I moved to Leicester from the US in 2022 and my working background is in community projects and support for unpaid carers. A lot of that work involved helping people manage practical problems while they were tired, worried or trying to keep everything going for someone else.
I became interested in doula work because support for a family often centres on the person who is ill, while those around them are struggling too. I work with both, according to what the individual wants. I can provide company, help organise a visiting rota, make notes during discussions and support conversations that have been put off.
I don’t assume that everyone wants to talk about dying. Some people want help getting organised, and others simply want someone outside the family to talk to. We can agree what would be useful and review it as things change.
My role is non-medical. I work alongside existing services and respect different beliefs, relationships and family circumstances.
The Life’s End Foundation Certificate provides a practical introduction to the role of an end-of-life doula and the principles that underpin compassionate, person-centred support.
