The D Word is a groundbreaking initiative designed to help people talk openly and confidently about death, dying, and remembrance, building emotional resilience and cultural understanding.

Why it matters

• 64% of the UK population believe we don’t talk about death enough.
• Young people are naturally curious, but schools often lack structured guidance.
• Families frequently face grief without prior experience or preparation.
• Open conversations reduce fear, stigma, and emotional distress.

What Participants Will Learn 

• What happens when someone dies.
• What to expect at a funeral.
• How to express wishes and memories.
• The range of choices available when planning a funeral.
• The many ways that grief can affect us, and consideration of how to support someone who has been bereaved.

What's Included

• Guided conversations and creative activities (e.g. legacy letters, memory boxes).
• Optional visits to a crematorium, place of worship, cemetery, and funeral parlour.
• Input from celebrants, funeral directors, and faith leaders.
• Resources for staff, parents and family members to continue the dialogue.

For Schools - Curriculum Connection 

Delivered by experienced celebrants, The D Word aligns with the Health and Wellbeing area of the Curriculum for Excellence. It supports emotional literacy, citizenship, and personal development.

We encourage and support schools to apply for and achieve The Bereavement Charter (secondary schools can also apply).

How Does The D Word Work?

Schools and Community Groups are asked to:

• Select a group (ideally between 10 and 20), taking account of individuals for whom this topic may be too sensitive, and provide staff support.
• Ensure that Celebrants are aware of the range of cultures and religious beliefs within the group.
• Liaise with the Celebrant to agree dates and times for each session: the Celebrant will liaise with the Crematorium staff, funeral directors etc. to plan visits/presentations.
• Celebrants will try to be as flexible as possible and to work around school timetables and events. Sessions in school would, ideally, last a double period. Possibilities of full and half day sessions can be considered.
• Ensure there is an appropriate space, ideally a designated classroom or community space for Celebrants to deliver The D Word.
• Organise transport and permissions for visits.
• Discuss communicating with parents/carers/family members as appropriate. While senior pupils/young adults do not require parental permission, it is important to consider informing family members that conversations around death and dying will take place.
• Discuss the involvement of school chaplains/chaplaincy teams.

Costs

will vary depending on the number of D Word sessions required. As a guide, Celebrants will charge:

• £30 per hour for planning and preparation (including arranging visits to a funeral parlour, crematorium etc.) This can take some time, especially when planning around school timetables.
• £45 per hour for delivering The D Word – school/community setting, funeral parlour etc.
• 45p per mile travel expenses.
• Booklets cost £9 each.
• Costs of printing eg certificates can be added: schools may be willing to print these on site.
• An additional 10% is charged and paid to The D Word CIC to develop more materials, subsidise groups who are unable to pay the full costs, and contribute to administrative running costs of The D Word.
• The D Word Celebrants cover a wide range of areas in Scotland. Please see The D Word Areas.