Over 75 people came to Dying Well Matters in Bromley on 27 October, the Mayor spoke, and the organisers now plan a Dying Well hub and a champions network.
More than 75 people came to Dying Well Matters: Conversations That Count, a free day about death, dementia, care and planning ahead, at Bromley United Reformed Church on Tuesday 27 October, the organisers say, with many more dropping in for part of the four hours.
The day was organised by Zeenat Noorani, co-founder and chief executive of Let’s Talk Better CIC, and Nikki Fishman, co-chair of Bromley Dementia Friendly Community. Six speakers and six panellists covered wills, trusts and powers of attorney, living with dementia, identity through illness, last wishes, funeral arrangements and palliative care, alongside a practical workshop and a panel discussion. The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Christine Harris, gave the closing speech, sharing personal experiences that the organisers say “touched many people in the room”.
We previewed the event the week before.
“Not about being morbid”
Zeenat Noorani said:
“Let’s Talk Better believes that every conversation matters, and that sometimes the conversation we are most afraid to have is the one we most need. The day was not about being morbid. It was about being human. We were putting a different spin on death and dying. What if talking about dying isn’t about giving up on life? What if it’s about making the life we have, and the time we have, count for more?”
She told the audience that the words had a deeper meaning for her that day: her uncle, who was also her godfather, had died the day before. “My loss made speaking publicly about the conversations around dying, loss and the importance of time with loved ones profoundly personal and poignant,” she said.
The talks people remembered
The organisers single out two contributions. Lauretta Wright gave a personal account of her cancer journey which, they say, brought many in the room to tears, while carrying a message of hope and resilience.
Brenda Parsons, a Bromley Dementia Friendly Community partner and Rotarian, spoke about losing her husband and the strain of having been his carer, and how art and poetry helped her through her grief. The organisers say her talk was a reminder that there is no single way to deal with loss, and of the often unseen emotional load carried by carers.
Former Mayor of Bromley David Jefferys, who sat on the panel, said the day after:
“I thought that the conference and workshop on ‘Dying Well Matters’ yesterday was a great success and helped to surface a range of important issues and begin some crucial conversations. Congratulations on delivering this and it was a pleasure to play a small part in such an important event.”
A woman who came after seeing a flyer
Nikki Fishman said: “Our wonderful Bromley community and Bromley Dementia Friendly Community partners have risen to the occasion yet again!”
The moment that stayed with her, she says, came from an older woman living alone with dementia, who had come after seeing a flyer. The woman told her she might forget much of what she had heard, but that she had enjoyed the day and found it helpful, and offered to make a donation. Nikki declined it, saying the feedback was enough.
“This is exactly why the BDFC does what it does, providing a forum where we can share information and these all-too-precious moments of real human connection with those who are affected by dementia.”
What people said
The organisers shared feedback from the day:
- An attendee: “Congratulations, what a great attendance!! My brother loved it and told folks they should have more like this!”
- An exhibitor: “It was clear how much thought, care and hard work had gone into organising and promoting the event, and the fantastic turnout was a real reflection of your efforts.” They added that it gave local service providers a chance to reconnect and meet residents.
- Another attendee: “I think opening up difficult conversations and being curious about them is so brave and much needed. I hope this gives you traction to continue the conversation within and beyond Bromley. Thank you for making us feel welcome.”
Volunteers from Rotary Bromley Game Changers and Rotary E-Club Orpington helped run the day. The sponsors were Radfield Home Care, Thackray Williams Solicitors, W. Uden Family Funeral Directors and Local Care Adviser.
What comes next
Zeenat Noorani and Nikki Fishman say the event is meant as a starting point. They plan to develop a Dying Well Community Hub and a Community Champions network in Bromley, so that people can find information and support and have these conversations “before a crisis arises, not just at one event, but going forward”.
Let’s Talk Better’s earlier events have covered body image, loneliness and suicide.
What it means for you
- If you missed it: Let’s Talk Better posts its events and plans at letstalkbetter.org. Its contact address is letstalkbetter@yahoo.com.
- If you care for someone with dementia: Bromley Dementia Friendly Community can be reached at nikki@bromleydcf.org.uk.
- Want to help build the hub or be a champion? Neither has a start date yet. We will report when they are set up.
For other events in the borough, see what’s on in Bromley.
Frequently asked questions
How many people went to Dying Well Matters in Bromley?
Over 75 people attended throughout the four-hour event on Tuesday 27 October 2026, the organisers say, with many more coming for part of it.
What happens next?
The organisers plan to develop a Dying Well Community Hub and a Community Champions network in Bromley, so people can find information and support before a crisis.
Who ran the event?
Let’s Talk Better CIC and Bromley Dementia Friendly Community, at Bromley United Reformed Church.
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