Family Support and Bereavement Service
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 one-to-one 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”
A welcoming space offering support to people within the community experiencing grief, no need to book.
Weekly locations:
BARROW – Monday | 10:00am – 12:00pm
St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub, Barrow
ULVERSTON – Tuesday | 10:00am – 12:00pm
St Mary’s Hospice, St Mary’s Hospice, Ford Park Crescent, Ulverston
GRANGE – Thursday | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Grange Hotel, Stainton Square, Grange-over-Sands
WINDERMERE – Thursday | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Ladyholme Centre, Windermere
Grieving the loss of a loved one can often feel isolating our Bereavement Craft groups offer a compassionate space to connect with others who understand. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or new to crafting our group is here for you. Call the team too book a space.
Weekly locations:
BARROW – Tuesday | 10:00–12:00
St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub, Barrow
ULVERSTON – Friday | 10:00–12:00
St Mary’s Hospice, St Mary’s Hospice, Ford Park Crescent, Ulverston
A welcoming group for people that have experienced loss to connect together in nature as we are aware of the enormous benefit of walking and talking. Walks are usually around one hour and are mostly organised in an area where coffee and cake can be enjoyed together at the end. Suitable, comfortable footwear and clothing required and dependant on weather conditions. Booking essential
The Bereavement Walking Group meets on 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10am to 12pm.
A gentle day for anyone navigating grief, whether you’re recently bereaved or further along in your grief journey. This day offers a calm, supportive space to slow down, connect with nature and explore your feelings through creativity and mindfulness through activities such as, botanical printing, land art and gentle walking.
Participants must book and be physically mobile and able to access the woodland independently. Bring own lunch and dress suitably for the weather.
Both held at Great Lindeth Wood, Bouth, LA12 8JJ
Dates run from April to September. Please contact us for more information.
Our monthly Bereavement Support Group for Parents has been thoughtfully co-created with bereaved mothers from our community.
This group offers a gentle, welcoming space for parents who have experienced the loss of a child at any age. There is no expectation to speak or explain – simply an opportunity to be alongside others who understand. You may choose to join in conversation, spend time in quiet reflection, or take part in optional creative activities, whatever feels most comfortable for you.
Location: St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub, Barrow
Date: third Tuesday of the month
Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
https://youtu.be/93nfTEhmp2Q
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.
