The Departure Lounge was created to start a conversation about the end of life and how we can support people to have a ‘good death’ in the future.
The Departure Lounge installation. (May – June 2019)
The Departure Lounge was an innovative installation in Lewisham Shopping Centre throughout May-June 2019 that encouraged visitors to consider some of the big questions we all have to answer. To properly care for our aging population at the end of their lives, we need to listen carefully to the points of view of the public to understand what is most important to them. Visitors to The Departure Lounge were encouraged to record their views and stories on what is most important to them at the end of life.
A selection of the personal stories, as well as the practical advice offered in The Departure Lounge, are still available to view on this website. You can also send us your thoughts and experiences by emailing [email protected]
The information we gathered from The Departure Lounge through these important conversations are feeding into the Academy’s activities to inform research and healthcare policy in end of life care. Information on the policy project can be found here.
The Departure Lounge around the UK
Free flat pack versions of The Departure Lounge have been sent to community groups across the UK to start a truly national conversation about death and dying. These flat packs contain branded materials and resources developed by the Academy and The Liminal Space to prompt discussion and thought about the end of life.
The flat packs are popping up all over the UK. Unfortunately, all the kits have now been taken, but we are encouraging kit owners to share their resources with others where possible. For more information, please contact Holly Rogers, Communications and Engagement Manager.
The Departure Lounge has been developed by the Academy of Medical Sciences and The Liminal Space, with support from the Health Foundation and Wellcome Trust.
The Academy of Medical Sciences
The Academy of Medical Sciences is an independent UK health charity. We represent the UK’s top medical and health experts, and help bring their views together, alongside the views of the public, to influence policy. Our aim is to advance medical and health research, and to make sure what we learn from that is used to help people live healthier lives.
The Academy is grateful for funding from a core grant from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy that was also used to support this project.
The Liminal Space
The Liminal Space uses art and design to create ground-breaking experiences that transform what people think, feel and do. We are a unique consultancy that brings together the rigour of a think tank with the creativity of a cross-disciplinary design studio
The team on The Departure Lounge included:
- Creative Direction: Amanda Gore
- 3D Design + Build: David MacDiarmid
- Graphic Design: Laura Gordon
- Sound Artist: Thor McIntyre-Burnie
- Interactive Sound Design: Aswarm
- Film Production: Mark Moreau
- Lighting Design: Martin Langthorne
- Audio Content: Jo Barratt
Advisors and Supporters
The content in the Departure Lounge has been developed with expert advice from:
- Dame Jessica Corner FMedSci, University of Nottingham
- Dame Lesley Fallowfield FMedSci, University of Southampton
- Baroness Ilora Finlay FMedSci, Cardiff University
- Professor Keith Hawton FMedSci, University of Oxford
- Professor Irene Higginson FMedSci, King’s College London
- Professor Diana Kuh FMedSci, University College London
- Professor Karen Luker FMedSci, University of Manchester
- Dr Amara Nwosu, University of Liverpool
- Toby Scott, Dying Matters
- Dr Katherine Sleeman, King’s College London
- Maria-Paulina Socarras, Human Tissue Authority
- Eve Wilson, Cruse
We would also like to thank the many individuals and organisations who have helped develop content and provided access to their stories, particularly St Christopher’s Hospice, Dying Matters, Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support, HealthTalk, Hospice UK, Sue Ryder and Compassion in Dying.
In the news
The Guardian – Welcome to the Departure Lounge. Destination: death
Vice – Scientists Want to Inspire Public Conversations About Death
Jo Good (BBC London Radio) with Dr Nicola White
BBC London News (coverage from 16:40)
Huffington Post – Mum With Incurable Breast Cancer Wants To Be Made Into A Firework For Funeral
The Voice – What Does It Mean To Have A ‘Good Death’?
The Guardian – Campaign aims to get people to better prepare for death
Lewisham Local – We need to talk about dying…
All in London – The Departure Lounge
Deccan Chronicle – Talking about the last taboo: Death
170K – New poll shows how little we know about dying
What Happens in the Hours Before Death? Most People Don’t Have a Clue.