Derbyshire & South Yorkshire
Calm, compassionate support at the end of life — and a ceremony that truly fits.
I'm Lynda Barksby, a Death Doula and Celebrant. I offer practical guidance, emotional support, and steady presence for individuals and families — before, during, and after a death.
End-of-life support
A steady, practical presence for you and your family
When someone is nearing the end of life, it can feel like everything is happening at once. I offer calm, compassionate support — helping you understand options, make plans, and feel less alone.
Space to talk things through — without judgement, pressure, or platitudes.
Support with wishes, preferences, and practical steps, so decisions feel clearer.
Help for loved ones too — what to expect, what to ask, and how to cope day to day.
Where appropriate, I can be alongside you during difficult moments with gentle, grounded support.
Practical next steps, emotional care, and signposting to further help.
Your beliefs, your culture, your way. I'll follow what matters to you.
Send a message with a few lines about what's happening. I'll reply with gentle next steps.
Celebrant services
A ceremony that feels like them
Whether you want something traditional, simple, spiritual, humanist, or completely personal, I will work with you to create a ceremony that honours the person who has died — and supports the people who are there.
Thoughtful planning, careful wording, and a calm delivery on the day.
Thoughtful planning, careful wording, and a calm delivery on the day.
Thoughtful planning, careful wording, and a calm delivery on the day.
Thoughtful planning, careful wording, and a calm delivery on the day.
- 1We talk — by phone or in person — about the person, the tone, and what matters most.
- 2I write the ceremony and share it with you for any changes.
- 3On the day, I lead the ceremony with warmth, clarity, and care.
There is no “right” way to do this. We'll shape something that fits your family.
Events
Upcoming gatherings
Open, welcoming spaces to talk about death and dying — over tea, cake, and good company.
A welcoming, informal space to talk openly about death and dying — over tea, coffee, cake and nibbles. No agenda, no pressure. Come to listen, share, or simply be present.
Lynda has provided compassionate community care for over 30 years, supporting people through end-of-life journeys with warmth, understanding, and empathy. Her personal and professional experiences inspired her to further her training as a death doula, funeral celebrant, yoga therapist, and in other holistic practices that support wellbeing and meaningful living.
A thoughtful and attentive listener, Lynda creates safe spaces for open and honest conversations around death, grief, and life. Her vision is to help raise awareness of death as a natural part — and celebration — of life, rather than something to be feared or avoided. She is passionate about empowering others to plan for their deaths in ways that reflect their wishes, values, and individuality.
Kay has over 20 years of experience supporting people at the end of life, both within the NHS and privately. She brings calm presence, deep listening and simple, meaningful ritual to help individuals and families feel steadier and less alone. She also supports people through grief, the tender period after death, and pet loss through her training with the Blue Cross. Her work is gentle, human and offered on a donation basis so it remains accessible to anyone who needs it.
A Death Café is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is not a grief support group or counselling session.
People (often strangers) gather to drink tea, eat cake, and talk openly. Conversation is led by the group — you can listen, share, or simply be present.
Death Cafés have been held in 56 countries worldwide, with over 6,500 gatherings since the model was developed by Jon Underwood in 2011.
- Increase awareness of death to help make the most of life
- Normalise death as a natural part of life
- Connect with others in open, thoughtful conversation
Warmth & Words is a space for conversation and reflection. If you are looking for bereavement support or counselling, we can signpost you to appropriate services.
About
Meet Lynda
I'm Lynda Barksby, a Death Doula and Celebrant supporting people across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. My approach is gentle, grounded, and practical — helping you feel informed and supported at each step.
If you're facing a death, planning ahead, or arranging a ceremony, you don't have to do it alone. Together we'll find a way through that feels right for you.
I work with individuals and families in the community — with care, discretion, and respect.
Your beliefs, culture, and preferences guide the support and the ceremony.
Derbyshire and South Yorkshire (and nearby areas by arrangement).
FAQs
Common questions
If you don't see your question here, please send a message — I'm happy to help.
A death doula offers non-medical, practical and emotional support around dying, death, and bereavement. This can include listening, planning ahead, being present, and helping families feel more prepared.
Yes. I can complement existing support from hospice, carers, and healthcare professionals. I don’t replace medical care — I add extra time, continuity, and practical guidance.
Absolutely. Many people contact me feeling overwhelmed. Send a short message about what’s happening and we’ll take it one step at a time.
Funerals, celebrations of life, memorials, ashes ceremonies, and other personalised gatherings. We can make it simple, traditional, spiritual, or completely unique.
I’m based in the Derbyshire / South Yorkshire area. Nearby locations may be possible by arrangement.
Contact
Send a message
If you're reaching out about end-of-life support or a ceremony, share as much or as little as you like. I'll reply as soon as I can.
- • Your name and best email address
- • A few lines about what's happening
- • Your area (Derbyshire / South Yorkshire)
If this is a hard moment, you don't need to find the perfect words. A simple message is enough.