A group aiming to to comfort, support and inform those who wish to talk or be better informed about death and dying is holding a workshop in Launceston this month.

The group’s name is a play on the old Cornish word ‘Konfortya’ meaning console, comfort and support.

In May 2015 they held workshops and Death Cafés as part of ‘Dying Matters Awareness Week’ (held nationally) in Liskeard, and now, under their new name and logo they are holding a one-day event in Launceston, on Saturday February 27, ‘We Think Dying Matters’.

To be held at St Cuthbert Mayne, Launceston, a workshop entitled ‘Funeral Poverty’ will start at 10.30am followed by ‘’Losing the Plot’ (Living Wills etc)’ at 11.30am.

In the afternoon a Death Café will run from 2pm to 4pm, with tea, coffee and cake an essential ingredient.

The café’s offer a safe place for those wishing to talk about their thoughts, feelings and concerns with death and the end of life.

Jan Russell, from South Petherwin, is part of the core team that provides the Confortia service. She said: “The idea of the group is to get the word out there that we need to talk about death. Some people find it a difficult subject to talk about.

“We have heard from people who want to talk about death and start making plans but their partner does not, leaving them in the difficult position of not knowing where to start or what to do. An open discussion in a Death Café setting is a good place to start.

“Death is not the topic of the day for the younger generation but it is the only certainty we have in life. The death cafés are not intended to be morbid but somewhere to share thoughts, ideas and plans.

”It can make grief so much harder when faced with the problem of having no idea what to do in terms of organising funerals or executing the wishes of a loved one.

“Our small core team consists of counsellors, an experienced nurse and a funeral celebrant. The group suggests we ‘Talk. Plan. Live. and we aim to make space and time for those who want to discuss any issues they have.”

Confortia are a not-for-profit organisation of older women based in East Cornwall who have experience and knowledge surrounding death and dying.

There is no intention of leading anyone in a particular direction, just an open safe space to explore these issues.

There is no booking needed, all are welcome to attend. See www.confortia.co.uk or contact [email protected]

The event is free but the group relies on the kindness of the public to continue, so any donations are welcome.