About the founder – Bev Downie End of Life Doula
Who am I?
I’m Bev Downie, an End of Life Doula trained by Living Well Dying Well, with more than 18 years of experience in hospice administration, volunteering and community care across West Sussex.
My work is grounded in compassion, practicality, and the belief that end-of-life care should be connected, supportive, and centred on people’s real needs..
Why I Started the End of Life Network
My journey began as a volunteer at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester, where I discovered how profoundly hospice care can support not only the dying, but also their families, friends, and wider communities. Later, in my role as Clinical Admin Manager, I saw first-hand the growing pressures on GPs, hospices, and community teams. Too often, families struggled to navigate fragmented systems at a time when they most needed clarity and compassion.
I founded the End of Life Network to create a supportive hub where professionals, families, and communities can share knowledge, collaborate, and feel connected.
My Vision
The Network is built on a simple belief: when care is joined-up, nobody should feel alone at the end of life.
Through the Network, I aim to:
- Build stronger links between hospices, GPs, doulas, funeral directors, and community organisations. starting with a pilot scheme in West Sussex.
- Share practical guidance and emotional support for families facing loss
- Encourage open, compassionate conversations about death and dying
- Provide resources that make navigating the end-of-life journey clearer and less overwhelming
My Work as an End of Life Doula
As a Doula, I walk alongside people in their final months, weeks and days —offering time, presence, and continuity. My role is not to replace medical care, but to complement it with emotional, spiritual, and practical support. Whether at home, in hospital, or in a hospice, I believe every person deserves dignity, choice, and to feel seen and heard.
Let’s Connect
The Network is open to anyone who shares the belief that dying well is as important as living well.
Whether you are a professional in health or social care, a family member, or simply someone who cares about building a more compassionate community, I’d love to connect with you.
Please contact me or sign up below to receive information about news and events.