North Berwick Compassionate Community members travelled to Bruges to take part in seventh Public Health Palliative Care International Conference.

Five separate groups from Scotland, supported by The Truacanta Project, were in attendance, highlighting their work in Scottish communities.

The Truacanta Project is a compassionate communities initiative hosted by Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care and funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, with the aim of supporting communities throughout Scotland to improve experiences around death, dying and bereavement.

The East Lothian contingent was invited to share its innovative work in North Berwick in setting up its compassionate neighbours’ group, which helps to support individuals and families coping with terminal illness.

A spokesperson said: “We have held many events to have conversations about death, dying and grief, with the aim of us all becoming more confident in talking to people in our community and offering support when needed.”

The group is getting ready to host a remembrance event to form part of Absent Friends Week.

They will be lighting candles and writing the names of people who have died onto pebbles from the beach, placing them together and saying a few words before returning the pebbles to the sea.

The event will take place on Wednesday, November 2, 3.45pm-4.15pm.

Those wanting to attend should gather on Elcho Green at 3.30pm.