Festival 2023
The To Absent Friends festival took place across Scotland from 1-7 November 2023.
It was an opportunity to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people who have died but remain important to us.
Information about some of the events that took place is below.
Tending to Death Glasgow - Remembrance
Organised by Pushing Up The Daises and partner organisations.
finn’s place - sat 4th nov, 2-4pm (finn's place, 167 ledard road, glasgow, g42 9qu)
online - thurs 9th nov, 7pm for people in the Glasgow area.
these events are open to the public
Ever dreamt of how our communities can weave stories, memories and collective care around death? Come to one of our events on storytelling and learning about our rights and options in Scotland.
Our event at Finn’s Place will also have a remembrance theme where everyone can share stories and experiences. Tickets available here: https://tinyurl.com/TendingtoDeathFinnsPlace
Author of "Slow Down when Someone Dies" Kate Clark will be present and part of the discussions at both.
Both events are free. You don’t have to register but it helps us plan.
Re-imagining how we care for our dead begins here.
Image credit: Pushing Up The Daisies
Six-Word Obituaries: a writing and reminiscence workshop
Organised by Lapidus Scotland
Sunday, 5 November 2023, 11:00 - 12:30
Online (tickets available via Eventbrite)
This event is open to the public
Join us for a writing and reminiscence workshop where we will explore the joyful memories of a loved one who has died.
Together, with gentle writing prompts, we'll revive the essence of our loved one, and we'll compose a six-word obituary that will honour and celebrate their life. We'll end by reading our six-word story (this is totally optional), sharing a photograph of our loved one, and sharing a little more about them.
Finally, we'll create an online memorial with our writing and photographs which we can share with friends and family.
The workshop will be facilitated by writer and coach Kathryn Koromilas.
What to bring:
- A photograph of a loved one,
- Your favourite notebook and pen, and
- A comforting cup of tea.
Six-Word Obituaries is a 90-minute workshop taking place online, with optional personal sharing in breakout rooms.
Six-Word Obituaries is part of this year's To Absent Friends festival.
About the organiser:
Lapidus Scotland works to explore and expand knowledge and understanding of the value of writing and reading for wellbeing. Our work is a mix of project-based programmes of activities, facilitator skills development and advocacy.
Illustration credit: Lapidus Scotland
To Absent Friends
Organised by Action Porty
Sunday 5th November 3pm - 5pm
Bellfield, 16B Bellfield Street Portobello EH15 2BP
This event is open to the public
You are warmly invited to join us for this annual event now in its 4th year in Portobello. This is a festival of storytelling and reminiscence celebrating the lives of our loved ones who have died. No matter where you are on your grief journey, you are welcome. Children very welcome with an adult.
By sharing stories, anecdotes and photographs with each other, we follow the oral traditions of many cultures throughout the world, offering us the opportunity for reflection on how their lives touched ours.
The event will start in Bellfield where there will be various creative pursuits based on the elements of earth, fire water and air to help you craft memories of the special person or people that you have come to remember. You will have the opportunity to go down to the beach to complete your memorial journey.
Refreshments and cake will be available.
Please remember that the outdoor element of this event in November may require warm clothing.
Book your place on Eventbrite.
Photo credit: Action Porty
A Day to Remember
Organised by Families Outside
Saturday 4 November 2023, 11am - 2pm
Glasgow and online via Zoom
This event is not open to the public
Families bereaved through a death in prison often grieve alone – a ‘disenfranchised grief’ unsupported in wider society. This remembrance event brings these families together through this shared experience to commemorate their family members through mutual support and without judgement.
Families are asked to bring something that reminds them of their loved one, using this as a tool to talk about the family member who passed away, what they liked to do, and what they enjoyed. The comfort and safety of joining together with people untied through this utterly unique experience of grief aims to provide support, positive memories, and closure. The event will end with a small meal for everyone to mingle and chat.
For more information or to join this event, contact admin@familiesoutside.org.uk.
For more information about Families Outside and the support we offer, visit www.familiesoutside.org.uk.
Photo credit: Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik.com
Forever in Our Hearts
Organised by Aileen Palmer, celebrant
Thursday 2nd November, 1.30pm- 3.30pm
Moffat Distillery in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway.
This event is open to the public
Come along to the Moffat Distillery and enjoy an afternoon tea to mark Absent Friends Week, an annual festival of storytelling and remembrance. This is an opportunity to remember, reminisce, tell stories and celebrate the lives of those who have died.
All of us have been touched by death and grief at some point in our lives, but in our culture it can be difficult to talk about it. This afternoon is an opportunity to come together to remember and share special memories, recipes, photographs and funny stories about loved ones or just to be in the company of others and listen in a relaxed and friendly environment. Please come along and enjoy a chat with some storytelling, sharing of memories and reminiscing while having fun.
To book your place, please email aileenpalmercelebrant@gmail.com.
Image credit: Aileen Palmer
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