Doula - People
The support I offer can come in many forms and will be led by what you want. Our relationship will grow and change over time as we get to know each other and it’s okay if your needs and desires change as we progress together.
As a Doula my role is to be with you, or your loved one, compassionately in ways that are tailored to you. I’m here to help you navigate the end of life and to offer non-medical support. This could be anything from in-depth end of life planning through to visiting for a cuppa and a chat, or to sit together in quiet contemplation if you don’t feel like talking. I’ll chuck the vacuum around on one day and help you come up with a funeral plan the next if that’s what you want.
I also understand that not everyone has people around them and I can offer support to those who find themselves alone.
I’m an excellent hugger, if hugs are something you need.
I am lighthearted and enjoy having fun. You may be surprised to see how much humour there can be around death and dying although it might not feel that way right now.
Other points you may wish to know about me while you consider if I could be the right person for you or your loved one are: My name is pronounced Zoe, it's just spelt differently, I am heavily tattooed. I am LGBTQIA+. I am a vegetarian. I’m pretty hippyish in my style. I’m a Level 2 Usui Reiki healer – although rusty; very rusty! I’m a spiritual person although I am not personally religious.
Outside of being a Doula I enjoy being in nature more than anything, getting my bare feet muddy brings me deep joy. My favourite place is under the Beech trees in Avebury, Wiltshire. I love to read; books and writing have been passions of mine since I was tiny. I enjoy cross-stitching, crochet, knitting and embroidery. I was once a keen runner and would like to get back into this. I love to sing and music has always been a big thing in my life in various ways.
Doula - Pets
Our pets are absolutely part of our family. Being able to offer support when your beloved pet is nearing the end of life is something that I am honoured to do.
We can have a conversation about your loved one’s situation and what support you may feel you want from me. Whether it’s attending vet appointments with you and ensuring that you’re heard and any questions you have are asked, taking notes for you to refer back to later, being with you and your pet when they are put to sleep whether that’s at home or at the vet’s, or to support you with arrangements after they have died.
Sometimes, people don’t want to be there when their pets are put down and if you feel that way, please know you’re not alone. This is something that I can do for you so you know that your pet’s final moments were spent with someone who cares for them deeply.
Having lost pets in the past I understand the void which is left when they die.
Celebrant
Funerals are hard and the last thing you want is ceremony which doesn’t truly reflect the person who has died.
Let me help.
As a celebrant, I will visit you and to talk about your person in great detail. My preferred method to hold these meetings is to record the audio (with your permission) so that we can just let the conversation flow naturally.
After our meeting, I will begin to craft the ceremony. I might reach out to you with some additional questions to add more depth to the service. When I have completed the first draft, I will send it to you for review.
At this point, you tell me what edits you want to make (anything you want to remove, anything you want to add, maybe you’ve thought of a preferred piece of music) and I will send an updated draft for you to review and approve/edit further.
I can also offer funeral celebrant services if you wish to have a ceremony for your pet when they have died. This can be at home or, potentially, at the crematorium if you are using one privately. Please contact me to discuss your needs.
Going Away Parties
People say that funerals are for the living and, well, they’re right, aren’t they?
Sometimes I wonder why people wait until after you’ve died to say all the lovely things they think about you. You should get to hear them!
You may have heard the term “Living Funeral” before; but I prefer to think of it as a Going Away Party.
If you are walking your end of life path at the moment and think that you might like a gathering in your honour where your loved ones come together to celebrate your life with you before you’ve died then let’s make it happen.
You don’t have to be a client of my Doula services to organise your Going Away Party.