Soul Midwives are non-medical, holistic companions who provide emotional & spiritual support for those who are dying, as well as the people around them. We are non-denominational in our pastoral support, encouraging deep conversations, with love and dignity. We have a deep knowledge of the stages of dying, and of the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of each of these. We give practical planning advice and support. We serve by not fixing or rescuing our ‘friends’. We offer a range of gentle therapies to soothe & ease anxieties and we create a calm, comforting & sacred space, ensuring an individual feels seen, heard, safe and loved. We keep a loving vigil. We are literally ‘midwifing the soul’, helping the dying ‘friend’ make their transition.
Rev. Helen James trained with Felicity Warner’s Soul Midwives School and is now trained to teach Tender Loving Care. Helen believes it is an honour and privilege to do this work. Soul Midwifery knits perfectly with her Interfaith Ministry and work as a Reiki Practioner & Master Teacher. Helen also creates and officiates bespoke heartfelt, personal farewell services.
Helen says: “My mother had vascular dementia, and her last two weeks in hospital were distressing. There was a disconnect between the clinical and emotional & psycho-spiritual support. I wanted to bridge that divide. So, I trained in Soul Midwifery to learn about the stages of dying & how to offer much needed Tender Loving Care. I do legacy work, funeral planning, take ‘friends’ to medical appointments, offer ritual and spiritual support. I use active listening, gentle soothing touch, holistic therapies like reiki & sound therapy (music, chanting, toning, drumming, singing bowls), using colour, crystals and sacred oils are very supportive too during the dying process. Above all, I have a deep compassion and ‘listen with my heart’, walking alongside to support anyone, without judgement. To me, this is the most important skill of all.”
Helen is trained to teach Tender Loving Care to Nursing Homes, NHS medical Students and Staff, GP Surgeries, and families or friends who wish to support their loved ones at end of life.
What is TLC?
TLC is a simplified version of Soul Midwifery, developed by award-winning Felicity Warner and the Soul Midwives School. It is based on practical skills, and sits perfectly in mainstream care settings, with no conflict with the medical profession.
TLC workshops support anyone working either professionally or personally with the dying, giving simple, practical ideas and skills that can really help with the quality of their end of life care.
Who is a TLC Training for?
TLC is for all, but especially if you are:
- currently caring for a loved one with a terminal diagnosis
- working as a professional in palliative care, whether that might be in a care setting, in hospital, at a health centre or in the dying person’s own home.
- working as a holistic or complementary therapist with clients with an end of life terminal diagnosis.
- wanting to develop your understanding and empathy around the dying journey, to support yourself and others.
Why TLC?
TLC Training provides high-quality experiences in a professional and compassionate manner that promotes Tender Loving Care for the Dying. The TLC Compassionate Community Project has received praise from the National Council for Palliative Care for the “quality of the care it gave to the dying”. (NCPC 2017) and is looked on favourably by the Care Quality Commission.
TLC is being used in many care homes, and increasingly in hospitals and other health care settings, as well as in the dying person’s own home.
In 2019 TLC was implemented by the Dorset NHS Trust, so that it is offered to all patients at end-of-life in their Community Hospitals.
What will I learn?
- How to recognise the 4 stages of dying
- How to use simple and practical skills to support physical and emotional needs along the journey
- How to use deep listening skills
- How to create and keep a loving space at the death-bed
- How to vigil
Where does TLC Training take place?
Rev. Helen James offers TLC workshops live via Zoom or in-person in professional and clinical settings, community centres, hospitals, hospices, and care homes, as well as in her therapy space on Bredon Hill near Tewkesbury in the Cotswolds, UK. Workshops take place over one day, with opportunities for follow-up discussions via email, phone or Zoom.
The exchange for a one day TLC workshop for a group or organisation by Zoom is £500, or £600 – £700, if Helen delivers it in person at your setting.
If you are interested in coming as an individual for a one day TLC workshop in Helen’s therapy space, please get in touch. The exchange for an individual is £125.