Opening Up the Conversation Around Death and Legacy Giving
For many of us working in the charity sector, death is a subject we skirt around, even though it sits at the very heart of legacy and In Memory giving. We spend our days helping people shape their legacies and honour the memories of loved ones, yet talking openly about death itself can still feel uncomfortable.
At Don’t Panic, we believe the language we use matters. The words we choose to describe loss, remembrance, and legacy shape how people feel about giving and ultimately, how they connect with the causes they care about most. That’s why our next Don’t Panic Legacy Event will explore the courage, empathy and authenticity it takes to have truly honest conversations about death.
About the Event
The Language of Loss: Why Honest Conversations About Death Matter brings together three voices approaching this subject from different but deeply connected perspectives:
- Dr Rachel Clarke, palliative care doctor and bestselling author, known for her powerful reflections on life, death and meaning from the frontline of end-of-life care.
- Alex McDowdell, Vice Chair of Remember A Charity, offering a sector-wide view on how legacy and In Memory fundraising are evolving and why honesty builds lasting trust.
- Michelle Dennis, Strategy Director at Don’t Panic London, who will host the discussion and share insights from creative and strategic work in the legacy space, including with NSPCC.
This will be a conversation, not a guide, an open and reflective session where fundraisers, strategists and communicators can explore how to talk about death and legacy with authenticity. We’ll touch on sector examples such as Marie Curie’s pioneering messaging around death, and draw on new qualitative insights into how people respond to loss and remembrance.
Why It Matters
As legacy fundraising grows in importance, the sector faces a defining challenge: how to speak about death in ways that are human, compassionate and brave. Avoiding the subject risks creating distance; embracing it with care can foster real trust and connection.
This event is designed for anyone working in legacy fundraising, In Memory giving, charity communications or creative strategy, anyone who believes that language, honesty and empathy can change the way we give.
Event Details
Wednesday 7th January 17:15 – 19:00
Grid Studios, 49 Old St, London EC1V 9HX
Join us for a powerful, human conversation about the words we use when we talk about death and why they matter for the future of legacy giving.
