What we do

 

Family Support and Bereavement Services

We aim to provide emotional support to palliative care patients and their loved ones.

A great part of the service offered is to people who are bereaved. Trained volunteers will visit or meet with bereaved people on a one-to-one basis to help them through their grief. Emphasis is on using listening skills and giving the grieving person unconditional time, on an hourly basis, at intervals to suit. Some people require only one visit; others require many. Complicated or difficult cases are referred on to specialist bereavement counselling.

Unless considered urgent, clients are contacted 8-10 weeks after the death of their loved one. Clients who are referred for urgent attention are contacted and seen as soon as possible.

We refer to other Hospices or external services that may help them. All work is confidential and volunteers sign our Hospice Confidentiality agreement.

People can choose to attend our weekly drop-in sessions in addition to, or instead of, one-to-one visits.

Support volunteers are also required to attend monthly supervision meetings and ongoing training. We are not counsellors.