BEHIND-THE-SCENES tours of Poole crematorium are being offered to those who are curious about what happens when they die.

Those who attend will then be invited to attend a Death Cafe, led by award-winning celebrant Ellie Brooks of Wildflower Ceremonies.

The free event will take place on Thursday February 20 and bookings are now being taken.

The tour will be led by one of the crematorium’s expert technicians, who will explain the process of cremation from beginning to end, as well as covering the different types of cremation available and answering questions from attendees.

Following the tour, a Death Café will be held in the crematorium chapel, facilitated by Sacred Celebrant Ellie Brooks who will be inviting those of all faiths and none to join in a friendly, informal discussion about death and dying.

It is hoped the unique evening will encourage healthy, open discussions in the local community about death and dying, empowering individuals to consider what makes a good death and what lessons death might hold for living life to the full.

Ellie Brooks said: “Ironically, the goal of a Death Cafe is to help guests to live their lives to the full. While Death Cafés are an informal discussion forum rather than a bereavement support service, many people find airing their questions and sharing their stories about death in a friendly, informal setting can be quite an uplifting experience.”

Liz Hall, Bereavement Services Manager at BCP council said: “Dignified care in death is at the heart of the services provided by BCP Bereavement Services and Poole Crematorium, so we are delighted to be hosting a tour of the crematory followed by one of Ellie Brooks’ wonderfully facilitated Death Cafés.”

She added: “So often we fear what we don’t understand, so we hope that by giving people the opportunity to hear and see for themselves what happens during the cremation process, as well as providing space to talk about death and dying in the safety of a Death Café setting, we will be able to empower individuals to have healthier relationships with the one, inevitable thing we all have in common.”

The tour and Death Café are open to all and free to attend, though pre-booking is essential.

Refreshments will be on offer throughout the evening and small donations will be invited towards hot drinks and cakes to help cover costs.

To book your place, go to wildflowerceremonies.co.uk/events, or call Ellie on 07922 591684.