Helen Callanan reflects on end of life doula work, grief, community, self care and what it means to live fully while remembering that life is finite.
Reflections
When denial is not the enemy
Is denial always the enemy at end of life? This reflective blog explores how denial can protect hope and invites greater compassion and presence.
Why we’re end of life doulas, not death doulas
Discover why Preparing the Way uses the term end of life doula and how it reflects compassionate support through planning, care, bereavement and family support.
What our team is really excited about in 2026
Hear from the Preparing the Way team on what they’re excited about in 2026: community, training, self-care, and normalising end of life conversations.
Preparing the Way’s spectacular 2025 year in review
Education, community, partnerships, advocacy, recognition and more–we’ve had a spectacular year. Here’s Preparing the Way’s 2025 year in review.
At the threshold: An end of life doula outside
An end of life doula shares the profound grief of wanting to help someone at the end of life but being asked to just be a friend instead.
End of life doulas and social workers: distinct, complementary
What’s the difference between end of life doulas and social workers? We clarify frameworks, approaches and how we collaborate for truly holistic care.
1,000 faces of an end of life doula
What does an end of life doula look like? Explore different ways people bring doula skills to end of life and death care, from business owners to volunteers.
Come with Me, a poem
Our founder and lead educator, Helen Callanan, shares a poem, ‘Come with Me’, inspired by ‘The Sunflowers’ by Mary Oliver.
2023 year-end message and exciting plans for 2024
Our founder and lead educator, Helen Callanan, shares insights and lessons learned in end of life doula training in 2023 and sets the stage for 2024.