry-poetrees-workshop-with-sharena-lee-satti-tickets-880717498747
Venue: SACMHA Campus, 10, Breinburg Court, 263 Pitsmoor Rd, Sheffield S3 9AQ
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Week Five
27th
LGBTQ+ Death Cafe - Online
Monday May 27th : 4pm - 5:30pm
A safe space for LGBTQ+ Folk to speak openly about death, dying and loss, facilitated by Compassionate Sheffield. More details about what to expect from this Death Cafe can be found the via the Eventbrite link below.
Facilitated by: Cally Bowman, Compassionate Sheffield.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lgbtq-death-cafe-online-tickets-880767046947
Venue: Online
Who can attend: This event is for adults from the LGBTQ+ Community (allys are kindly asked not to attend).
28th
Exploring the Language of Death
Tuesday May 28th : 2pm - 3:30pm
Showing of a short film about the language of death, by researcher and filmmaker, Jennie Beth Banks.
The short film will be followed by a discussion hosted by End of Life Doula, Penny Merrett.
Facilitated by: Jennie Beth Banks and Penny Merrett
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploring-the-language-of-death-tickets-880721059397
Venue: Sharrow Community Forum, The Old Junior School, South View Road, Sharrow, S7 1DB
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
A Tour of City Road Cemetery
Tuesday May 28th : 5:30pm - 8pm
Join Robert Swarbrick and Michael Kerrigan from Sheffield City Council Bereavement Service for a tour of the cemetery, chapel and crematorium.
Learn about the history of Sheffield's City Road Cemetery and how the site is used today.
Full details and schedule available via the Eventbrite link below.
Facilitated by: Sheffield City Council
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-tour-of-city-road-cemetery-tickets-859417881017
Venue: City Road Cemetery , 441 City Road , S2 1GD
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Accessibility: The tour will be wheelchair accessible as the cemetery has designated paths and walkways.
29th
What Does an End of Life Doula Do?
Wednesday May 29th : 2pm - 3:30pm
An opportunity to meet two people who have undergone End of Life Doula training, and to learn about the doula role and approach to end of life.
End of life doulas provide practical and emotional (plus spiritual if important) support to a person with a terminal diagnosis and their loved ones. They work in the person’s home as well as hospices, hospitals and care homes. This session provides an introduction to this work, presented by local End of Life Doulas, Penny Merrett and Lori Coughlin.
Facilitated by: Penny Merrett and Lori Coughlin, End of Life Doulas.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-does-an-end-of-life-doula-do-tickets-880728371267
Venue: Zest Centre, 18 Upperthorpe, S6 3NA
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
30th
Circle of Life in Nature
Thursday May 30th : 10:30am - 12:30pm
A woodland nature session for families to explore ideas around life and death cycles, with creative activities and a campfire, led by Rose Tomson and Charlie Hill. More details available via Eventbrite link below.
Facilitated by: Rose Tomson and Charlie Hill, Creative Outdoor Practitioners, Woodland Wellbeing.
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/circle-of-life-in-nature-tickets-880747197577
Venue: 230th Gleadless Scouts Hut, Gleadless Road, S12 2LG
Who can attend: This event is for children and open to all families.
Accessibility: Please note, unfortunately this woodland venue is not Wheelchair accessible.
Sheffield Carers Death Cafe
Thursday May 30th : 2pm - 3:30pm
A safe space for carers to speak openly about death, dying and loss, facilitated by Mariana Garcia and Jan Outram. More details available via Eventbrite link below.
Facilitated by: Mariana Garcia and Jan Outram
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sheffield-carers-death-cafe-tickets-880786745867
Venue: Ponds Forge Skyline Suite, Commercial Street, S1 2PB
Who can attend: This event is for adult carers (paid and unpaid).
31st
Sheffield Life, Loss and Death Festival Closing Event
Friday May 31st : 3pm - 5pm
Join Compassionate Sheffield to celebrate the end of the festival with cake, a cuppa and conversation.
There will be facilitated discussions based on the questions listed on the back of the festivals' pamphlet (also listed below), and an opportunity to meet other people who are interested in the topic of life, loss and death.
- How do I want to be remembered?
- What makes a good death?
- How can I best support myself and others through grief?
- When is the right time to talk to children about life, loss and death?
Facilitated by: The Compassionate Sheffield Team
Booking: Via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sheffield-life-loss-and-death-festival-closing-event-with-afternoon-tea-tickets-880753977857
Venue: Clifford House, St Luke’s Hospice, Ecclesall Road South, S11, 9PX
Who can attend: This event is open to all adults.
Need help booking a ticket?
Please see booking FAQs at the top of this webpage.
If you need any support with booking a ticket/s for an event, please contact the team via...
email at CompassionateSheffield@gmail.com
or
by phone Mariana Garcia: 07756 149 159 / Caroline Plenty: 07842 444 714
This programme was inspired by Hospice UK’s Dying Matters campaign, working to create an open culture in which we’re comfortable talking about death, dying and grief.