The Journey Together

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 curio...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

Finding Hope and Strength Through Life’s Challenges What does it really mean to be resilient — and how do we find hope in the face of grief, loss, or serious illness? We welcome Dr. Brian Pennie—a neuroscientist, resilience specialist, and author of  Bonus Time.  He **joins us to explore emotional awareness, personal transformation, and the power of radical acceptance. Drawing from his own lived e...

Inclusive Support Through Life’s Final Journey Host Tara Rafter speaks with two spiritual care chaplains at North West Hospice Charity — Father John Carroll and Colette Furlong— about the deeply human role of spiritual support in palliative care. Through stories of presence, ritual, and connection, they explore how chaplaincy offers comfort and meaning to patients and families, regardless of faith...

Tara Rafter’s Tools and Insights for the Palliative Journey In this special episode, our usual host Tara Rafter becomes the guest, joined by North West Hospice Charity Manager Olive McTague. Tara, an award-winning life coach and master NLP practitioner, shares practical tools, personal experiences, and emotional insights for navigating uncertainty, grief, and the palliative care journey. With gent...

Navigating Life’s Hardest Journey as a Family When her husband Owen was diagnosed with cancer, Susan Atkinson found herself navigating one of life’s hardest journeys with strength and heart. In this episode, Susan shares how palliative care — and the support of North West Hospice Charity — helped her family through love, loss, and everything in between. Discover  The Journey Together , a podcast b...

Practical Guidance on Support and Planning Planning for illness or death is never easy—but financial stress doesn’t have to make it harder. In this episode, Tara speaks with a seasoned financial advisor Colm O’Flaherty of Neptune Financial about the supports, grants and practical steps that can help families navigate costs around serious illness, lost income, and bereavement. Whether for you, cari...

Guiding Families Through Illness, Grief, and Care In this episode of  The Journey Together , we’re joined by hospice social workers Kate and Aoife to explore their vital role in supporting patients and families—from first referral through bereavement. With warmth and honesty, they share how they help navigate tough conversations, emotional overwhelm, and what it means to be truly seen in palliativ...

Caring for Patients and Supporting Families What does palliative nursing really look like? In this moving episode, three experienced nurses share the heart of hospice care—across home, hospital, and inpatient settings. Discover  The Journey Together , a podcast by North West Hospice Charity⁠⁠ . Hear expert advice, personal stories, and emotional support for patients, families, and caregivers navig...

Understanding How Hospice Helps Patients and Families In this episode of  The Journey Together , we explore palliative care with North West Hospice Charity leaders Nuala Ginnelly and Jacinta Kelly. From common myths to compassionate care practices across hospital, hospice, and home, this conversation offers warmth, clarity, and insight into what truly matters at every stage of life. Nuala & Ja...

Navigating Palliative Care A podcast from North West Hospice Charity 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 Launching September 2025