Death Matters Conference

A very different kind of conference is coming to Christchurch which aims to make the subject of death more accessible to everyone.

"I want to make it easier, more interesting and empowering for all of us to talk about life and death so that things are not left until there is a crisis." says organiser Melanie Mayell of Death Café Christchurch. "When we accept our own mortality we make more authentic choices and live more creative, connected and meaningful lives in the process."

So Melanie is bringing a one day conference to life. Seven speakers and a choice of six workshops will endeavour to bring a variety of death-related subjects to life. 'Creating a one-day event is a way of bringing together a cross-section of speakers and different points of view. We have seven amazing speakers including Dr. Lotte Valentin NMD., Kirsty Salisbury, Professor Amy Fletcher, Sue Dwan, Michael Hempseed and Mark Longley.'

Presentations include:
- Intuition & Spirituality in Modern Healthcare
- Suicide Prevention - Everyone Has A Role
- Hope After the Murder of a Child
- Near-Death Experiences
- Euthanasia - Expanding Our Understanding
- The Value of Planning Ahead
- The Future of Death & Immortality.

Comments Melanie:
"I am not an academic nor do I have a background in health or death care. But I have had experiences of loss and death where I felt completely unprepared as to what to say and do. I felt awkward and frustrated at my lack of language and understanding. In 2016 I started the Christchurch Death Cafe to encourage people to talk more openly about death and to confront my own fears about the subject. It’s a simple, conversational process where participants, often strangers, discuss all aspects of ageing, dying and death over coffee and cake.'"

Tickets and further information can be found on the website. Choose your 2 preferred workshops after booking your ticket.