Creating Conversations CIC

24/06/2026

-Why come to a Death Cafe?

Because talking about death can help us live more fully.

Our next Leytonstone Death Cafe offers a friendly, informal space where people come together to talk about death, dying and life. There is no agenda, no experts, and no expectation to share more than you want to.

People often leave feeling:

-Less alone with their thoughts and fears about death
- More comfortable talking about death
- Connected with others through honest and meaningful conversation
- Motivated to make the most of the life they have now

You don't need to have any particular reason for attending. Many people simply come because they're curious, thoughtful, or looking for deeper conversations than we find in everyday life.

Everyone is welcome.

Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leytonstone-death-cafe-tickets-1987862937558/

23/06/2026

On Saturday we met once again for our monthly Walthamstow Grief Cafe. As always, there was space to talk about our loss and what we finding difficult right now. But alongside that, we shared with each other the things we are doing that are helping us.

The lovely thing about Grief Cafes is the peer support - a group of strangers listening to and supporting each other.

Here are just some of the topics we shared this month:

We talked about how we can feel responsible for looking after other people's grief, often leaving little space to acknowledge and look after our own.

We reflected on how, when someone very close to us dies, it can feel as though we've lost a part of ourselves too — the person who knew our stories, shared our memories, and was there for us.

We also discussed the complexity of grieving difficult relationships. Sometimes a death can bring feelings of relief and with that can come guilt. Grief is rarely simple.

Many shared the experience of missing who they were before their loss, and how grief can change the way we see ourselves and the world around us. We spoke about the fear that can arise after a death — when we know how painful grief can be, we may become more fearful of losing others we love.

We ended by sharing some of the things that are helping us:

✨ Keeping some sense of routine
✨ Finding ways to express feelings through journaling, writing, or creativity
✨ Attending spaces such as a Grief Cafe where experiences can be shared
✨ Leaving voice notes or writing messages to the person who has died
✨ Practising self-compassion and forgiving ourselves for the things we wish we had said or done

If you need some support right now, our next Walthamstow Grief Cafe is Saturday 18th July. Book your place using here: https://creatingconversations.uk/events/

We would like to say a special thank you to East of Eden for hosting us and The National Lottery Community Fund for funding us. Our cafes wouldn't be possible without your support.

20/06/2026

This will be a great talk. Highly recommend!

When someone dies, everything can feel rushed – grief, decisions, and pressure all at once. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Join Allistair Anderson, founder of Wanstead’s Compassionate Funerals, for an open, reassuring conversation that removes the mystery – and fear – around funerals.

Allistair believes a meaningful funeral isn’t about rules or cost, but about doing what feels right for you. From eco-friendly options to personal touches, this is a chance to explore what’s possible and ask honest questions in a supportive space.

Join this session to explore:
• The power of choice – why many “rules” are actually myths
• The gift of time – how planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones
• The practicalities – what really happens in the first 24 hours
• Your questions – an open, no-judgement Q&A

Find out more and book your ticket here: https://visionrcl.org.uk/libraries/lets-discuss-death/.



Redbridge Council Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure Compassionate Funerals Creating Conversations CIC Dying Matters Redbridge Residents The Good Grief Project The Good Grief Trust Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Saint Francis Hospice

14/06/2026

Celebrating the launch of our new Creating Conversations films.

A year ago, one of our Death and Grief Café attendees came to us with a simple question:

“How can I help?”

They had attended our Death Café, several Grief Cafés and one of our Grief Awareness Talks, and wanted to find a way to give back and support the work we do.

We asked whether they could help us create a few short films for social media to raise awareness of what we do and why community grief support matters.

We had hoped for three to five short clips.

What they created was something far beyond that; a beautiful collection of films in a range of lengths and formats that we can use in many different ways to help start conversations about grief and promote our work. And most importantly help us secure more funding!

A few days ago, we held a small launch event to share the films with the people who helped make them possible: our Grief Café attendees, volunteers and supporters. It was such a lovely evening.

We’re excited to begin sharing these films on social media and on our website very soon.

Watch this space!

11/06/2026

Join us at Wanstead Library on Thursday 25 June 2026 for Let’s Discuss Death — a welcoming and thought-provoking programme designed to open up gentle conversations about dying, death and grief.

This free event will include a film screening, talks, and a workshop, offering a range of ways to engage with this important topic. These sessions are primarily aimed at adult audiences and will take place from 1pm to 8.30pm.

Throughout the day, refreshments will be available, along with a dedicated space for quiet reflection. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in interactive installations, including ‘Before I die…’ cards and ‘Words Unspoken’ cards, where you can anonymously share your thoughts and wishes and contribute to a growing community display.

Find out more about the film screening, talks and workshop and book your free place here: https://visionrcl.org.uk/libraries/lets-discuss-death/.

We warmly invite you to take part in this meaningful and reflective event.



Redbridge Council Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure The Death Positive Library Creating Conversations CIC Dying Matters The Good Grief Project The Good Grief Trust

11/06/2026

MYTH: “You should be over it by now.”
TRUTH: Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. There’s no deadline for missing someone, feeling lost, or just needing to talk.

That’s why our Walthamstow Grief Cafe exists – to make space for grief, no matter how long it’s been. Whether you feel raw or just quietly reflective, you’re welcome.

Come as you are. Talk, listen, or just be. Meet other people who get it.
It’s free, informal and you get a free drink!

Please share with anyone who might need the support.

You can book your place here: https://creatingconversations.uk/events/

10/06/2026

"A place where I can be completely open and honest about my feelings."
Feedback from a Grief Cafe participant

Grief is rarely straightforward, and having a place where every experience is welcome—without judgement or expectation—can make a real difference.

If you need a little support right now, do join us at Wanstead Library.

We run our Wanstead Grief Cafes, with Redbridge Library Service, on the 3rd Thursday of every month.

Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-death-positive-library-30239235224

09/06/2026

Have you discovered a book, podcast, video, article, or tool that has helped you navigate death, dying or grief?

Our Shared Resources page on our website is a growing collection of recommendations shared by members of our Death and Grief Cafe community. It's a place where we gather books, podcasts, videos, and other resources that participants have found meaningful, comforting, thought-provoking, or helpful.

We've recently added two new book recommendations to the collection, and we'd love for you to take a look.

And we'd love to keep the list growing. If there's a resource that has supported you on your journey with death, dying, or grief, or helped you better understand these experiences, please share it with us. Your recommendation could make a real difference to someone else.

What would you add to the list?

07/06/2026

We're finishing Volunteers Week with our fantastic volunteers, Mini, Ian, Katy and Hardeep, hosting our June Death Cafe.

Thank you - you did an amazing job as always.

Our next Death Cafes are:

- Leytonstone on Thurs 2nd July, 5.45-7.15pm
- Walthamstow on Sat 1st August, 3-5.15pm

You can book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/creating-conversations-cic-35461222033