The county’s health trust has launched a series of ‘death cafes’ to encourage people of all ages to talk about dying.

As part of the nationwide Dying Matters Awareness Week, Bucks NHS Health Trust (BHT) is hosting sessions across the county to help people “plan for and deal with death when it does happen”.

The trust is aiming to create a “friendly space” for people to discuss end of life care issues, such as making a will, planning a funeral or coping with bereavement.

Matron of specialist palliative care at BHT said: “This is a first for us, and some might be taken aback by the idea of death cafés and, understandable, fear discussing death.

“But we know from recent community engagement sessions that there is an appetite for this locally. And really, what better way to make talking about death and dying less awkward than by settling down for a comfortable chat with a nice cup of tea?

“Death is an inevitable part of life. Talking about it doesn’t make it any more likely but it will make it is easier to plan for and deal with when it does happen.”

The cafes are taking place across the county from May 14 to 19 at:

• Monday 14 May 2-4pm – Amersham Hospital Drake Day Room

• Tuesday 15 May 2-4pm - Marlow Community Hub

• Wednesday 16 May 2-4pm – Thame Community Hub

• Friday 18 May 2-4pm – Florence Nightingale Hospice Day Centre, Stoke Mandeville

• Friday 18 May 2-4pm – Buckingham Hospital

• Saturday 19 May 11- 1pm - Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity Offices, Aylesbury