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 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/
A welcoming space offering support to people within the community experiencing grief, no need to book.
Monday, 10-12pm Compassionate Community Hub Barrow
Tuesday, 10-12pm St Mary’s Hospice Ulverston (during spring and summertime this group also hosts our Bereavement Gardening Group)
Thursday, 13.00-15.00pm, 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
Tuesday, 10-12pm Compassionate Community Hub Barrow
Friday, 10-12pm St Mary’s Hospice 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
1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10-12pm
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.
Tuesday 14th April, 11-15.00pm
Tuesday 12th May 11-15.00pm
Both held at
Great Lindeth Wood, Bouth, LA12 8JJ
An evening conversation space designed to bring people together who are navigating grief, a calm supportive environment where you can share, listen or just be alongside others who understand.
These evenings will be in different locations to enable us to reach more people and booking is essential, we are holding themed sessions, first theme being, Growing around Grief.
Next confirmed date is
Thursday 19th March, 6-7.30pm
Kelsick Grammar, Stockghyll Lane, Ambleside LA22 0QY
More dates and locations to be confirmed
We are proud to introduce our monthly Bereavement Support Group for Parents, thoughtfully co-created with bereaved mothers from our community. In this video, Pooja and Donna generously share their personal stories.
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.
First session: Tuesday 21st April, 6:00–7:30pm
Location: St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub, Barrow
To book a place, please call our team on 01229 580305 (option 6).
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.
