Death is an uncomfortable and confronting topic for many, but an upcoming event at the Melton Library is aimed at changing that at a local level.
Facilitated by the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, an event called ‘Leaves and Threads’ invites people of all ages to explore the topics of life, death, and legacy through physical activities, art, reflection, and intergenerational discussion.
The event is part of the annual Dying to Know national campaign, which promotes preparing for death with purpose, love, and a sense of legacy rather than with fear.
Featuring at the event will be a tool called the Bioscope tapestry, which is a large embroidered tapestry that aims to promote conversations across many ideas relating to life and death.
It was developed by designer Chetan Shastri and co-designed with end-of-life care clinicians.
Dr Shastri – who recently completed a PhD that sought to support better experiences at end-of-life – is one of the hosts at the event and said it aims to help people approach the topic of death to understand and come to terms with it.
“It’s important to speak about because it affects everyone … we speak about it in different ways – children speak it in different ways and … it’s fascinating the way younger people think about it and talk about it,” Dr Shastri said.
“I think not everybody gets the same thing [out of it].
“Talking about it can help us be compassionate towards others, it can help us live more authentically, and it can also help us confront mortality.”
Independent funeral celebrant and event host Karen Brady said that one of the aims of the event is to try and get people of all ages approaching these topics.
“There’s no such thing as talking about the conversation too early, because death affects everybody … people of all ages die, but even if in someone in your family … it affects the children and then the grandchildren,” Ms Brady said.
The event will run from 1.30–3.30pm on Sunday, September 21 at the Melton Library and Learning Hub at 31 McKenzie Street, Melton.
The session is not intended to serve as a grief circle, group therapy, or counselling session, and those who feel unsure about attending are encouraged to contact the organisation.
Details: yoursay.gmct.com.au/harkness/leaves-and-threads
