“Mom, why can’t I come to the Death Café? Why can't I join a conversation about death? I want to talk about it, too." (Daughter of a Death Café participate in 2017)

...and so began our journey!

The Why of C.A.N.D.Y. Café

Our young people encounter death on a regular basis whether in the news, in the games they play, or in their personal lives.

​Talking about the human aspect of dying and the grief it causes are not part of the Ontario Education Curriculum.

Most adults report not knowing how to talk about dying, death, and grief as well as being uncomfortable themselves with these topics. Therefore, conversations usually take place only after the trauma of death has occurred… not an easy time for people to talk.

​

So how our young people learn about these life-altering events is really being left up to chance. Unhealthy childhood bereavement is often part of the experiences of adults with mental health issues such as depression.

Our young people need a place to talk about their fears, ask their questions, and share their thoughts about dying, death, and grief.

 Introducing C.A.N.D.Y. Café

​

At our C.A.N.D.Y. Cafés, young people (ages 10 - 18) gather together to talk in a safe, accepting environment about dying, death, and grief. 

​

Through generous donations we are able to:

​

• train volunteers as Leaders and Facilitators so they understand the typical developmental stages of youth and how to communicate with them regarding these topics

• welcome participants into a comfortable space

• facilitate open discussions, provide education and help improve communication between young people and adults

• provide refreshments

​

HHA is uniquely qualified to provide C.A.N.D.Y. Cafe

Your Help Matters

By supporting C.A.N.D.Y. Cafes in whatever way you are able, you are opening the door to even more people of all ages, to come together to share their concerns and ideas about dying, death and grief. Is this an appropriate conversation for young people? Absolutely! In fact, their mental health might depend on it.  CANDY Cafes are uniquely our own. By specifically donating to C.A.N.D.Y. Cafes, you can help us deliver this program to our young people across Ontario.