S6 Ep4: What is an end of life doula?

The Life and Death Podcast · 2025-06-16

How can a doula support people who are dying and those important to them?

Dr Emma Clare, chartered psychologist, end of life doula, and director of End of Life Doula UK, joins host Stephen Rumford to unpack the often misunderstood role of the doula. Unlike a healthcare professional, a doula offers emotional, practical and human support at the end of life, simply by being there, witnessing, and walking alongside.

Drawing on her clinical training, academic research, and personal experience, Emma shares how doulas help people reflect on their lives, find meaning, and feel less alone in the face of death. Together, Emma and Stephen explore what it means to be truly present, why connection matters so deeply, and how anyone, not just professionals, can bring more honesty, care and calm to conversations about dying.

This is a grounding, moving conversation for anyone interested in what it means to show up with compassion at the end of life.

Follow Ashgate on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice

Support resources: Ashgate Hospice
Find out more about End of Life Doula UK: www.eol-doula.uk
This episode of The Life and Death Podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production.

The Life and Death Podcast

Honest conversations about life, death and so much more. Your host, Stephen Rumford, talks to people who have experiences of death and dying to get a deeper understanding of what life and death means to them. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up with us on our socials.
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