Family and Bereavement Support
At Mary’s Hospice we understand that life-shortening illnesses affect not only the patient, but also their network of family, friends and carers. Our Family and Bereavement Support Service provides psychological, emotional and spiritual support for patients throughout their illness and for their families and carers, leading up to and following bereavement.
People may need varying levels of help at any given time, and we respect this, so the support we offer is tailored to meet individual needs wherever possible. We work to support you through all the varied and often confusing feelings you may experience.
Our Support Service is available to anyone over the age of 18 who is experiencing loss, irrespective of time lapsed, cause or relationship. There is also no requirement to have had previous contact with the hospice services.
What Support is Available?
Many people find it helpful to talk with someone other than a member of their family or a close friend. After an initial assessment, you will be offered confidential one to one emotional support with a trained and supervised support volunteer by telephone or face to face whichever you prefer. You will be offered support sessions with dates and times flexible to your needs and availability either at the Hospice in Ulverston or the Living Well Centre in Barrow.
What kinds of things do people talk about?
Different people talk about different things, it depends on their situation. There is no right or wrong subject to talk about. You might wish to talk about how you are feeling: guilt, regret, pain, relief, sadness, happiness and anger are just a few feelings you may experience before or after a death. Talking about them can help reduce their intensity and help you.
Feedback from people who have accessed one to one support:
“Having 1-2-1 support has allowed me to open up and talk about my grief because everyday life is busy and gives little time to think and express feelings. I would like to say a big thank you to my Bereavement Support worker who has truly helped me and made me feel comfortable to talk about how I truly feel about losing my mum. It has somehow made it a little easier”
In July 2017 we set up a closed Facebook page to support people digitally recognising that evenings and weekends can often be the most difficult times. Our online support group provides a safe platform for people to share experiences, ask questions and chat to people who maybe in a similar position and who support each other.
Here’s what members of the group think-
“This is ideal for me as I am recently widowed and not wanting to be face to face with my grief and hope I can still use this group site as I don’t drive and would have to take a bus or possibly a taxi so this is a good thing for me, I’m getting a lot from what other people are saying so thank you and you’re doing a grand service”
If you would like to join our online support group, please contact a member of the team!
You can also join the group by following this link- https://www.facebook.com/groups/685743488298723/
Meet Our Compassionate Communities Team
Opportunity to Meet Others
Making a referral
You can refer yourself or a family member (with their consent) by phoning the hospice on 01229 580305. If you prefer, you can ask another health professional to refer you.
We hope the following booklet will provide you with some help, practical advice and reassurance during your bereavement.
