Demystifying Death Week will take place across Scotland 4-10 May 2026.

Demystifying Death Week is about giving people knowledge, skills and opportunities to plan and support each other through serious illness, dying, loss and care.

Each year all kinds of organisations and individuals organise events where people can reflect on or learn about these issues.

This includes death cafes, discussion groups, lectures, film screenings, craft workshops, theatre performances, seminars and information stands.

We’d welcome your involvement in this year’s DD Week. We’ve created lots of free resources to help you run your event – find out more below, and please get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to know.

What’s it about?

People usually want to do the right thing when someone they know is affected by serious illness, death or grief. But often they can feel awkward offering help, or worry about making things worse.

People can have questions about serious illness or dying. But often they don’t know who to ask.

Making plans when you’re healthy means there is less to think about when you’re ill. But people can put off making plans until it is too late.

Demystifying Death Week is about giving people knowledge, skills and opportunities to plan and support each other through death, dying, loss and care.

Photo credit: Simone Secci on Unsplash

Events and Activities

Organisations, community groups, and individuals all across Scotland organise events for Demystifying Death Week. These can be anything from film screenings, death cafes, and information sessions to live performances, shared meals, and crafting workshops.

To get a feel for the kinds of activities that happen during Demystifying Death Week, check out the 2025 listings here: Demystifying Death Week 2025

Image credit: Humanist Society Scotland and Typewronger Books DD Week 2025 activity

Get involved

Demystifying Death week is a collaborative effort.

Each year all kinds of organisations and individuals put on events and activities.

Could you organise an event for Demystifying Death Week?

We have event templates you can download, exhibitions you can borrow, and resources you can use. Or if you already have a plan, let us know so that we can help spread the word.

Image credit: Battlefield Community Project and Finn’s Place DD Week 2024 activity