Library drop-in sessions to discuss death and dying

A council is offering "relaxed" drop-in sessions at its libraries with its registrars for people to talk about death and dying.

Gloucestershire County Council said it will also have displays of recommended books on the subject as part of Dying Matters Awareness week, a campaign by charity Hospice UK.

The theme this year is to get people to discuss the topic and the registrars can answer questions, such as how to register a death.

People do not have to book, they can just turn up to chat at Stroud Library on 5 May 10:00 BST to 13:00 BST or at the same time on 7 May at Gloucester Library.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries and registration services, said: "Death and dying touch every one of us, yet they're still subjects many people feel uncomfortable talking about.

"These events are about creating welcoming, supportive spaces where people can ask questions and have open conversations at their own pace.

"By talking more openly, we can help reduce fear, build understanding and support each other better when it really matters."

Hospice UK holds the week from 4 to 10 May. On its website, it says it can be "intimidating" to start a conversation on dying, but it suggests prompts.

Those include asking people to share a memory of a loved one they have lost, asking what music choice someone would like at their funeral and relatable questions like where people might want to be when they die or who they would like to be with them.

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