Initiation to Accompaniment at the End-of-Life is a 1-day intensive training program followed by a 2hrs group online session. It has been created for anyone who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to accompany others and how to do so in a more conscious, humane, and transformative way.

It is designed for those seeking to support a loved one, as well as for professionals in the social, healthcare, educational, or therapeutic fields, and anyone interested in their own personal growth and how to support others dealing with loss and grief.

This is an innovative training program developed by a team of experts with extensive experience in death, dying and end-of-life care, scientific research, and mental health. It integrates contemporary knowledge with ancestral techniques and a secular, accessible, and respectful way to engage with spirituality.

Initiation to Accompaniment is facilitated by Marisela Tachinquin (Psychologist and Gerontologist) and Elvira Perez (Professor of Mental Health and Digital Technology at the University of Nottingham). Marisela and Elvira are members of the Spanish Cooperative El Arte del Buen Vivir and Experts in Accompaniment by Metta Hospice Foundation

The course consist of four modules:

Module 1: Mindful accompaniment aims to teach participants basic principles of what it means to be present, address internal obstacles, and apply practical exercises.

Module 2 focuses on helping participants understand what compassion and self-
compassion are, why they matter and how they differ from other concepts like empathy and sympathy, and engaging in practical exercises to cultivate them. This enables participants to support others without becoming emotionally exhausted.

Module 3 explores how spirituality and transcendence can transform our perspective on pain and suffering. Participants will learn how these elements underpin meaningful accompaniment and contribute to the development of compassionate communities.

Module 4: Integration and closure helps participants consolidate their personal vision of accompaniment and develop a personal implementation plan. Throughout the 

course, participants will cultivate a "power to accompany" that is not about doing more but about being better: more present, more compassionate, and more human.

The course includes learning materials and 8-hrs training certification. 

Lunch and refreshments are included and there is free parking on site. 

To enter the building, please use the entrance facing the lake. If you need accommodation we recommend the Jubilee Conference Centre Hotel.

Please email us any dietary or accessibility requirements at elvira.perez@nottingham.ac.uk 

We want to thank our collaborators The University of Nottingham and the cooperative El Arte del Buen Vivir.