You can’t talk about life without talking about death. As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing is holding a Death Café on Thursday 21st May at Heart of the Campus between 11am and 2pm. It is open to students and staff, and it will provide the opportunity to take part in a number of engaging and lively activities exploring key issues that can make end of life care experiences better for individuals and their loved ones.
Activities include a games room (yes, a games room!), the chance to draw up a bucket list, a film room screening interviews with prominent people speaking of their experiences of bereavement, and audio testimonies. There will also be practical advice on how to talk openly about living and dying, including guidance from SHU’s interfaith chaplain Ian Maher on spirituality and death. You can read Ian’s blog post on this here.
The event is being supported by local health and social care partners, including St Luke’s Hospice who will be bringing a death café-themed cake, and Organ Donation. So please, join us for tea, cake and conversation.
Support for students who are bereaved or supporting someone with a terminal illness
If you are a student at SHU and have been affected by bereavement, or are caring for a family member or friend who has a terminal illness, there are a number of support options you can access.
Student Wellbeing is a confidential service where you can discuss personal issues that are affecting you. Depending on your needs, they can provide ongoing support, can give advice in a one-off chat, and also have a number of self-help resources available.
Ian Maher is SHU’s multifaith chaplain, an ordained priest, and is also a wellbeing advisor. Ian is available for a chat in the multifaith chaplain on Level 2. He can also direct you to other members of the chaplaincy team who can advise on faith related concerns.
The Advice & Information can guide you through the support options available to you, both at SHU and elsewhere in the city. We can also explain any relevant university procedures which may help you through a difficult time such as the extenuating circumstances policy. Additionally, we provide ongoing support for students who are carers. We are located in the Student Services Receptions on Owen Level 5 and Heart of the Campus.
The Student Financial Support team can offer guidance on additional sources of funding that you may be able to access. We understand that berevement can carry a heavy financial cost as well as emotional toll. Additionally, the Quaker’s ‘Down to Earth‘ project can provide practical help if you are struggling to pay for the cost of a funeral.