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Let’s talk about death (over cake)

Published: May 6, 2025 in Friarage, Staff and volunteers

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s specialist palliative care team with Sharon Austin and Gary Gray from Herriot Hospice Homecare’s family of services.

In a heartfelt move to start more open conversations around end of life, The Friarage Hospital has partnered with Herriot Hospice Homecare to host a Death Café as part of Dying Matters Week - an annual awareness campaign that encourages honest conversations about death, dying, and bereavement.

The event, taking place on Thursday 8 May, at Herriot Hospice at The Lambert in Thirsk, is open to everyone.

Attendees are invited to join members of the Friarage’s palliative and community teams and the hospice team for an informal, welcoming discussion about death — there is no agenda, no lectures, just open conversation over tea and cake.

“Let’s make the taboo, un-taboo,” said Natalie Whitwham, a specialist nurse in early palliative care at the Friarage.

“Talking about dying, terminal illness, or end-of-life care can be challenging. These conversations are often avoided or delayed—but they are some of the most meaningful and necessary discussions we can engage in.”

Natalie is part of a multidisciplinary palliative care team serving Hambleton and Richmondshire, which includes specialist nurses, a dietitian, occupational therapist, cancer care coordinator, and specialist doctors. Together, they work to improve the quality of life for patients with palliative diagnoses through holistic, compassionate care.

The Death Café is a space where people from all walks of life can come together to talk about death and dying in a safe and supportive environment. It’s not a grief support group or a formal workshop — it’s a space to explore thoughts, ask questions, and break down the stigma surrounding one of life’s few certainties.

Natalie added: “Let’s start the conversation because dying matters — and so does talking about it.”

Tony Collins, chief executive of Herriot Hospice Homecare, said: “We’re pleased to host this event together with our colleagues from the NHS, who we work closely alongside to provide specialist care for local people living with terminal illness and bereavement.

“We’re pleased to invite people to join this conversation at Herriot Hospice at the Lambert. Our welcoming community hub is now open for the people of Hambleton and Richmondshire to come in and connect. We’re keen for the space to become a place where many meaningful discussions like this take place.”

Join the conversation

  • Date: Thursday 8 May
  • Time: 11am to 1pm
  • Location: Herriot Hospice at the Lambert, Thirsk, Chapel Street, Thirsk, YO7 1LU.
  • Admission: Free – just bring your curiosity (we’ll bring the cake!)