DBTH invites community to join Dying Matters Café during awareness week

The Specialist Palliative and End of Life Care Service at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) is inviting members of the public to take part in open and supportive conversations about death, dying and bereavement during this year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week.

In support of the awareness week, which takes place from 4 to 10 May, the service will be hosting a series of Dying Matters Cafés across hospital sites, offering safe and welcoming spaces for people to talk, ask questions and access support.

The events will be led by colleagues from the End-of-Life Care, Specialist Palliative Care, Chaplaincy and Bereavement Care teams, who will be available to offer guidance and start conversations around topics including advance care planning, understanding ReSPECT forms, spiritual care and wellbeing, and where to find bereavement support locally.

Fiona Caddy, Lead Nurse for Specialist Palliative and End of Life Care Services at the Trust, said: “The subjects of death and dying can still feel taboo for many people, which is completely understandable – they are some of the most difficult parts of life to come to terms with.

“However, they are also an inevitable part of life. Through our Dying Matters Cafés, we want to help break down that stigma by offering a safe, welcoming space where people can come along, have a chat over a cup of tea, and talk openly without judgement or pressure.

“Whether you have lost a loved one or are preparing for the future, we are here to listen.”

The team will be available to chat between 10am and 2pm on the following dates:

  • Tuesday 5 May 2026 – Bassetlaw Hospital canteen
  • Wednesday 6 May 2026 – Montagu Hospital canteen
  • Thursday 7 May 2026 – Doncaster Royal Infirmary canteen

Death, dying and bereavement affect everyone, yet many people still find these conversations difficult. By creating welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable to talk, ask questions and share experiences, the Trust hopes to help break down stigma and support individuals, families and communities during some of life’s most challenging moments.