Coleraine Library launches ‘death positive’ hub to support grieving families
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Pictured at the launch of the Death Positive Library in Coleraine, including Fiona Gilmour, Northern Trust Macmillan Service Improvement Lead, Sharon Williams, Project Manager, Compassionate Communities NI, the Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Richard Stewart-Brown, Seamus Coyle, the Northern Trust’s Lead Nurse Consultant Adult Learning Disability Team, Anne O’Hagan, Macmillan Community Palliative Care Service Improvement Facilitator, Diane Marshall, Branch Manager, Libraries NI and Deirdre Nugent, Services Manager, Libraries NI.
A new “Death Positive Library” has opened in Coleraine in a bid to help people across the community talk more openly about death, grief, and end-of-life care.
The initiative, launched during Dying Matters Awareness Week, transforms Coleraine Library into a dedicated support hub offering books, practical guidance, and resources designed to break down the stigma surrounding conversations about dying and bereavement.
Research shows that more than 70% of people avoid talking about death altogether — something organisers say can leave families isolated and unsupported during some of the hardest moments in life.
The project has been delivered through a partnership involving the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Libraries NI, and Compassionate Communities NI.
A space designed to support difficult conversations
The official launch took place at Coleraine Library on Tuesday, May 5, during Dying Matters Week 2026, which this year is themed around encouraging people to “talk about death and dying”.
The new collection includes specially selected books and materials aimed at helping people of all ages navigate subjects many families struggle to discuss openly.
The Death Positive Library provides selected books for all ages, including children’s titles and easy-read formats, covering topics from palliative care to the emotional journey of grief.
Resources available through the Death Positive Library include:
• Books for adults and children covering grief, bereavement, palliative care, and serious illness
• Easy-read materials designed to improve accessibility
• Practical guidance on advance care planning
• Information to help people communicate future wishes with loved ones
• Support resources for families coping with loss
Organisers say the goal is to make trusted information easier to access in a familiar, non-clinical setting within the heart of the community.
Helping communities feel less alone
Sharon Williams, Project Manager at Compassionate Communities NI, said many people avoid conversations around death despite the emotional consequences of silence.
“We know that talking about death doesn’t make it happen, but it does make it easier to deal with when the time comes,” she said.
“By bringing these resources into the heart of Coleraine, we’re providing a bridge for families to start those difficult but essential conversations; and helped people to find the confidence to offer emotional and practical support.
“With the addition of Coleraine Library, there are now 15 Death Positive Libraries in Northern Ireland.”
The initiative forms part of a wider effort across Northern Ireland to build more compassionate communities around illness, death, and bereavement.
Support beyond hospitals and healthcare settings
Fiona Gilmour, representing the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, said the project recognises that most care happens within homes and communities rather than formal medical environments.
“Most care doesn’t happen in hospitals – it happens at home among family, friends and neighbours,” she said.
“We want to help communities feel confident in caring for the people around them.
“That starts with making talking about death and grief feel more normal and less frightening.”
She added that the library provides practical and trusted information for people facing serious illness or supporting someone through bereavement.
“You will find books and practical guides on a range of themes including what to expect, planning ahead, involving children, or simply starting important conversations.
“We hope the new Death Positive Library will help the local community feel more able to support each other, especially in the hardest of times.”
Libraries seen as trusted community spaces
Libraries NI said the initiative reflects the growing role libraries play in supporting wellbeing and community resilience beyond traditional reading services.
Kendra Reynolds, Libraries NI Area Manager, said the collection allows people to explore sensitive topics privately and at their own pace.
“Libraries NI provides free access to books and resources that support people in many aspects of everyday life,” she said.
“The Death Positive Library collection is part of that offer, bringing together a range of titles that customers can explore at their own pace within the library or at home.”
The launch comes as organisations across Northern Ireland continue efforts to encourage earlier conversations around end-of-life wishes, grieving, and emotional support networks.
For many families, supporters say, having those conversations before crisis strikes can reduce fear, confusion, and isolation during bereavement.
Where to find support and information
Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026 runs from May 4 to May 10.
Online bereavement resources and further information are available through:
The Coleraine launch marks the latest expansion of the Death Positive Library network across Northern Ireland, with organisers hoping the initiative will help communities feel more prepared to support one another through loss, grief, and difficult conversations many still find hard to begin.