Death Cafe

Death Cafe Essen | A lively place for conversations about death, grief and life.

With this leitmotif we want to create a group-based exchange about death, grief and life without agendas, goals or definitively fixed topics. The Death Cafe is more of a free discussion group than a grief support or counseling session.

The Death Cafe in Essen is also not just a mourning cafe. Rather, it is intended to close the gap between mourning work and the other social contacts as a public podium for lively exchange.

Did you know that many fears have their deeper roots in the fear of death? Death — and the resulting loss of control — constantly leaves us stunned. Especially when it takes the life of someone close to us. In addition, death is a taboo subject that the general public doesn't like to discuss.

Deathcafe Essen

Our target group and motivation.

Together we want to gather in an open round with interested people to eat cake, drink tea, and discuss death in an engaging and lively way. Both are by no means mutually exclusive. The café is not only open to people affected by loss and grief experiences but generally to the broad interested public of all ages, regardless of the youth grief group.

It is important to bring the topic of death and dying into the public sphere because it allows us to reduce fears and taboos and promote a natural approach to this inevitable part of life. Through open conversations, we can better understand how to support ourselves and others in times of loss. Additionally, dealing with death creates space for appreciation of life and strengthens the community by sharing experiences and reflecting together.

The Death Cafe is moderated by the current leadership team of Holy Grief Art . With great sensitivity, experience, and openness, they create a safe space where everyone is welcome – whether you are grieving, simply curious, or want to invite the topic of death into your life. They guide the conversations with appreciation and ensure that all participants feel seen and heard.

Our goal is to "raise awareness of death to help people make the most of their (final) life".

Death Cafe Essen Premiere

The global Death Cafe movement provides the framework.

The cafe in Essen is intended to take place as part of the global movement of the same name. “Death Cafe” is a “social franchise”. This means that people who commit to the Guide and the principles of this franchise, may use the name “Death Cafe”, events on the movement's website can publish and correspond with the press as a partner.

Death Cafes have spread quite quickly across Europe, North America and Australasia. To date, there have been a total of 14,638 Death Cafes since autumn 2011. Apparently there are many people who like to talk about death and organize their own Death Cafes as part of a passionate commitment.

The model was created by Jon Underwood, as well as Sue Barsky Reid developed based on the ideas of Bernard Crettaz and until June 2017 volunteer from Jon Underwood in Hackney, East London, operated. Jon passed away on June 27, 2017 and the franchise is currently owned by Susan Barsky Reid , Jon's mother, and his sister Jools Barsky. Also Lizzy Miles, who founded the first Death Cafe in the USA, and Megan Mooney, who is the Facebook page of "Death Cafe “ operates have played a significant role in the development of the movement.

The principles of the Death Cafe in Essen.

  • Non-profit status

    The purpose is non-profit

  • Exchange

    The exchange takes place in an accessible, respectful and confidential space

  • Selflessness

    There are no intentions to lead people to any conclusion, product or course of action

  • Refreshments will be provided

    For the physical well-being, drinks and nutritious food, as well as pastries and cakes are provided for a mere contribution to expenses

Are you interested and has your curiosity been aroused?

Then just come to one of our next Death Cafes in Essen. The Venue is the Unperfekthaus in Essen. You can find actual events in the Veranstaltungskalender, in the events on the Holy Grief Art Facebook page or on the Death Cafe profile Holy Grief Art for the Death Cafes in Essen. Access to the Unperfekthaus and the Death Cafe event space is available for a basic fee of 9 Euros. This includes unlimited use of the club area and the drink stations in the Unperfekthaus.

Feel free to register non-binding to the next Death Cafe by email or contact form .

You can find further information about the cafe in this article and general information and news to global movements “Death Cafe” here.

Death Cafe Essen Premiere

Let’s bring death and grief into open conversation together. Dare to break the silence – true connection begins where we talk about the unspeakable. Come to the Death Cafe and share your thoughts, questions, or simply your listening — all without pressure, but with plenty of room for honesty and humanity. Only by speaking openly about death and grief can we take away their fear and create space for connection, courage, and life.