A community project has been created to encourage people to start talking about death.

Next Steps, founded by counsellor, Mindfulness Teacher and Soul midwife, Suzi Garrod, has been created to provide a relaxed, informal space for people to share their thoughts and experiences around death, dying and grieving.

A variety of workshops and events are held throughout the year to focus on important subjects such as writing a will, writing an advance directive and planning a funeral.

The groups meet on the fourth Thursday of every month between 2-4pm at Kingsbridge Age Concern on Ilbert Road. With a friendly welcome, attendees are invited to discuss any subjects surrounding the topic of death such as living with a potentially terminal disease, coming to terms with dying or how people are remembered.

In addition, there are plans to set up a grief and bereavement support group in the coming months.

Suzi is looking into different ways to raise money for this community project so that she can expand its services. Meanwhile she is funding the group herself and relies on voluntary donations to cover the cost of venue hire, refreshments and the purchase of relevant literature and leaflets. Therefore, there is a suggested donation of £3 per meeting.

The conversations she leads about death, dying and grieving are open, friendly and supportive, not at all awkward or depressing. They offer an opportunity for people to make connections and find relief in talking openly with others who share similar thoughts, fears or experiences.

“Talking about death won’t make it happen” says Suzi. “What it can do however, is take away some of the fear around dying, and empower you to take back some control over what happens at the end of life.

“Next Steps provides a much-needed forum for members of the community to ask questions, share experiences and reach out for support.

“We can also signpost you to organisations such as palliative care teams, support groups, funeral directors, Soul midwives, holistic therapists and more.”

From feedback, Suzi explained how people feel a huge sense of relief at being able to share both their experiences and their fears.“Death is something we cannot avoid; however, we can have a say in how we deal with it, both as individuals and as a community” added Suzi.

“My vision is for Next Steps to become a one-stop shop for end of life planning and support within Kingsbridge and its surrounding communities; a place where people can feel comfortable to share fears, ask questions, reach out for support and discover that they don’t have to face death alone.”

Next Steps currently has a display of information in the Windeatts Solicitors window on Fore Street until February 15. For more information contact Suzi on 07896 665560 or [email protected]. You can also follow Next Steps on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

All dates for events coming up this year can be found on the Next Steps website and the next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 22.