The End of Life Doulas Behind Dying Matters Week Events

Most of us know what a birth doula does – someone who walks alongside a family as they welcome new life. Far fewer of us know that the same kind of steady, compassionate companionship exists at the other end of life too. An end of life doula offers exactly that: non-medical, holistic support for a person and their whānau as they navigate the time leading up to death, and beyond.

An end of life doula’s role is shaped around whatever the person in front of them actually needs, but that support tends to fall into a few key areas: practical help that brings a sense of control and comfort; emotional support that helps someone feel truly heard;, and guidance to make informed choices about what lies ahead. Doulas also help ensure cultural and spiritual wishes are honoured, and that the people who matter most are kept close and informed along the way.

Doulas work wherever they’re needed, in homes, hospitals, care homes, and hospices. Helping families understand what to expect, supporting open conversations about death, and working alongside palliative care teams to help someone live as fully as possible, right up until they die. Their support doesn’t end with a death either; many doulas continue on to guide families through funeral planning, cultural practices, and connecting with grief support in the weeks that follow.

Who Is ELDAA?

The End of Life Doula Alliance of Aotearoa (ELDAA) is the professional body behind this growing field in New Zealand. ELDAA provides a membership association that recognises end of life doulas as a professional entity, sets the standards for doula practice across the motu, and acts as a central point of contact for anyone looking to find a doula in their region. If you’re curious about doula support for yourself or someone you love, ELDAA’s website is the best place to start.

End of life doulas also play an important part in bringing death and dying out of the shadows and into the spotlight. By sitting with families through some of life’s hardest conversations, they help normalise talking about death long before a crisis hits, a shift that ripples out into the wider communities they work in. It’s this same gentle, community-led spirit that sits at the heart of Dying Matters Week, and it’s exactly why so many of this year’s events across the country are being run by end of life doulas.

Find a doula in your region

Learn more about ELDAA

Dying Matters Week Events

This Dying Matters Week, ELDAA doulas are hosting talks, workshops, and conversations in communities across Aotearoa, sharing their knowledge and opening the door to conversations about death and dying. Whether you’re planning ahead or simply curious, everyone is welcome, nau mai, haere mai, hoki mai koutou.

Find an event near you below or view all Dying Matters Week events….