Introducing Crossroad Companions end of life service

February 19, 2026

When you receive a terminal diagnosis, life can suddenly feel uncertain and overwhelming. Questions arise, roles change, and you may find yourself moving from one medical team to the next. It’s not uncommon to feel as though your whole identity has become centred on illness.

Crossroad Companions is CatholicCare’s newly launched non-clinical pastoral support service that walks alongside you during this time. From the moment of diagnosis and throughout your journey, our companions offer a steady, compassionate presence through the ups and downs. We listen, we sit with you, and we honour what matters most to you, emotionally, spiritually and relationally. We don’t try to fix problems or make decisions for you. Our role is to be with you, offering choices, information, and support so you can live as fully and meaningfully as possible. We are also there for your family members and carers, supporting them as they adjust to the emotional and practical realities of this time.

Who can use this service?

• People facing the end of life
• Family members and carers
• Those feeling isolated, uncertain, or overwhelmed.

You do not need to be Catholic to receive support.

How we can help

You choose how your time is used and what is shared. A Crossroad Companion may:

• Spend time with you in conversation or quiet presence
• Listen to your fears, hopes, and questions
• Support reflection, meaning-making, prayer, or spiritual practices
• Explore relationships, legacy, unfinished matters, and personal wishes
• Provide information about palliative care and what to expect as illness progresses
• Advocate for you and your family so your wishes are heard
• Guide conversations about after-death considerations and rituals
• Connect you with priests or pastoral support for sacraments if desired
• Offer early bereavement support and grief resources for your family.

Crossroad Companions is not a medical or clinical service.

The service does not:

• Provide medical, nursing, or personal care
• Offer counselling, therapy, or psychological treatment
• Give legal, financial, or medical advice
• Influence healthcare decisions
• Provide emergency or after-hours support
• Assist with voluntary assisted dying.

Medical care, nursing, counselling, and funeral services remain the responsibility of appropriately qualified professionals.

How does the service work?

• Support may be provided in person or over the phone.
• Visits are arranged by agreement and within clear boundaries.
• The service works alongside your healthcare and support teams.

The service is yours and you may stop the service at any time. Varied packages and payment plans are available. Your financial capacity should not prevent anyone from accessing support, so please let us know if this is a concern.

What is the process for signing up?

Once we have your details, our Crossroad Companions Coordinator will give you a call to better understand your needs and answer any questions. We will then arrange an initial meeting with your Crossroad Companion if you would like to proceed.

Can I choose my Crossroad Companion?

We will pair you with a Crossroad Companion who we think is the best fit for you and your family. You’ll have a first meeting to get to know each other and ask any questions. If you feel this companion isn’t the right fit, that’s absolutely fine. We understand how important it is to find someone who meets the needs of you and your family. We will provide an alternative Crossroad Companion for you.

Faith and spiritual support

You do not need to be religious to use Crossroad Companions. If you wish prayer or spiritual conversation can be included or support can be provided to help you connect with a priest or other pastoral care. If you prefer not to engage in spiritual or religious discussion, this will be respected.

Support for families and carers

Caring for someone at the end of life can be demanding. Crossroad Companions respects your role, work alongside you and provides calm, supportive presence to reduce isolation.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Fadda at CatholicCare at vanessa.fadda@catholiccaredbb.org.au.