Sarah Dury, Louise D’Eer, Bert Quintiens, Joachim Cohen, Hanne Bakelants, Role and meaning of physical places of solace for serious illness, death and grief: A qualitative study, Wellbeing, Space and Society, Volume 11, 2026, 100454, ISSN 2666-5581, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wss.2026.100454.
Abstract
Background
Civic engagement with serious illness, death, and grief is increasingly being encouraged as a means to increase communities’ death literacy and capacity for support. As part of this movement, third places dedicated to solace for those confronted with serious illness, death and grief are increasingly created. However, how these places are actually used, and their role and meaning for communities remains largely unknown.
Aim
This study explores the experiential aspects of physical places of solace by people confronted with serious illness, care, death, loss, and grief.
Design, setting and participants
This constructivist study employed six semi-structured focus groups comprising a unique individuals (n = 53) defined as stakeholders of six purposively selected places of solace in Flanders, Belgium. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Places of solace were found to serve three main functions: place for peace and resilience, conduits for reciprocal solace, and forums for facilitating conversation on death and loss. They were experienced as prompting both personal reflection and collective experiences, while also challenging established social norms and fostering resilience. Moreover, these spaces also function as gathering points for collective activities and dialogue.
Conclusions
Physical places of solace play a role in both individual and collective experiences around death and loss. Their integration into community projects can contribute to well-being during life's profound challenges, foster social cohesion, and normalize public discourse on serious illness, death, loss, and grief.
