Photo courtesy of The Press
Ways I can help right now
For when you just need simple first steps
Sit with you (in person, over the phone, or online) and listen.
Make a short, gentle plan for the next few days.
Guide calm conversations with whānau so everyone understands what’s happening.
Offer quiet bedside presence, day or night.
Walk you through what happens next if someone has just died.
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An EOLD is a trained, non‑medical companion who provides emotional, practical, cultural, social, educational and spiritual support to people approaching end of life and those important to them. I help you understand options, make plans, communicate wishes, and feel less alone.
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No. Hospice and clinical teams provide medical care. I complement them with time, presence, advocacy and coordination. I do not diagnose, treat, administer medication, or replace clinical advice.
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Anytime. Some people contact me when they are well and want to make some plans for the future or others after a diagnosis, to plan and feel more organised and supported. Others invite me in later for vigil support, or after a death for gentle guidance with next steps.
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People of all ages and backgrounds, and their chosen whānau —at any age, any stage. My support may include friends, neighbours, community, schools, workplaces. Anyone and any place that is important to you. I respect all beliefs and also support those with no religious or spiritual framework.
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Support looks different for everyone, and every situation is unique. Here are some of the ways I can walk alongside you and your family
Listening with calm, steady presence so you feel heard with compassion and without judgment.
Talking through your options and writing down your wishes (e.g. preferred place of care, treatment preferences, who speaks for you if you can't). Together, we can explore what matters most to you and help you plan ahead in a way that feels right.
Preparing for and accompanying medical appointments; helping your questions land clearly.
Explore which treatment options are available and desirable for future quality of life, and, if applicable, dying well.
Talk through treatment choices and what they might mean for your quality of life going forward, including comfort care options if that becomes important.
Identify and find the resources support and services you may need, and make referrals.
Helping you understand your care choices (home, hospice, hospital, aged care) and connecting you with resources.
Navigating practicalities and paperwork – while I cannot provide legal or financial advice, I can point you toward trusted professionals and help you organise what's needed.
Reducing overwhelm in families – summarising updates and translating medical jargon into clear, compassionate language.
Emotional, spiritual, and meaning‑making support – holding space for fear, grief, anger, relief, or any emotions that arise; supporting reflection on life meaning, unfinished business, and healing conversations where desired. We can also plan and create a life celebration if that feels right.
Anticipatory grief and bereavement support – not just after death, but in the lead‑up: normalising what's happening, offering coping strategies, and ensuring carers also receive care. I can also provide gentle check‑ins after ceremonies, when support may thin.
Vigil support – creating a comforting space before, at the time of death, and after; coordinating who is present and what matters to you.
Legacy projects – letters, voice/video messages, photo books, personal stories. These can be small, simple acts or more in‑depth projects depending on your wishes.
Advocate for you if you can no longer communicate
Support after death – immediate support after death, gentle guidance on what happens next, from cultural/spiritual practices to ceremony and funeral planning (including natural options if desired).
Family/ Whānau support – respite for carers, practical coordination, and helping children/teens understand and be included at the right level.
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Yes. I work wherever you are — offering continuity, helping your wishes be heard, and easing communication when required
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I don’t provide medical or clinical services or medical opinion. I don’t legal advice, or financial services. If something sits outside my scope, I’ll connect you with the right person and help you to coordinate if needed. I don’t project my own beliefs. My role is to make sure you feel supported and empowered while the clinical and legal pieces are handled by the right people.
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We start with a friendly 20–30 minute call to hear what matters most, what’s already in place, and where support could help. There’s no pressure — even a single chat can ease the way forward. If we’re a good fit, we’ll agree a simple plan and next steps.
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Gentle, practical and person‑led. I prioritise choice, clarity and calm. I walk alongside you — never ahead of you. My work is grounded in Aotearoa values of manaakitanga (care/hospitality), aroha and whakaahuru — to warm, cherish and comfort.
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Absolutely. I can collaborate with GPs, district nurses, hospice teams, allied health, social workers, celebrants and faith/cultural leaders.
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It depends on your needs: from occasional check‑ins to regular visits, with increased presence around the time of death if that is what you would like. Overnight or shared‑care support can be organised if helpful.
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Yes, definitely - I welcome that.
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Ōtautahi Christchurch and wider Canterbury, with online support anywhere in Aotearoa. Travel by arrangement. If I can’t be with you in person, online support can still be grounding and practical.
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I believe this support should be accessible. We’ll talk openly about fees in our first chat, and I’ll work with you to match what you need and can afford. Some support is offered pro‑bono or subsidised when possible. If a charity, hospice volunteer service or community option would better meet your needs, I’ll help you access it.
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By bank transfer on invoice, after an agreed plan of support. Receipts provided. Any travel costs or additional expenses are always discussed and agreed in advance.
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Your information and stories are held with are care. I keep notes minimal and uphold client confidentiality according to the NZ Privacy Act. I only share information with your permission or where required by law to keep someone safe. I adhere to the ELDDA Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct https://www.eldaa.org.nz/eldaa-approach
Frequently Asked Questions
A simple guide to how I support you and your whānau.
What I do: Calm, practical, non‑medical support for you and your whānau, alongside your care team.
Where: Home, hospice, hospital, aged care, or online.
When: Anytime, from diagnosis through to after death.
How to start: To get in touch, use the Contact Me page, call 0274 989-431, or email sarah@sanctuarynz.co.nz.

There is some strange intimacy between grief and aliveness, some sacred exchange between what seems unbearable and what is most exquisitely alive.
Francis Weller, The Wild Edge of Sorrow.