An evening about living well, staying independent — and what happens when someone we love chooses how their life will end.

Join internationally recognised healthcare leader Prof Brian Dolan OBE, author Char Weeks and Northern Rivers resident Heather Cooper for a thought-provoking free community evening at Byron Theatre.

Whether you are over 50, caring for someone you love, or simply thinking about how you want to live as you grow older, this evening is for you.

Stay strong. Keep moving. Stay independent.

Brian Dolan believes ageing is a state of mind.

He is the originator of the international #EndPJparalysis movement, which challenged healthcare professionals and patients to rethink the consequences of spending too much time sitting or lying down.

His message is refreshingly simple: get up, get dressed and keep moving.

Brian will explain in everyday language what can happen when we become less active as we age, why maintaining strength and mobility matters, and what we — and those who care for us — can do to help protect our independence.

Expect practical ideas, humour and a very different way of thinking about ageing.

Brian's credentials are extraordinary. He has published more than 70 papers and written or edited eight books, holds honorary professorships at Bond University and the University of Salford, and was awarded an OBE for services to nursing and emergency care. He has also been recognised as one of the 20 most influential people in the history of the NHS.

And then the conversation turns to choice at the end of life.

On the same evening, Char Weeks will launch her new book, When Someone You Love Chooses Voluntary Assisted Dying.

Voluntary assisted dying legislation tells us what must happen.

But what happens to the people who love the person making that choice?

Drawing on the experiences of families and friends, Char follows the journey from the time the decision for voluntary assisted dying is made until after the death.

It is a conversation about love, fear, caring, preparation, saying goodbye — and what happens when the legislation ends and those left behind have to find their way forward.

Char will be joined by The Cooly Project Founder and Northern Rivers local, Heather Cooper. She'll share her experience of losing her Dad who chose VAD and how she's dealing with her grief.

Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase on the evening.

Come away with something useful

We hope you leave this evening thinking differently about ageing, more determined to protect your strength and independence, and with a greater understanding of voluntary assisted dying and what it can mean for families and friends.

Other special guests will be announced.

Event Details:
5:00 pm - Venue Doors and Bar opens
5:40 pm - Theatre doors open
6:00 pm - Event starts
7:00 pm - Interval 
7:20 pm - Event resumes
8:30 pm - Event ends