A woman with short dark hair, wearing a pink cardigan, leans over to hug and comfort another woman sitting at a table. The seated woman, with braided hair and wearing a white shirt, is leaning into the hug with a sad look on her face.

End of Life

"You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can to not only help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die"

Dame Cicely Saunders

Pioneer in end of life care and founder of the modern hospice movement

What is an end of life companion

I trained as an End of Life Companion, also known as a 'Soul Midwife', 'Death Doula', 'Companion to the Dying', or 'End of Life Doula' back in 2014 with Felicity Warner’s Soul Midwives School. End of life companions are non-denominational, non-medical, non-judgemental companions who serve and support those who are dying in whatever way is most appropriate for them as they navigate their end of life journey.

I prefer the term end of life companion as I feel it better describes what I do. For me it is more accessible, and generally less esoteric sounding. There is no ambiguity about what it is, and I am able to be whatever that means for you at the time.

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What do end of life companions do

Whatever you need me to, within reason!

I support you, your family or friends, offering guidance and assistance at any point on your end of life journey, from first point of diagnosis, through vigiling at point of death, to the days immediately afterwards. I will walk with you, or someone close to you, as you, or they, navigate this last part of life’s journey. I facilitate finding positive wellbeing, that easeful place where you, or your dying person, are able to flow, breathe and release – whether that be as you or they continue to go about day-to-day life while you still can, or one final time as you transition from this world to the next. 

We work together to find ways which will allow you to enhance, and take ownership of, your physical, energetic and spiritual wellbeing during this last phase of your life. This can be through the use of holistic wellbeing methods such as meditation, or in more practical ways, such as: providing information and guidance about what the dying process may look like, advance care planning (also known as a living will), dying at home, organ or body donation, keeping your body at home after you die, traditional or natural burials, alternative funeral options, planning your own funeral, DIY funerals, passwords and social media after you go, and whatever else comes to mind. 

I can also sit with you if you have no one else, listen to you talking and sharing your story, talk with you about the hard, controversial stuff that no one else will, hold your hand, be a shoulder to cry on or an anchor while your emotions burst out and overflow, sit in companionable silence just being present with you, and if you wish, suggest gentle techniques to assist in managing anxiety or pain. 

We are all unique!

Everyone is a unique individual, and everyone's death is uniquely individual to them. 
I am here to support and facilitate whatever your own, uniquely individual death may be.
There is no right or wrong way to do this journey, your way is the one that is best for you!

Practicalities

  • All Sessions are tailored to circumstances and needs. Each Session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes.

    They can be on Zoom and/or in person, location and type of meeting can vary from session to session.

    There is no set format, we will agree together how we want to work, and what we might want to cover in future sessions, but nothing is set in stone. Content will evolve if or as your needs change, but is always shaped by you.

  • It is incredibly important that we can work well together at this time. Lets chat and explore how best I can support you at this stage of your life.

    This can be on Zoom, or a face-to-face meeting at your house or somewhere of your choosing local to you that feels neutral and safe, such as a café or park, if you would prefer.
    If you are in a care home, hospital or hospice, I am happy to come to you there. 

  • - First time clients: £85
    75-90 minutes

    - Recurring Clients: £75
    60 minutes

    - Discounted packages available for 3, 4, 6 and 12 sessions

    - Payment by bank transfer in advance

    - Out of hours support incurs an enhanced rate. This will be agreed in advance and commensurate with your circumstances, location and level of support required.

All clients must fill in a Consent form prior to their first appointment. When working in person I cover most areas within SE19-SE27 postcodes, up to 15 minutes' walk from train stations.

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HOW I WORK

The core principles of
end of life companionship

  • I support and recognise your individual needs, and ensure you feel heard and supported at all times

  • I respect and honour your religious, spiritual, atheist or agnostic beliefs around life, death or the afterlife

  • I offer non-denominational, non-judgemental, non-medical, holistic support to you, and those around you

  • I support, and advocate for, your wishes and beliefs

  • I serve your needs to the best of my ability, and never try to 'fix' or 'rescue' you

  • I meet you wherever you are at on your emotional or spiritual journey, and not where I or your family and friends may like you to be 

Based on the The 12 Principles of Soul Midwifery, from Soul Midwives School where I originally trained.

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