Opening Conversations, On Assisted Dying, Death and Grief

The Open University in Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland are proud to host a joint event: 'Opening Conversations, On Assisted Dying, Death and Grief'. 

Join our leading speakers at a reflective death café where assisted dying, death and grief will be explored.

The event will take place on Tuesday 25 November 2025 from 5.00pm - 7.00pm with registration from 4.45pm and will be held at University of the West of Scotland Dumfries Campus (Level 2). 

Speakers: 

• Professor Erica Borgstrom - Professor of Medical Anthropology at the Open University and a chair of the Open Thanatology group. Open Thanatology is the OU’s interdisciplinary research group for the study and education of death, dying, loss and grief across the life course. 
• Dr Rhona Winnington - Sociologist and Registered Nurse at UWS with education and policy development experience during assisted dying implementation in New Zealand, and currently provides consultation to the Scottish Parliament on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. 
• Moira Dale - Lecturer in Adult Nursing with UWS, with a clinical background working as a community clinical nurse specialist in palliative and end of life care over many years, in London at St. Christopher's Hospice and in Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway. Currently involved in developing palliative and end of life care education for pre-registration student nurses.

This event is suitable for Health and Social Care professionals and open to the general public.

Book your free space at this event via Eventbrite. Light refreshments will be provided during the event.

Should you have any questions regarding the event then please contact [email protected].