The Journey Together

The Heart of Hospice: Stories with Volunteers

Everyday People Making a Difference In this episode of The Journey Together: Navigating Palliative Care, we shine a light on the vital role of volunteers at North West Hospice Charity. From reflexology to retail, reception to remembrance, you’ll hear heartfelt stories from the people who give their time to support patients and families. Whether you're considering volunteering or simply curious about what it entails, this episode is a moving tribute to compassion in action. Discover The Journey Together, a podcast by North West Hospice Charity. Hear advice, personal stories, guidance and emotional support for patients, families, and caregivers navigating palliative care. “People think we’re doing something for others, but we’re getting so much in return. It’s a privilege to be there, to hear people’s stories, to be part of something that matters.” “It’s hard to put into words. You leave feeling like you made a difference, even in a small way. It’s incredibly special. That’s why we keep coming back.” “It might just be making a cup of tea, but it’s everything. One man said to me, ‘You reminded me I wasn’t invisible.’ That really stayed with me.” Guests: Cathy Quinlan, Angela Read, Kevin Glancy, Kathleen McLoughlin Host: Tara Rafter, The Navigation Coach [https://thenavigationcoach.com/] Show music: #mobygratis @mobygratis This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠Verver⁠⁠ [https://www.verver.ie/] by ⁠⁠⁠⁠North West Hospice Charity⁠⁠ [https://www.northwesthospice.ie/podcast]

Understanding Funerals: What to Expect

David McGowan Explains the Process and Options In this episode, renowned funeral director David McGowan talks honestly and compassionately about what happens after someone dies. With decades of experience, David shares what families can expect — from the first phone call to funeral arrangements, burial versus. cremation, and the healing power of ritual. Together, they explore: * What really happens when someone passes, at home, in hospital or hospice * The emotional and practical decisions involved in arranging a funeral * Cremation vs. burial: costs, options, and myths * The spiritual connection between nature and grief * How planning ahead can bring peace to both the living and the dying This episode offers reassurance, practical guidance, and soul-soothing reflection — for anyone navigating loss, supporting a loved one, or preparing for the future. Discover The Journey Together, a podcast by North West Hospice Charity. Hear advice, personal stories, guidance and emotional support for patients, families, and caregivers navigating palliative care. “It’s not just about a black suit and a black tie—it’s about honouring a life.” “One of the things that can turn a one-hour meeting into three is when no one knows what the person would have wanted…That’s when the fighting starts. I’ve seen families fall out forever…But if the person just mentioned a few wishes… it would have saved all that.” Guest: David McGowan *Host: Tara Rafter, The Navigation Coach*⁠ [https://thenavigationcoach.com/] Show music: #mobygratis @mobygratis Episode Sponsor: ⁠ [https://thejourney.ie/] McCanny & Co Solicitors [https://mccannysolicitors.com] This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠Verver⁠⁠ [https://www.verver.ie/] by ⁠⁠⁠⁠North West Hospice Charity⁠⁠ [https://www.northwesthospice.ie/podcast]

Social Work Insights on Coping with Loss

What Grief Feels Like—and How to Cope Grief is universal—but how we experience it is deeply personal. In this episode, hospice social workers Kate and Michelle share honest, compassionate insight into what grief really looks like. They speak about the wide range of emotions and physical symptoms that can follow a loss, the ways grief evolves over time, and how we can support ourselves and others through it. From navigating anniversaries to coping with isolation, this conversation reminds us that there is no right way to grieve—and no shame in needing support. Whether you're walking through grief yourself or want to understand it better, this episode offers gentle guidance and heartfelt wisdom. Discover The Journey Together, a podcast by North West Hospice Charity. Hear advice, personal stories, guidance and emotional support for patients, families, and caregivers navigating palliative care. “Sometimes we meet people who are grieving and we only get a snapshot of how they are… they say, ‘I’m fine’—but it can be covering a multitude… And even in one family, everyone will grieve differently. Because your relationship was different. Your love was different. Your loss is your own.” “There’s no ‘moving on’ from grief… but your life can expand around it. You learn to carry it… it becomes part of you—but it doesn’t have to stop you from living.” Guests: Michelle O’Reilly & Kate Hawney Host: Tara Rafter, The Navigation Coach [https://thenavigationcoach.com/] Show music: #mobygratis @mobygratis Episode Sponsor: ⁠ [https://thejourney.ie/] The Navigation Coach⁠ [https://thenavigationcoach.com/] This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠Verver⁠⁠ [https://www.verver.ie/] by ⁠⁠⁠⁠North West Hospice Charity⁠⁠ [https://www.northwesthospice.ie/podcast]

Planning Ahead: Wills, Probate, and Peace of Mind

Practical Legal Guidance with Jacqueline Dunne What do you need to know about making a will, choosing an executor, or documenting your funeral wishes? In this episode, solicitor Jacqueline Dunne shares expert advice on legal planning at end of life—from enduring power of attorney to probate, and how to avoid some of the most common (and costly) mistakes. Packed with real-life stories and practical takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to plan clearly and kindly for the future. Discover The Journey Together, a podcast by North West Hospice Charity. Hear advice, personal stories, guidance and emotional support for patients, families, and caregivers navigating palliative care. “She keeps saying, ‘You know what I want to do.’ But it doesn’t matter how many times she says it while she’s alive. Once she dies, if there’s no will, there’s no record… everything gets divided equally. It doesn’t matter legally.” “It’s peace of mind… the will gives you that. . . Nobody leaves my office after doing a will sad or depressed. They’re always smiling. Their shoulders have dropped down… there’s just that peace of mind.” Guest: Jacqueline Dunne Host: Tara Rafter, ⁠The Navigation Coach⁠ [https://thenavigationcoach.com/] Show music: #mobygratis @mobygratis Episode Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠ [https://thejourney.ie/] ⁠Neptune Financial⁠ [https://neptunefinancial.ie/] This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠Verver⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.verver.ie/] by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠North West Hospice Charity⁠⁠ [https://www.northwesthospice.ie/podcast]

Supporting Loved Ones at Life’s End

Breda Roche on Hospice Care and Family Experience What does it mean to truly support someone through the end of life? In this heartfelt conversation, Breda Roche shares her experiences of caring for her mother, husband, sister, and aunt—all of whom received hospice support. From fears around pain medication to choosing to die at home, Breda offers honest, practical insights that will resonate with anyone walking a similar path. Discover The Journey Together, a podcast by North West Hospice Charity [https://www.northwesthospice.ie/podcast]. Hear advice, personal stories, guidance and emotional support for patients, families, and caregivers navigating palliative care. “It wasn’t just for my mother. It was for me—the confidence that I could go and ask any questions: ‘What do I do? What do I say?’…” “I’ve no fear of dying… it’s just part of life. We’re all going to face it. . . But I’ve seen what it looks like—to do it well. To have people around you… who care, who know what they’re doing, who listen to what you want. You’re allowed to live life to the fullest… and you’re allowed to die.” “Choice is really the best word, I would say… the choice to do what you want to do.” Guest: Breda Roche *Host: Tara Rafter, The Navigation Coach*⁠ [https://thenavigationcoach.com/] Show music: #mobygratis @mobygratis Episode Sponsor: ⁠ [https://thejourney.ie/] Sligo Cancer Support Centre [https://www.sligocancersupportcentre.ie] This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠Verver⁠⁠ [https://www.verver.ie/] by ⁠⁠⁠⁠North West Hospice Charity⁠⁠ [https://www.northwesthospice.ie/podcast]