Death Cafe profile for Sue Holden
Location: United Kingdom
http://www.celebrant-services.co.uk/
About Sue Holden:
I am a civil Celebrant specialising in funerals and a Grief Recovery Specialist. In my world I encounter people who have experienced bereavement or loss and are suffering with the associated grief.
I have come to realise that extra suffering is being caused because people are afraid of death, dying, talking about it, saying the words and preparing for it.
I believe that we should all be more comfortable with talking about and facing up to something that is an inevitable part of life.
What brings you to Death Cafe?
My desire to help people reduce their fear and lack of knowledge and thus suffering around the subject of death and dying brings me to the Death Cafe movement. The mystery and questions that one has can be openly discussed with like minded people.
The non judgemental, no Agenda principle allows for free exploration of the subject.
Julie Nicholls helps Sue with the Death Cafe and says this about why she feels that it is important:-
"It took me 20 years to come to terms with the loss of my granddad. Partly because I had no idea he was ill so it was a shock but mostly because I was not able to go to the funeral and his death was not discussed. It was only when his wife (my nan) died in 1999 and I was able to go to her funeral that I felt I had done my grieving for him. Having trained as a nurse and seen death up close, I see it as just a natural part of the life cycle and the more we become accustomed to this fact the easier it is to deal with. Discussing fears, concerns or simply how we feel, which I had not had the opportunity to do at the time, is exactly what the Death Café is all about and why I am happy to be part of it".
What would you like your legacy to be?
I made a difference.
Thoughts for sharing:
Often we don't realise the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
Contact Sue Holden
Sue Holden's posts on the Death Cafe website
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
Dec. 10, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Accepts donations
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
Nov. 12, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Accepts donations
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
Oct. 8, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Accepts donations
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
Sept. 10, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Accepts donations
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
June 11, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Accepts donations
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
May 14, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Accepts donations
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
April 9, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Free
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
March 12, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Free
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
Feb. 12, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Free
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe, Swindon
Posted by Sue Holden on Dec. 13, 2018, 10:59 a.m.
A group of six people met on our last meetingof the year and wondered what the 2019 would bring. Had we learnt anything from our discussions that would help us in known death and dying scenarios that might be impending? We talked about how to deal with death, dying and loss at Christmas and when death does not always mean sadness and how family dynamics can change for the better or worse after a parent , particularly the last one dies.
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
Jan. 8, 2019, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Free
This is a FREE event happens every second Tuesday of the month to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line ...
With Sue Holden and Julie Nicholls
Dec. 11, 2018, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (GMT)
Free
Our desire is to help people reduce their fear and lack of knowledge and thus suffering around the subject of death and dying brings me to the Death Cafe movement ...
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Sept. 13, 2018, 3:58 a.m.
A lively gathering of people met on Tuesday including one new person. We talked about leaving your body to science and how it is not as easy as one may think and about organ donation. The subject of dying in hopital v dying at home was also discussed and we looked at how death has been taken out of the home environment and led to people perhaps being where they are today and that is, not being comfortable around the subject of death.
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Aug. 7, 2018, 4:17 a.m.
Six people attended this month and the conversation around watching somebody die and suppoerting them through was intimate, revealing and beautiful.
Next meeting August 14th.
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on June 28, 2018, 5:56 a.m.
The death cafe was held once more withseveral attendees who discussed various topics, amongst which was about the fear of dying. Who is and why?
Next meeting is on Tuesday July 10th.
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on May 22, 2018, 9:05 a.m.
Not sure how, but we ended up talking about wills and why you need to make one. "Won't it do if I write it on a bit of paper?" Leglities and pitfalls that people had experienced. When should I write mine? How many people have written one? Isn't it just for old people?
A very interesting and thought provoking evening.
Next meeting is Tuesday 12th June 2018, 7.00pm
With Sue Holden
Sept. 11, 2018, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (BST)
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line of her work and its aftermath of ...
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on April 24, 2018, 9:39 a.m.
Tonight we welcomed back some familiar faces again and some new ones.
Discussion was around 'why are people afraid to talk about death and dying?' and 'What can you do to help broach the subject when you clearly need to discuss it?. These were all questions that were brought to the meeting by new attendees who felt that they might be able to discuss it and get some answers. Let's hope they did!
With Sue Holden
April 10, 2018, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (BST)
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line of her work and its aftermath of ...
Avery well written piece about our January Death Cafe meeting in Swindon.
Sarah Singleton the features writer joined the meeting and afterwards wrote in a style that was interesting and engaging - not just a report. She wrote about her impression of events and this was refreshing and positive.
Swindon advertiser: http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/leisure/lifestyle/15847036.TRUE_LIFE__Date_in_the_Death_Cafe/
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Jan. 15, 2018, 10:41 a.m. 1 comment
The January meeting found a good number of attendees, some new faces, some old ones.
We had a general discussion around funerals, coffin types, what was allowable in terms of body disposal and the conversation flowed easily around associated subjects.
Look at this link to the Swindon Advertiser which ran a very good article about the meeting in January.
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/leisure/lifestyle/15847036.TRUE_LIFE__Date_in_the_Death_Cafe/
With Sue Holden
Feb. 13, 2018, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line of her work and its aftermath of ...
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Nov. 30, 2017, 7:28 a.m.
We looked at whether the original meaning and celebration of Halloween has been lost in the commercialism of our present world. There followed a very interesting discussion of our ancestors and how pagans view death dying and living.
With Sue Holden
Nov. 14, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Sue encounters death in the line of her work and its aftermath of ...
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
Oct. 10, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Both Sue and Reshma encounter death in the line of their work and ...
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Sept. 27, 2017, 6:49 a.m.
This month we talked about how the Death Cafe had helped someone to decide on whether or not to view the body of a deceased parent.
A newcomer opened a further discussion on how to introduce the idea of talking about end of life wishes and funeral choices to a parent who was showing early signs of dementia and needed to have that conversation.
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
Sept. 12, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Both Sue and Reshma encounter death in the line of their work and ...
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on July 27, 2017, 7:30 a.m.
With small numbers due to holidays, we talked about euthanasia as a result of the current news feature on the baby Charlie Dark who English courts have said should be allowed to die and his parents want experimental USA treatment to be allowed. Somehow, we ended up at Christmas! Unfortunately, no mince pies!
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
Aug. 8, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
July 11, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
June 13, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
This is a FREE event to encourage people to be curious about matters around death and dying.
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on May 15, 2017, 10:48 a.m.
In Dying Matters Awareness Week we talked about things that we can do around death. Make a will, what poweres of attorney are, who are they for?
What had people talked about with their loved ones.
It was nice to welcome back 'old faces' and one new one.
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
May 9, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
This Death Cafe will be held in Dying Matters Awareness week. This is a week long spotlight on events that help people to be more aware and comfortable about matters ...
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on April 24, 2017, 5:31 a.m.
A well attended meeting which discussed what if you had an envelope with the date and time of your death inside, would you open it? I think the balnce was just about in the favour of no but it was agreed that we should make the most of our present lives anyway.
We also had a question asked about inheritnce tax and after life planning especially as new laws were coming in regarding inheritance tax.
Next meeting Tuesday 9th May in Dying Matters Awareness week.
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
April 11, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
March 14, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
Feb. 14, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.45 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Jan. 12, 2017, 10:29 a.m.
At our new venue in the Village Hotel in Swindon we welcomed several newcomers to our Death Cafe. As the circle grew so did the discussions. One interesting topic was whether or not to view the body of a departed loved one. We learnt that there is a game you can play called mortall based around a series of questions like 'if you were handed an envelope with the date and nature of your death in it, would you open it?'
What was really good to see was the respect that everyone had for other peoples' sometimes different views. Thank you to all and the next meeting is ...
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
Jan. 10, 2017, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
Please note the new venue this month.
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Jan. 3, 2017, 11:11 a.m.
Eight of us discussed how and why Christmas is not always the season to be jolly for everyone. Interesting to hear that everyone has some sad memory around this time of year. Life does not stop or discern Christmas from any other time of the year. Christmas can actually make life unnecessarily worse for some! Roll on January!
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
Dec. 13, 2016, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime )
Free
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Nov. 25, 2016, 6:52 a.m.
Another succesful evening, different from the last one but just as good. It's all about people so come to the next one and make it different again.
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
Nov. 8, 2016, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime BST)
Free
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Oct. 20, 2016, 3:42 a.m.
The second Death Cafe in Swindon was held on October 11th at the Dojo Cafe.
Amongst subjects that were discussed was 'why is it that no-one tells you that you need to order twice as much food for a wake? Why do people eat so much? What is it about roadside displays of flowers? Who decides when they should be removed and who clears them up? Is there a call for a place that people can go to in order to find out the small practicalities of funerals, death and dying,like how much food to order?
The next Cafe is on November 8th at the Dojo Cafe ...
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Sept. 26, 2016, 8:17 a.m.
This first Death Cafe in Swindon was very well attended by a wide range of people. Discussion centred around the question of why it takes so long between someone dying and the funeral. This brought into conversation what happens in other countriesafter someone dies.
Everyone contributed and said they had found the evening informative and interesting and that they would attend the next one on October 11th.
With Sue Holden, Reshma Field
Oct. 11, 2016, 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. (Greenwich Meantime BST)
Free
Interest, curiosity and a desire to help people to start to think about death and dying and to hope that it helps to take away some of the fear surrounding ...