If you are approaching the end of your life, planning ahead, or supporting someone who is dying, you may want additional practical and emotional support.
FindADoula.co.uk is a directory of end-of-life doulas and organisations across the UK. It helps you explore the support available and contact members directly to discuss your needs.
What is an end-of-life doula?
An end-of-life doula offers non-medical support to people preparing for death and to those close to them. You may also hear the term “death doula”.
Depending on their experience and the services they offer, a doula may help with:
- Talking about death, dying, and what matters to you
- Exploring and recording your personal wishes and preferences
- Practical preparation and finding other sources of support
- Companionship and emotional support during illness and dying
- Supporting conversations with family, friends, and your care team
- Memory-making, personal rituals, and support for those close to you
Services vary. Ask each doula what they offer, when they are available, and what falls outside their role.
How doula support fits alongside other care
Doula support is optional and can sit alongside support from family, friends, community groups, hospices, and health and social care professionals.
The doula role does not replace medical care, nursing, professional counselling, or legal advice. A doula does not make treatment decisions for you. If someone also offers another professional service, ask about their qualifications and which role they will be working in.
Speak to your GP or care team about symptoms, treatment, and the care available locally. You can also read the
NHS guide to end-of-life care.
Using Find a Doula
You can browse profiles by location, services offered, training, and other information shared by members. Each profile is created by the doula or organisation and may describe their background, approach, qualifications, and availability.
When you find someone you would like to speak with, contact them through the platform. An initial conversation can help you decide whether their approach feels right for you. You can involve someone you trust and take time before deciding.
Understanding profiles and verification
The directory includes doulas with different backgrounds and levels of experience, including doulas in training and members whose details have not been independently verified.
A listing does not mean that every statement in a profile has been checked. Where verification is shown, check what it covers rather than assuming it applies to all qualifications, experience, or services. Verification is not a guarantee of suitability or quality of care.
Ask members to explain their training, experience, professional memberships, and any verification claims. You can also check relevant details with the organisation named.
Questions to ask before choosing a doula
- What experience do you have of supporting someone in my situation?
- What training have you completed, and are you still in training?
- What support can you offer, and what is outside your role?
- Do you work in person, remotely, or both?
- What is your availability, and what happens if you cannot attend?
- How would you work alongside my family and care team?
- How do you protect personal information?
- Can you explain your insurance, professional boundaries, and complaints process?
Costs and arrangements
Doulas may charge for their services. Ask whether there is a fee for the first conversation and request a clear explanation of charges before agreeing to support.
Agree in writing what is included, any travel or additional costs, payment arrangements, and cancellation terms. If cost is a concern, ask whether reduced-cost or voluntary support is available. Do not assume that doula services are funded by the NHS.
Making contact safely
- Arrange a phone or video conversation before meeting
- Consider involving someone you trust in early conversations
- Share sensitive information only when you understand why it is needed and how it will be used
- Check the person’s identity and agreed terms before making a payment
- Take your time: you should not feel pressured to book or pay
You do not have to continue with someone if you feel uncomfortable. You can ask further questions, speak to another doula, or choose a different kind of support.
