Three Leeds organisations are joining forces this May to encourage more open conversations about death, dying and planning for the future.
Dying Matters Awareness Week is a national campaign run by Hospice UK, which encourages people and communities to have more open conversations about bereavement. The 2026 theme is “Let’s Talk About Death and Dying”, focusing on helping people feel more confident starting these important conversations with family, friends and within their communities.
Armley Helping Hands, Full Circle Funeral Service and Oakwood Solicitors will host
two free community events in Leeds.
The events aim to create welcoming spaces where people can talk openly about
future planning, bereavement and what matters most to them, while also connecting
with others in their local community.
The programme begins on Wednesday, 13 May with a Community Connection Day featuring coffee and conversation from 11am, followed by a shared lunch at midday at Armley Helping Hands, Cross Grasmere Street Sheltered Housing Community Centre.
From 1pm, attendees will be invited to take part in a creative Memory Box Session, where people can build and decorate personal keepsakes. The session will include a light-hearted judging panel involving representatives from Oakwood Solicitors and Full Circle Funeral Service, which has a base in Bramley.
A second event takes place on Tuesday 19 May, bringing together members of the
Friendship Group and students from Dixons Academy for an intergenerational
session focused on storytelling, creativity and connection.
The day includes a Memory Box Workshop from 11am, lunch at midday and an open Q&A session in the afternoon where attendees can ask questions in a supportive and informal setting.
Dawn Newsome, from Armley Helping Hands, said: “Planning for the future is a profound act of love; it replaces uncertainty with peace of mind and ensures your wishes become a lasting gift for those you hold dear.
“Our Dying Matters sessions offer a relaxed, safe environment to approach these important conversations. It is a gentle opportunity to gain peace of mind, reduce future stress for your family and ensure your voice is heard.”
David Billington from Full Circle Funerals said: “Meaningful conversations about death, dying and bereavement don’t happen in isolation — they grow through trust, openness and strong community partnerships.
“Together, we can help normalise these important conversations and ensure no one
feels alone in facing them.”
The events are free to attend and open to local residents. For more information, email David Billington on david@fullcirclefunerals.co.uk.
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