Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026
Dying Matters Awareness Week encourages people to talk more openly about death, dying and bereavement. It takes place from 4-10 May this year, and the theme is ‘Let’s talk about Death and Dying’.
Having these conversations can help people feel supported, reduce loneliness and make sure wishes are understood.
Across Sandwell there are a range of welcoming community and wellbeing activities where people can meet others, enjoy conversation and stay connected. Many of these groups run throughout the year, but we are highlighting them during Dying Matters Awareness Week to encourage people to get involved.
Whether you want a gentle walk, a coffee and chat, or a supportive group, these activities offer friendly spaces to meet people and build connections.
Here you can also find details and links to partner organisations for further support and practical advice.
Planning Ahead and Support
Writing a Will
Writing a will helps ensure your wishes are known and can make things easier for loved ones.
Compassion in Dying
Compassion in Dying provides free information about planning ahead and understanding your rights at the end of life.
Compassionate Communities
Compassionate Communities UK promotes community support for people who are ill, dying or grieving.
Bereavement, Grief and Loss Support
You can also find further information and support in our Bereavement, Grief and Loss leaflet.
Weekly Wellbeing Activities
If you’re feeling lonely, recently bereaved or you’re looking to meet new people, there’s lots of FREE supportive activities taking place across Sandwell. No booking needed (unless stated), just go along.
Bereavement Group
A supportive space for people who are grieving.
Venue: Kaleidoscope Plus Group, Hope Place, 321 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8LU
Date: Tuesday 5 May
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Talk from David Jones
David Jones shares share his experience of being homeless, an addict, and how death transformed his life. David is now a Soul Doula, Life Coach, Author & Founder of TAOD – The Awakening of Death – Holistic Healing.
Venue: Murray Hall Community Trust, The Bridge, St Marks Road, DY4 0SL
Date: Tuesday 5 May
Time: 1pm
Gentle Afternoon
This gentle afternoon is an opportunity to ask questions about death and dying, funerals and remembering those we love.
Venue: Smethwick Old Church, The Uplands, Smethwick, B67 6EQ
Date: Tuesday 5 May
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
Wellbeing Walk
A gentle walk to unwind, meet new people and enjoy nature.
Venue: Lightwoods Park, Adkins Lane, Bearwood, Smethwick, B67 5DP
Date: Tuesday 5 May
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Worship Wednesday
A time for reflection, prayer, discussion and support. Everyone is welcome.
Venue: Cradley Heath Community Link, 126 High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5HJ
Date: Wednesday 6 May
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Wellness Wednesday
Drop in for a drink, light refreshments and wellbeing activities including crafts.
Venue: Oldbury Salvation Army, Merton Close (off Pound Road), Oldbury, B68 8NG
Date: Wednesday 6 May
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Wednesbury Wellbeing Initiative
A free weekly Place of Welcome offering social activities and themed wellbeing sessions.
Venue: The Club Wednesbury, 1 Church Hill, Wednesbury, WS10 9DF
Date: Wednesday 6 May
Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Coffee, Cakes and Crumpets (£3 per person)
Venue: Life in Community, Brook Street Community Centre, 1 Brook Street, Tipton, DY4 9DD
Date: Wednesday 6 May
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Wellbeing Walk
Venue: The Pavilion, West Smethwick Park, West Park Road, Smethwick, B67 7JJ
Date: Thursday 7 May
Time: 11am – 12pm
Book Launch- Compassionate Communities in Action
Venue: Online
Date: Thursday 7 May
Time: 9am and 5pm
Place of Welcome – Smethwick
A friendly space for a cup of tea and conversation.
Venue: Dorothy Parkes Centre, Church Road, Smethwick, B67 6EH
Date: Friday 8 May
Time: 10am – 12 noon
Place of Welcome – Tipton
A friendly space for a cup of tea and conversation.
Venue: Jubilee Park Community Centre, Powis Avenue, Tipton, DY4 0RJ
Date: Friday 8 May
Time: 11am – 12 noon
Adult Knit, Natter and Sew
Meet new people and enjoy crafts.
Venue: Oakham Library, Poplar Rise, Tividale, B69 1RD
Date: Friday 8 May
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Place of Welcome – West Bromwich
A friendly space for a cup of tea and conversation.
Venue: The Good Shepherd with St John, 4 Bromford Lane, West Bromwich, B70 7HP
Date: Friday 8 May
Time: 10.30am – 12 noon
How do we understand Grief?
This event asks the question what is understood about grief by those who have experienced it and those who have not yet? Come along and join them on the day over a cup of tea and cakes.
Venue: Murray Hall Community Trust, The Bridge, St Marks Road, DY4 0SL
Date: Friday 8 May
Time: 11am – 12.30pm