Swansong : End-of-Life Doula Services

11/09/2025

Last week I had the privilege of being interviewed on the Breakfast Show with Chris Chang and Jennie-May Clarkson.

It was Dying Matters Week, and a great opportunity to explain what we do to support people in our work as Doulas.

Treza Gallogly talks to Chris Chang and Jennie-May Clarkson about the role of Doulas in NZ.

29/08/2025

Dying Matters Week event : North Shore Hospice,Auckland, Tuesday 2 September at 7pm.

Join us for a panel discussion on all you want to know about options for living your best life, and dying well.

I'm looking forward to the korero 🙂

22/08/2025

RNZ today: Reform of our Advance Directive system is badly needed.

Parliament's health select committee agrees the current advance directive system needs urgent reform.

19/08/2025

Hi all,
I attended a webinar this morning, with Dr. Ira Byock, an American physician, author and advocate for palliative care. I have heard him speak before and he is truly inspirational.

I am going to read his books, but wanted to share this thought with you for Tuesday:

03/07/2025

Documentary on Totara Hospice is on this Sunday night at 6.30pm on TV3.

Looks like a good watch. Trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXXzkm3mPFg

Tōtara Hospice Hospice NZ – Living Every Moment

With unprecedented access, we meet the team from South Auckland’s Tōtara Hospice - from the doctors and nurses who care for patients with life limiting illne...

02/07/2025

THE 7 KEYS to Navigating life with illness...

The Waiting Room Revolution provides the best guidance I've seen on how to best live your life while dealing with illness. Have a look, and share with anyone you know, either for themselves, or someone else they know and love.

Download a one page version of the Seven Keys here!

05/05/2025

'Woman free to die' : today's Herald headline.

Serious food for thought, especially thinking about nature taking it's course, Assisted Dying, VSED (Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking), and a person's right to choice.

Also - how do we define 'su***de'?

A very polarising subject, and posted here with the intention to provoke personal thought.

Doulas provide non-judgemental support for those living with chronic or terminal illness.

'We can never judge a man until we walk a mile in his shoes'.

28/04/2025

HOW CAN A DEATH DOULA HELP?

A death doula can provide invaluable support during a time of profound change and vulnerability. They offer a non-medical presence, focusing on emotional, spiritual, and practical needs. This can include helping to navigate medical decisions, easing anxiety and fear, facilitating meaningful conversations with loved ones, and creating a peaceful and supportive environment. A death doula's presence can empower individuals to have more control over their end-of-life experience, fostering a sense of dignity, comfort, and peace during a challenging time.

If you, or someone you know, is living with chronic or terminal illness, please reach out and say Hi. An initial chat costs nothing, and I guarantee I will have valuable insight to share.

23/04/2025

Did you know that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a funeral? These workshops lay out the practical steps to maximise dignity and minimise debt.

➡ Sat. 3rd May, 10am to 2pm. Te Matawai, Kainga Ora 139 Grey’s Ave, CBD.
➡ Sun. 4th May, 1pm to 5pm, Birkdale Hall, 136 Birkdale Road
➡ Fri. 9th May, 10am to 2pm, Orewa. St John’s Catholic Church, 180 Centreway Rd.

📍Cost: $40 p/p $60 pair/couple $70 family group of three. (Or by donation) Register at deathwithoutdebt.org.nz or deathwithoutdebt@proton.me

18/04/2025

Doing a will and your power of attorneys is not enough.

Here’s why an advance care plan is just as important….

✨️ An informative article by Stuff.co.nz about the importance and purpose of developing an Advance Care Plan ✨️

https://www.stuff.co.nz/home-property/360597111/last-hurrah-what-older-people-should-be-doing-take-weight

Prepare yours here: https://www.myacp.org.nz/your-plan

15/03/2025

So important to recognise this and take time for self-care…

Grief can exist before death. People facing their own death or the death of a loved one may experience anticipatory grief

08/03/2025

NO-ONE DIES ALONE project

Today I had the privilege of attending my first No-one Dies Alone training in Auckland. Thanks to the inspiring death educator and mentor, Kay Ryan, who has spearheaded this movement in Aotearoa. Honohono Tātou Katoa and the team for bringing this together, and the staff at CHT St. Johns for having the foresight to understand the importance of this role - volunteers providing comfort and friendship to the dying.

A wonderful group of kind, caring and compassionate humans came along to learn, and are willing to spend time with those at end of life, who don't have anyone alongside them.

One day, may we all have the confidence to take up this role in our communities.