A Trafford woman is opening up a new space where people are encouraged to “eat cake, drink tea, and discuss death”.

Lynda Royle, who has more than three decades of experience in health and social care-related roles, has decided to start a ‘death cafe’ to give people a space to talk about the often taboo topic in a "friendly, confidential and openminded space".

Her lifelong journey of caring for others led her to become an independent funeral celebrant – organising funerals and supporting those involved.

This is what led to her learning about the concept of a death cafe and deciding to start up her own.

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She said: “Death is a natural part of life but it is a complex and sensitive subject that involves many emotions, beliefs and uncertainties.

"I know people are afraid of dying, losing loved ones, and are afraid of the unknown.”

The first death cafe took place in 2011 by Londoner John Underwood at his house, influenced by Switzerland and France’s ‘Cafe Mortal’ events, as a space to normalise discussing passing away.

Lynda said: “We have all lost family and friends. When someone we care about dies, it is natural to think about what that means."

She hopes the group will become a safe place for attendees to ask sensitive questions around death both about themselves and their loved ones, as well as what they want their funeral to look like.

More than a decade on from the first London 'death cafe' there have been more than 17,000 such events across 85 different countries.

Lynda said: “Death cafe Sale Trafford gives everyone the space to start these conversations and be listened to with no concern they will upset anyone or be judged.

"This is why I feel so passionate about talking about death and dying and the Death Café Sale Trafford and we get to have cake.”

Lynda is hosting a free group one Thursday a month, beginning November 16, and will take place between 6pm and 7.30pm.

She said: "There is no right or wrong way to talk about death and everyone is welcome."

She explains attendees are free to discuss “curiosities or uncertainties, experiences, funerals, end of life, celebrations of life, loss, grief or bereavement matters” or just listen to other.

The original founders of the death cafe concept previously stated: “A death cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes.

"It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.”

Gatherings will take place at The Bump and Baby Hideout – South Manchester on Dane Road in Sale.

Groups are limited to 12 per session, to book a free space contact Lynda at hello@ceremoniesbylyndaroyle.co.uk.