Creating Awareness and Normalizing
Death for Youth
“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.
Research shows that talking about dying, death, and grief with children is very difficult for parents and therefore, usually takes place only after the trauma is experienced.
While we assume that our education system addresses these topics, in fact they are not mandated to do so, leaving schools to respond after an event has occurred and only if it is specific to thei community.
Our youth need a place to talk about their fears, ask their questions, and share their thoughts regarding dying, death, and grief.
Introducing C.A.N.D.Y. Café
At our C.A.N.D.Y. Cafés, youth (ages 9 - 18) gather together to talk in a safe, accepting environment, about dying, death, and grief.
Through generous donations we are able to:
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train volunteers as Leaders and Facilitators so they understand the typical developmental stages of youth and how to communicate with them regarding these topics
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welcome participants into a comfortable space
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facilitate open discussions, provide education and help improve communication between children and adults
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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 and talk about their thoughts on dying, death and grief. Why is this important? Talking about death normalizes it so we are just a little less afraid. Is this an appropriate conversation for children? Absolutely! 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 children across Ontario.