End of Life Doula
“We all have two just two things in common – we are born and we die – birth and death are the two bookends of life.
In recent times birth and death have become medical events rather than social rites of passage. Historically our communities had people who provided non-medical support. With an aging population and increasing gaps in national health provision we need to equip people to fill the gaps. Doulas are well placed to provide independent, individually focussed support and care at end of life. The name of such a person is 'Doula' - a Greek word meaning 'woman of experience'. I am an End of Life Doula. I specialise in helping people, their families and communities regain the knowledge and confidence to have ownership of their own dying. I provide physical, emotional and spiritual support if required.
I was partly inspired to become a doula when two friends died in challenging circumstances – one had a terminal diagnosis but died in A&E because her pain could not be controlled at home, the other was torn between alternative friends and orthodox family resulting in much resentment both before and after death. It is never too early to start making decisions about our own dying – any of us could die at any time – it really helps to be prepared. The first thing I can do is help with advance planning – help you plan for your dying and share your plans. Once you are comfortable with dying you can start living.”
Helen is supported and mentored by End of Life Doula UK (EOLD-UK) https://eol-doula.uk/ - a national membership association for doulas. Helen was a founding member of EOLD-UK and is now regional representative for the Midlands and Wales, and committee member with responsibility for diversity. Helen started her training to be an end of life doula in 2016 with Living Well Dying Well https://www.lwdwtraining.uk/ - the only accredited training course for doulas in the UK. Prior to her career change Helen worked for many years in the contemporary arts and as a property surveyor so she has a wealth of diverse experience and networks on which to draw.
