Eastbourne Death Cafe

25/04/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our Eastbourne Death Café yesterday — and to those who held us in mind even if you couldn’t be there.

It was our first time gathering at Towner Eastbourne, and what a beautiful beginning. The space held us so well, and your presence, honesty, and curiosity made it feel instantly like home.

With special thanks to Towner EAstbourne for welcoming us so warmly and supporting this little community of ours.

Looking forward to the next one already!
Alicia & Lou

23/04/2026

As part of the ‘Nonreligion in a Complex Future project’, a research team from the University of Ottawa is conducting a survey that explores perspectives and experiences on death and dying.

If you have experienced the death of someone close to you in the past 12 months, please consider completing this brief online survey.

The survey should take roughly 10-20 minutes to complete, and will ask questions about services that the deceased utilized and their overall experiences throughout the dying process.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the research team by email ([email protected]). To complete the survey, follow this link:

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

03/04/2026

A New Home for Eastbourne Death Café!

We’re delighted to share that Eastbourne Death Cafe is now permanently moving to the Towner gallery. It’s a beautiful, calm space that feels like a natural fit for the conversations we hold together.

The gallery café will be open beforehand, so if you’d like to enjoy a drink, you’re welcome to arrive a little early and pick something up before heading upstairs to join us.

We can’t wait to welcome you into our new home.

28/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday’s Death Café ✨

What a thoughtful, open‑hearted gathering it was. I’m always moved by the way this community shows up — with curiosity, honesty, humour, and such deep care for one another. These conversations aren’t always easy, yet you make them feel safe, human, and beautifully real.

Whether you shared, listened, or simply held the space with us, thank you. Your presence truly matters.

And to those who couldn’t make it this time, you were very much in our thoughts. There will always be a seat waiting for you whenever you feel ready to join.

Here’s to continuing these gentle conversations about life, death, and everything in between.

Warmly,
Alicia & Lou

27/02/2026

A heartfelt thank you to those who came along to today’s Death Cafe. It was a thoughtful, grounding conversation, and we are always grateful for the honesty you bring.

If you weren’t able to come this time, you were missed, and you’re warmly welcome next time. Every month unfolds differently, and your presence always adds something unique.

30/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for our January Death Café.

What a gentle, thoughtful afternoon it was. Your openness, curiosity, humour, and willingness to sit together in honest conversation made the space feel truly special.

We also held warm thoughts for those who couldn’t make it this time. You were missed, and we hope the timing aligns for you to join us at a future gathering.

These spaces only come alive because of the people in the room — and the wider community around it — and we’re so grateful for the stories shared, the questions explored, and the kindness shown to one another.

Until next time, take good care of yourselves and each other.

Warm wishes,
Alicia & Lou

31/12/2025

Wishing you a peaceful and connected New Year!

Thank you for showing up with curiosity, kindness and a willingness to talk about death and dying. We can’t wait to sit with you again soon.

Here’s to more open, gentle conversations in 2026!

With warm wishes,
Alicia & Lou

04/11/2025

💬 *Thank you to everyone who came to our first Death Café last Friday!*

To everyone who joined us for our very first Eastbourne Death Café last Friday—thank you. Your presence, your stories, your curiosity, and your courage made the space feel tender, open, and beautifully alive.

This is just the beginning. We’re building a community where talking about death isn’t taboo—it’s part of living fully. Whether you came with questions, memories, or just a willingness to sit in the unknown, you helped shape something truly special.

Here’s to more cups of tea and more gentle conversations.

With gratitude and warmth,
Lou and Alicia

02/10/2025

I’m Alicia, a Death Doula based in Eastbourne with a lifelong commitment to compassionate care and open-hearted listening.

My relationship with death began early: my parents spoke about it with honesty and practicality, preparing me from a young age for what to do if they died while travelling. At the time, I thought that was normal. It wasn’t until later that I realised how rare—and how valuable—that openness truly was.

That unconventional upbringing ignited my passion for helping others feel more comfortable talking about death. I believe that dying deserves the same care, curiosity, and companionship we give to living. My work is rooted in emotional presence, gentle humour, and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey.

I started my own journey supporting vulnerable children, marginalised families, people from disadvantaged backgrounds and homeless. In more recent years, I’ve been mentoring and coaching teenagers and adults. These roles taught me how to listen deeply, hold space gently, and meet people exactly where they are. I now bring that same presence to those navigating death and loss.

02/10/2025

My name is Lou and I’m excited to be involved in starting the Death Café in Eastbourne, offering a confidential, welcoming space for people to speak openly, about the taboo subject of death.

My life’s work has involved supporting people of all ages, starting with my first career as an early years teacher, then continuing to support school staff and families with children who were struggling in education. This work led me to train as a counsellor and clinical supervisor, with specialist training in bereavement whilst volunteering with Cruse Bereavement Care.

I have trained in body work and energy healing over the past twenty years, and practice Reiki healing and use sacred oils for relaxation and healing.

Two years ago I trained as an end of life doula, then started volunteering with St Wilfred’s Hospice. I am also training as a soul midwife.

My personal experiences and my career have deepened my empathy and understanding of how best to support people wishing to explore their feelings about death and dying.