The catalogue

Marie Curie · charity · organisation

Index page: all of Marie Curie's guidance on the end of life. Understanding what to expect at the end of life and knowing how to get support can help you, and people caring for you, feel more prepared for this time.

Red Tent Doulas · organisation

A UK practitioner-led organisation offering end of life doula services and information. Provides a useful description of the doula role in the context of home death, vigiling, and practical family support — useful as a reference for explaining the role to clients.

NHS · official · guide

Find out what to expect from end of life care, wherever you're being cared for, including the 5 priorities for care and who to speak to if you’re concerned.

Compassion in Dying · charity · article

Research report. How to ensure people’s decisions are respected at the end of life

Compassion in Dying · guide

Explains how to record personal wishes about care, values, religion, daily routine, and preferred place of care. Unlike an Advance Decision, an Advance Statement is not legally binding but must be taken into account by healthcare professionals.

Compassion in Dying · tool

A free, guided online tool to create a legally binding Advance Decision (living will) for England and Wales. Guides users through treatment refusal scenarios step by step. Documents must be printed, signed, and shared with GP. Also offers an Advance Statement template for wider wishes.

Compassion in Dying · helpline

Free helpline for people wanting information and support around end of life rights, Advance Decisions, Advance Statements, and treatment refusals. Open to individuals, families, and practitioners. Phone: 0800 999 2434. Email: info@compassionindying.org.uk.

Compassion in Dying · charity · organisation

Index page: all of Compassion in Dying's help with planning ahead. We support you to make informed choices, start honest conversations about death and dying with your loved ones, and record and revisit your wishes whenever you want, for free.

Compassion in Dying · charity · guide

DNR forms are used by healthcare professionals to communicate that a decision has been made not to attempt CPR.

Compassion in Dying · charity · guide

A living will is a form which lets you refuse any medical treatments that you do not want to be given in the future.

Marie Curie · guide

Comprehensive guidance on advance care planning for professionals, including the Gold Standard Framework for community palliative care. Covers preferred place of death, anticipatory prescribing, and carer support. Includes downloadable tools and templates.

Marie Curie · charity · organisation

Index page: all of Marie Curie's guidance on planning ahead. Why planning ahead is important. Information on making a Will, decisions about the care you

NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB · guide

Practical guidance for health and social care professionals (and doulas) on how to initiate and support advance care planning conversations. Covers the ReSPECT form, who should be involved, and how to document wishes in a way the NHS will honour.

NHS England · guide

NHS England's framework setting out the universal principles that should underpin all advance care planning conversations and documentation. Essential reading for doulas supporting clients to navigate the NHS ACP process.

NHS · official · guide

Advice about planning for end of life care, including how to let people know what care you want to receive.

Compassion in Dying · charity · article

Research report. Lessons from an end-of-life helpline.

Carers UK · helpline

National charity for unpaid carers. Provides information, advice, and emotional support for those caring for a dying person. Helpline: 0808 808 7777 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm). Useful when supporting exhausted family carers who need guidance on rights and respite.

Death Cafe · organisation

A global movement to increase openness about death through informal, agenda-free conversations over tea and cake. The UK is the largest network globally. Find or host a local Death Cafe to build community connections and support clients in having early conversations about dying.

Dying Matters / Hospice UK · organisation

A coalition led by Hospice UK to promote public awareness of death, dying, and bereavement. Provides conversation starter resources, the annual Dying Matters Awareness Week, and tools to help communities talk more openly about death.

Marie Curie · charity · organisation

Index page: Marie Curie's booklets and publications. Browse the Marie Curie shop for a great range of charity Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, hampers, and decorations. All profits go towards the care of terminally ill patients

Living Well Dying Well · professional · organisation

How to find End of Life Doula support. End of Life Doula UK, part of the Living Well Dying Well Network, receives all enquiries about doula support.

Living Well Dying Well · professional · article

Doulas provide a community-led response to support, share information and resources, and to re-empower families who wish to care for their dying at home, hospital or in nursing home.

NHS · official · guide

Information to help you cope during end of life care, including how your symptoms might change and what financial support you can get.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · article

Direct experience account. Dr Agnieszka Anna Pytlowana is a Clinical Psychologist who understands, both professionally and personally, the impact of bereavement and grief. We're incredibly grateful to Anna for sharing her experience and insights with us.

GOV.UK · official · guide

The steps you must take when someone dies - register a death, report a death with Tell Us Once, coroners, funerals and death abroad.

AtaLoss · tool

A registered charity connecting people with over 2,000 local and national bereavement services across the UK. Searchable by location, type of loss, age group, and preference. The most comprehensive directory of UK bereavement support — ideal for referring clients' families.

GOV.UK · official · guide

The steps you must take when someone dies - register a death, report a death with Tell Us Once, coroners, funerals and death abroad.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Welsh-language version. Y camau y mae’n rhaid i chi eu cymryd ar ôl i rywun farw – cofrestru marwolaeth, rhoi gwybod am farwolaeth gyda’r gwasanaeth Dywedwch Wrthym Unwaith, crwneriaid, angladdau a marwolaethau dramor.

Cancer Research UK · guide

Concise guidance on the immediate practical steps after a cancer-related death at home or in hospital: confirming death, contacting the right people, getting the medical certificate, and what to expect next. Helpful when a client's death follows a cancer diagnosis.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · guide

Seasonal: Mother's Day. Grieving on mother's day can be extremely difficult, especially when we see families celebrate it on social media & TV. We can help.

Cruse Bereavement Support · helpline

The UK's leading bereavement charity, offering free face-to-face, telephone, email, and online support to anyone who has experienced a loss. National helpline: 0808 808 1677 (Mon & Fri 9:30am–5pm, Tue–Thu 9:30am–8pm). Local groups and one-to-one counselling also available.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · organisation

Index page: all of Cruse's ways to get support. We're here to help you no matter how long you've been grieving. Learn more about our different bereavement support services here.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · article

Direct experience account. Dylan Llewellyn, star of Celebrity Race Across the World, shares his story about losing his brother to suicide and his journey through grief.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · guide

Grief affects us emotionally & physically. But it's different for everyone. Here, we list some of the most common effects of grief.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Contact your council to find resources and support to help when you have to cope with a death

Funeral Guide · guide

A detailed practical guide to laying out a body at home or in a care setting. Covers timing (rigor mortis sets in within 2–7 hours), washing, dressing, temperature management using ice packs, and the legal position in the UK. Written for families and care professionals.

The Good Funeral Guide · guide

A compassionate, practical guide to keeping a body at home after death: legal rights, cooling, washing, dressing, and how long it is safe to keep the body at home. Written to empower families and doulas to take an active role in after-death care.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · helpline

Our Helpline volunteers are here to help you make sense of how you're feeling. You can call us for free on 0808 808 1677

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · article

Grieving and remembering loved ones has changed over time, with people today often expressing grief in more personal ways.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Arranging a funeral for someone you love can be overwhelming. We offer resources on how to organise a funeral and a ceremony.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · guide

It can be hard to know what to say and what to do, when someone dies. We have some tips on how to help your friend, family member or colleague with their grief.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · article

Seasonal: Mother's Day. May people will find mothers day difficult. There are ways to care for yourself on Mother’s Day, whatever your experience is.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · guide

Grief is overwhelming. Find out the ways you can support yourself and manage your grief.

Marie Curie · helpline

Free bereavement support from Marie Curie volunteers — up to six telephone sessions for adults aged 18+ who are grieving after someone has died from a terminal illness. Helpline: 0800 090 2309. Email: support@mariecurie.org.uk.

Marie Curie · guide

Professional guidance from Marie Curie's Palliative Care Knowledge Zone covering last offices, laying out, religious and cultural considerations in after-death care, and what healthcare professionals and doulas need to know. Well-structured and practical.

Marie Curie · charity · organisation

Index page: all of Marie Curie's guidance on grief. Everyone

Mind · guide

Mind's mental health guidance on the emotional experience of grief, when grief becomes a mental health concern, and how to access support including NHS talking therapies. A reassuring reference for doulas supporting families experiencing complicated or prolonged grief.

National Bereavement Alliance · organisation

An alliance of UK organisations working together to improve support for bereaved people. Provides a directory of member organisations and policy resources. Useful for finding specialist bereavement support beyond mainstream services.

NHS · guide

NHS guidance on the grieving process, what to expect, when to seek help, and how to access free talking therapies on the NHS including CBT. Includes self-referral routes to NHS Talking Therapies services — no GP referral required.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · organisation

Cruse bereavement support local services

Poppy's Funerals · guide

Step-by-step practical guide to caring for a body at home: confirming death, keeping the room cool, washing and dressing, rigor mortis timing, how long the body can remain at home, and when to contact a funeral director. Written accessibly for families and doulas.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · article

Direct experience account. Rachael shares her story of losing her mum suddenly, navigating grief over the festive season and finding support through community and Cruse.

Sands · helpline

Support for parents and families whose baby has been stillborn or died shortly after birth. Helpline: 08081 643 332. Email: helpline@sands.org.uk. Offers peer support, online communities, and guidance on what to do after a baby dies.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Explanation of the theory and the five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance.

Support Around Death / NHS Scotland · guide

NHS Scotland resource on supporting LGBTQ+ people through bereavement, noting the importance of recognising chosen families and not making assumptions about relationships. Relevant across the UK for doulas supporting LGBTQ+ clients and their networks.

The Compassionate Friends · helpline

Peer support organisation for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents. Phone: 03451 232 304. Provides listening support, local groups, and an extensive library of resources for families bereaved by the death of a child at any age.

The Good Funeral Guide · guide

An independent, comprehensive resource covering all aspects of funeral planning in the UK, including home funerals, natural burial, green funerals, DIY funerals, and how to choose a funeral director. Essential reference for doulas supporting families with non-traditional funeral wishes.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · guide

When someone dies in a sudden or traumatic situation our feelings can be very strong and frightening. We're here to help you through it.

UOK / Support After Suicide · helpline

Free helpline for those bereaved by suicide. Helpline: 08081 961 768. Provides peer support, listening, and signposting to specialist suicide bereavement services. A critical resource when supporting a family after an unexpected or traumatic death.

GOV.UK · official · guide

The steps you must take when someone dies - register a death, report a death with Tell Us Once, coroners, funerals and death abroad.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Practical guidance on what to do when someone dies at home or in a hospital. Step-by-step checklist covering caring for the body and registering a death.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Check what to do after a death - how to register the death, notify government departments and deal with the estate.

Winston's Wish · helpline

Specialist support for children and young people bereaved by the death of a parent or sibling. National helpline: 08088 020 021. Offers counselling, resources for schools, and guidance for adults supporting bereaved children.

University of East Anglia / End of Life Doula UK · article

Peer-reviewed evaluation of the 2023–2024 EoLDUK NHS-commissioned pilot in South West London. 12 doulas supported 25 individuals; 0 unplanned hospital admissions in final 3 months; 92% died in their preferred location. Key evidence for doula effectiveness and NHS integration.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Hospices provide free nursing and medical care for anyone with a terminal illness or life-limiting condition, as well as emotional support.

Hospice UK · organisation

The national charity for hospice and palliative care in the UK. Provides resources, training, campaigning, and the annual Dying Matters Awareness Week. A central hub for professionals and families navigating end of life care within the NHS and hospice sector.

Marie Curie · organisation

One of the UK's largest end of life care charities. Provides nursing care at home and in hospices, bereavement support, information resources, and professional training. Their free helpline (0800 090 2309) supports patients, families, and professionals.

Marie Curie · charity · organisation

Index page: all of Marie Curie's guidance on getting care. Information about what care and support is available if you have a terminal illness, and how to access it.

NHS · guide

The NHS's main public-facing guidance on end of life care, covering palliative care, advance care planning, the dying process, care after death, and how to access NHS services. Useful for explaining the NHS pathway to clients and families.

Pilgrims Hospices · article

A clear, accessible explanation of the EoL doula role from a hospice perspective. Useful for sharing with NHS professionals, GPs, or family members who are unfamiliar with what a doula does and how they complement the healthcare team.

The Conversation · article

Accessible academic explainer on the EoL doula role, its evidence base, and how it fits within the broader healthcare ecosystem. Useful for sharing with NHS professionals, GPs, or family members who are sceptical about or unfamiliar with the doula role.

NHS · official · guide

Find out more about end of life care, which aims to help you live as well as possible until you die, and to die with dignity.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

End of life care involves treatment, care and support for people who are in the last year of life.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Palliative care offers physical, emotional and practical support to people with a terminal illness. It can be offered at any point after diagnosis.

NHS · official · guide

Information about where you can have end of life care, including at home, in hospital, in a care home or in a hospice.

Marie Curie · charity · organisation

Index page: all of Marie Curie's guidance on symptoms. A terminal illness can cause different symptoms. Find out how to manage or reduce symptoms.

Samaritans · helpline

Free, confidential listening support available 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional distress, overwhelming feelings, or thoughts of self-harm. Phone: 116 123 (free, 24/7). A key resource for doulas experiencing secondary trauma or burnout, and for distressed family members.

British Journal of Community Nursing · article

A peer-reviewed article exploring the EoL doula role within community nursing settings. Covers the practitioner experience, professional boundaries, self-care, and the doula's relationship with clinical teams. Valuable reading for reflective practice and CPD.

Age UK · guide

Plain-English checklist covering all practical steps after a death, from the immediate hours through to probate and estate administration. Includes guidance on death certificates, informing the bank, pension considerations, and what to do with benefits.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Find out if you need to apply for probate to deal with the estate of someone who’s died. Discover how to apply for probate or letters of administration and what to do if there’s no will.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Bereavement Support Payment is money you can get if your partner dies - how it works, eligibility, what you'll get, how to claim.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Find out if you need to apply for probate to deal with the estate of someone who’s died. Discover how to apply for probate or letters of administration and what to do if there’s no will.

GOV.UK · official · guide

If you already have the right or have probate (as an executor or administrator) you can start dealing with the estate. You may need to apply for the right to deal with the estate of the person who's died (also called 'probate').

GOV.UK · official · guide

Get a declaration of presumed death if a person has been missing for at least 7 years or you think they've died - form N208, certificate of presumed death, appeal, complain.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Funeral Expenses Payment (also called Funeral Payment) to help pay funeral costs if you get certain benefits - eligibility, how to claim, form SF200

Office of the Public Guardian / GOV.UK · tool

Official guidance and online service for setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for property and financial affairs or health and welfare. Covers who can make one, the registration process, costs, and what happens when the donor dies.

GOV.UK · guide

Official guidance on how and where to register a death in England and Wales, including who can register, what documents are needed, and what to do if the death is referred to a coroner. Includes links to Scotland and Northern Ireland processes.

GOV.UK · tool

A free government service that lets you report a death to most government departments and local council services in one notification. Covers HMRC, DWP, DVLA, passport office, and local council. Saves families from having to contact each department separately.

GOV.UK · guide

The official UK government guide covering everything that must be done after a death: getting a medical certificate, registering the death, what to do if a coroner is involved, Tell Us Once service, funeral arrangements, and probate. Essential reference for post-death navigation.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Guardian's Allowance help if you're looking after a child who is not your own - rates, eligibility, how to claim, appeal a decision.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Value the estate of someone who's died so that you can get probate: work out if tax is due, check how to report the estate's value, complete the correct form.

GOV.UK · official · guide

Apply to settle in the UK if your partner dies and you're in the UK as their dependant or partner

Marie Curie · charity · guide

It

Compassion in Dying · charity · guide

A lasting power of attorney is a legal document that lets you give someone you trust the power to make decisions for you.

Compassion in Dying · charity · guide

The law in England and Wales says if someone cannot make a decision for themselves the decision needs to be made by someone else. The person making the decision must act in the person

Marie Curie · charity · organisation

Index page: all of Marie Curie's guidance on money and work. Information about benefits and finances for people who

GOV.UK · official · guide

Where and how to register a stillbirth, who can register it, financial support you may be able to get and support organisations

GOV.UK · official · guide

The steps you must take when someone dies - register a death, report a death with Tell Us Once, coroners, funerals and death abroad.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

If you have a terminal illness, you may be able to claim benefits under the special rules. Your claim could be fast-tracked and you may receive more.

GOV.UK · official · guide

How to claim Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave: what you're entitled to, check if you're eligible and how to claim it.

GOV.UK · official · guide

How to apply to the Children’s Funeral Fund for help paying for a funeral for a child under 18

GOV.UK · official · guide

How to update the property records and transfer a registered property when someone dies using forms DJP, AS1 and AP1.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Explains what happens to your State Pension and workplace pension when you die, and if you could take your pension early if you have a terminal illness.

GOV.UK · official · guide

The steps you must take when someone dies - register a death, report a death with Tell Us Once, coroners, funerals and death abroad.

GOV.UK · official · guide

The steps you must take when someone dies - register a death, report a death with Tell Us Once, coroners, funerals and death abroad.

GOV.UK · official · guide

How the death of your partner affects your benefits, tax and pension. What you can claim and who to tell about your change of circumstances.

British Islamic Medical Association · guide

Resources and advocacy for compassionate end of life care aligned with Islamic values and traditions. Covers DNACPR considerations, body washing (ghusl), facing Mecca, and family involvement. Essential when supporting Muslim clients and families.

GOV.UK / Department of Health · guide

A UK government resource for professionals and commissioners working in communities with diverse faiths. Covers Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh, and Christian end of life practices including washing the body, prayer, and family roles. A foundational reference for culturally sensitive care.

Hospice UK · guide

Hospice UK's dedicated resources for providing inclusive, person-centred care to LGBTQ+ people at end of life. Developed in partnership with GIRES and Stonewall, drawing on input from over 100 professionals. Covers assessment, communication, and avoiding assumptions.

Hospice UK · guide

A practical resource to improve inclusion and safety for trans and gender diverse people in hospice and end of life care settings — as patients, visitors, staff, or volunteers. Covers terminology, policies, and how to create an affirming care environment.

Marie Curie · guide

Professional guidance noting that some LGBTQ+ people access palliative care late or not at all due to fear of discrimination. Advises practitioners to avoid assumptions about relationships and gender, and to ask sensitive questions when relevant to care.

PMC / National Library of Medicine · article

Peer-reviewed academic overview of spiritual considerations in end of life care across the five major faiths in the UK (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism). Covers beliefs about death, afterlife, body care, and family roles. Useful as a research-backed reference.

St Nicholas Hospice · guide

A downloadable guide to spiritual and religious needs of people at end of life, covering five major faiths and secular spiritual needs. Addresses what to say, environmental considerations, and how to facilitate spiritual and religious rituals respectfully.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you may need help with making adaptations to your home.

Age UK · guide

Comprehensive information for family carers supporting a loved one with dementia, including as the condition reaches end of life. Covers practical care, legal planning, respite services, and emotional support for carers.

Alzheimer's Society · guide

Free downloadable booklet covering all aspects of dementia care including as the condition progresses toward end of life. Covers communication, behaviour, legal planning, and carer wellbeing. Available to order free of charge.

Alzheimer's Society · guide

A curated directory of organisations providing end of life support specifically for people with dementia and their carers. Includes links to palliative care teams, Admiral Nurses, and legal services for those who lack capacity.

Alzheimer's Society · helpline

National dementia support line offering information, emotional support, and referrals for people affected by dementia including at end of life. Helpline: 0333 150 3456. Available seven days a week.

Alzheimer's Society · guide

Practical guidance on identifying the signs that a person with dementia is entering the final stage of life. Covers changes in eating, sleeping, breathing, communication, and mobility. Helps doulas and families understand what to expect and how to respond.

Dementia UK · guide

Guidance for carers of people with dementia on managing their own wellbeing, recognising burnout, and accessing support. Admiral Nurses helpline: 0800 888 6678. Directly relevant when supporting exhausted family carers who are at breaking point.

Dementia United · guide

A national directory of end of life care resources specifically focused on dementia, including advance care planning tools, palliative care guidance, and family support. Useful as a starting point when navigating dementia-specific end of life services.

Child Bereavement UK · organisation

Supports families and professionals when a baby or child of any age dies, or when a child is bereaved. Provides training, resources, and a helpline (0800 02 888 40). An important resource when working with families where children are involved in the dying or bereavement process.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Learn how grief affects teenagers and young people and find tips to support them through it.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Find out how children of different ages understand and react to death, and learn how to support them through their grief.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Talking about death honestly can help children and young people feel supported. Use simple language and encourage questions.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Children and young people might have lots of questions or concerns when someone dies. Answering these honestly can help both of you grieve.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Information on returning to school after someone dies, and how to support a child during the process.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Why you should tell a child that someone

Living Well Dying Well · professional · training

The Foundation course and End of Life Doula Diploma are certified by the Crossfields Institute Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.

Living Well Dying Well · professional · training

Continuing Professional Development workshops for current learners and certificated doulas, to complement their training.

Living Well Dying Well · professional · training

Frequently asked questions about doula training and the Living Well Dying Well Foundation course.

Living Well Dying Well · professional · training

The Diploma in the Living Well Dying Well Person-Centred Approach to Death and Dying, building on the four topics of the Foundation course.

End of Life Doula UK · organisation

The UK membership association and community of practice for end of life doulas. Sets the standards for UK EoL doula practice, operates a public referral service, provides mentoring, and offers ongoing support to practitioners. All practising members are DBS-checked, insured, and work under a code of practice.

Living Well Dying Well · professional · training

Continuing Professional Development courses run with End of Life Doula UK for people in training or trained with Living Well Dying Well.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · training

Training for professionals. Deepen your skills and understanding in supporting bereavement

Journey with Death · training

An 18-month immersive programme described as 'radical and deep', learning through community, storytelling, and shared wisdom. Requires personal study commitment and community engagement. For those seeking a deeply experiential and holistic approach to doula training.

Living Well Dying Well · training

The UK's leading quality-assured end of life doula training organisation, offering training since 2011. Provides Foundation and Diploma-level programmes accredited by Crossfields Institute. Works in partnership with EoLDUK to support the transition from training to practice.

Living Well Dying Well · training

Four-module, 18-month diploma building on the Foundation course. Covers self-reflection, empathy, diversity, spirituality, palliative care, complementary therapies, responsible practice, and scope of the doula role. All modules externally monitored and endorsed by Crossfields Institute.

Living Well Dying Well · training

Entry-level doula training accredited by Crossfields Institute. Covers core principles of end of life support, death literacy, and the doula role. Required for EoLDUK membership. Suitable both for those entering practice and for citizens seeking deeper understanding of death and dying.

Living Well Dying Well · professional · article

Videos about the work of end of life doulas.

Cruse Bereavement Support · charity · training

Training for professionals. Enhance your bereavement practice with Cruse Bereavement Support's training for therapists and counsellors, exploring loss, grief and effective client support.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Access our LGBTQ+ booklet for valuable insights and support tailored to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people dealing with terminal illness.

Marie Curie · charity · guide

Easy Read and video resources. Accessible Easy Read booklets and easy to understand videos about terminal illness, dying and grief.