Gaylene Delaney, End of Life Doula

Your Region:  Tauranga
Your Business:  End of Life Doula,  Embrace Life
Professional Affiliations: ELDAA
Your Website: www.embracelife.co.nz
Contact Email: info@embracelife.co.nz

Tell us what you do

I walk alongside people and their family during life’s final chapter, offering support, guidance, and simply being there so no lone feels alone.  I also love bringing people together to talk more openly about dying and planning ahead, through community events like Death without debt and Death Café.

Why you are involved in Dying Matters Week?

I am involved with Dying Matters Week because I strongly believe talking about death helps us live more fully, in the here and now.  By creating safe, open spaces for these conversations, helps us ease fear, build confidence in planning ahead and remind ourselves that death, just like birth, is a normal, natural part of life.

Tell us about your 2025 programme

We had a lively Q and A event at Greerton library, giving people a chance to ask questions and share interesting stories, in a safe place.  We completed the week with an incredible, fun and engaging Expo which ran from 9:30 am to 4 pm.  We had a range of very interesting speakers and several stalls, which were kept busy all day.  We had beautiful coffee from Archies coffee cart and yummy sausages, courtesy of the Katikati Coffin Club.  Overall, a fantastic and uplifting day.  Find out more…