Testimonials
Individuals come to Preparing the Way from many walks of life. What they share is a desire to accompany others at the end of life with skill, confidence, and care.
These reflections come from people who have taken part in our workshops, courses, and accredited training.
For individuals supporting family or community
The Foundation Workshop is an excellent and comprehensive introduction to the world of end-of-life planning and death literacy, irrespective of whether or not you wish to proceed with further study to become a professional end-of-life doula. The workshop is well constructed, with excellent documentation, access to numerous other resources (relevant across various jurisdictions) and is backed up with strong administrative support. Every one of us has and will face end-of-life situations impacting friends, family, colleagues, strangers and ultimately ourselves – this workshop is truly for everyone, irrespective of age, occupation or cultural background. Indeed, the variety of its participants is a strength of this workshop.
This program is truly exceptional and provides participants with invaluable insights and tools for those interested in end-of-life care, whether in a personal or professional capacity. The trainers are highly experienced professionals who create a supportive and engaging learning environment. Each session provided actionable strategies that could be implemented immediately. Another highlight was the opportunity for open discussion and reflection. I would highly recommend the Foundation Workshop as an investment in personal and professional development. It is truly worth it.
I believe everyone should do the Foundation Workshop; it is so essential to us all! The workshop is delivered very well, with a lot of knowledge and expertise, while striking the right balance of intimacy and professionalism, care and empowerment through knowledge, reflection and action, breadth and depth of content. You are left with a solid base and an expanded view for further exploring end of life and death in work and life.
Preparing the Way’s Intensive Course is so beautifully put together. It answers so many delicate questions and ideas we have swimming in our heads. It helps us all in many ways to travel that journey with peace of mind. Helping family and friends to maybe view death as a ‘part of life’ and maybe helping family members in the future or other ‘travellers’ at this end part of the journey.
It’s been two weeks since I completed the Preparing the Way four-day Intensive Course via Zoom and I already know it has been life-changing. Helen is a straight-talking, wise and kind teacher who seriously knows her craft. She understands and teaches the whole doula, empowering students with knowledge and supportive self-reflection, enabling them to explore and move into that part of themselves that is calling. Coming out of Zoom each day, I felt more and more reborn, seeing the world around me with new eyes and an enlivened heart. The educational experiences that made up the training were not only personally transforming but also incredibly comprehensive and practical. I am fully equipped to take what I have learned forward into my community and serve.
The Intensive Course delivered everything that was promised and more. Helen’s approach is professional, collaborative and encouraging. She finds the right way forward for each person. There is also a strong focus on the business aspects of starting out which means participants leave with tangible plans for where they go from here.
Learn more about our Foundation Workshop
Learn more about our Intensive Course
For health and care professionals
Allied health
Preparing the Way provided training to Allied Health clinicians in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) in 2024 on “Supporting our staff working in End-of-Life Care”. The facilitators provided a safe space for discussion of sensitive topics such as Voluntary Assisted Dying and approaching EOL discussions with patients and families.
Allied Health staff attending included occupational therapists, social workers and physiotherapists who all fed back that they found the training so important and should be available to all frontline workers.
Staff acknowledged that this is a high-burnout area of practice, and self-care and worker wellbeing were critical to monitor and manage.
Preparing the Way facilitators were able to provide self-care strategies and networking opportunities for allied health staff who don’t always have the opportunity to attend training that focused on these areas.
Lina Versace
A/Director Social Work | South Western Sydney Local Health District
Social Work Head of Department | Camden-Campbelltown Hospitals
Carers
Before finding Preparing the Way, navigating end-of-life conversations and responsibilities felt overwhelming for both our team and our clients (unpaid carers). Their incredibly informative program provided us with a much clearer understanding of the options and responsibilities involved, empowering us to take control of what can be a difficult situation with carers. The support offered was exceptional, demonstrating a deep understanding of the needs of both our team and, crucially, our carers. Thanks to Preparing the Way, our team is now significantly more confident, informed, and empowered to have these vital discussions, leading to better outcomes for everyone.
We engaged Preparing the Way to offer training to support carers but an unexpected outcome was the staff have expressed their gratitude to Helen and her team for their passion, empathy, and support because they are now planning for their families own future and having those harder conversations with their extended family.
Bonny Stephens
Program Manager, Carer Gateway
Nurses
Even after having a range of experiences around death and dying during my career as a Registered Nurse, I gained a wealth of additional knowledge from the Foundation Workshop! I left feeling informed, empowered, heard and supported. I feel well equipped to apply what I learned and to step confidently into the life of an end of life doula.
Deb, Registered Nurse, Mirboo North VIC
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Preparing the Way’s Foundation Workshop has opened the way up for me to move forward in my understanding of the role of an End of Life Doula. The workshop provided a caring, supportive environment. The information was informative and comprehensive and delivered in a way that was easy to listen to and which enabled us to share our thoughts about end of life and the conversations that can empower people.
Virginia, Registered Nurse
Palliative care
A significant shift in the care of individuals living with a life-limiting illness followed the introduction of Palliative Care in the 1960s. The benefits of palliative care are now widely recognised and applauded, but unforeseen consequences, including a deskilling of the community and the medicalisation of death, have seen a steady decline in the social understanding and acceptance of death as well as its significance.
Preparing the Way (PTW) is an accredited and highly regarded educational and training programme for those wishing to become an end-of-life doula. While integral to palliative care, it fills a gap by offering courses for those who seek to be more informed about the process of dying, end-of-life options and the humane care of someone nearing the end of life. I have been closely associated with PTW for many years and have contributed to their educational programme in a small but significant way. This connection has given me valuable insight into the compassionate ‘way’ graduates engage their clients, help them to navigate healthcare systems and support networks, and reshape attitudes towards death and dying.
I am a passionate supporter of PTW and a committed advocate for the role of end-of-life doulas. I have firsthand knowledge of how doulas minister to their clients and empower families in both their caring and advocacy roles. PTW and end-of-life doulas fill many of the gaps that contemporary palliative care has created, caring for clients and educating the community in a way that leads to death being viewed as part of life, rather than just its end.
Dr. Michael Barbato OAM
Retired Palliative Care Physician and Founder of MDCC
Explore training for professionals and organisations
Preparing the Way delivers professional learning for health and care professionals, alongside tailored education for organisations seeking to strengthen end of life care, staff support, and compassionate workplace culture.
For end-of-life doulas
Skill Set
I just have that next level of confidence and knowledge and understanding… This just kind of consolidates all of those concepts and the confidence. I think, feel, like I want to get out there and do doula-ing now.
Even though I’m thinking, ‘I still don’t know much,’ I do know much more… it gave me really more confidence… step by step, you’re getting this knowledge and it’s becoming deeper.
Oh my goodness, there’s been so much learning happening… It really feels like a community… There’s just layers. And I think in this space, you’re always learning. And I’m very grateful.
Certificate IV in End of Life Doula Services
As an End of Life Doula, I often reflect back on the first course I did with Preparing the Way – the Foundation Workshop – followed by the four-day Intensive. I was genuinely amazed by what Helen and her team presented and offered. After completing the Intensive, I went on to establish my business.
I later enrolled in the Certificate IV, and my business is now up and running. I’m also exploring a career as a holistic funeral director. I recommend starting with the initial courses. They’re a great way to check in with yourself and make sure this is the right path for you.
The Certificate IV helps us gain some level of acceptance within the medical community, and more importantly, it really builds our skills, knowledge, and ability to support a diverse range of clients and their families. I highly recommend the training with Preparing the Way.
Kylie Gangemi
End of Life Doula
With Wings of Grace, NSW
The 11044NAT Certificate IV in End of Life Doula Services is delivered in partnership with Essential Skills Training and Recruitment (RTO ID 91729).
Explore our accredited training
For those seeking formal qualifications, Preparing the Way offers nationally accredited training through the Skills Set and Certificate IV in End of Life Doula Services. These programs provide in-depth learning, assessment, and practical application, supporting graduates to work with integrity and professionalism.