We have a team of staff and volunteers providing bereavement support to family members and close friends.
Our services include:
Individual counselling
If you would like to speak to someone on a one-to-one basis at The Hospice of St Francis we can offer individual counselling sessions to family members and close friends with a qualified counsellor.
Some people might feel they would like a one-off session to talk through something in particular, perhaps something they are worrying about or an aspect of their bereavement that is confusing them. Others may prefer to book six or so sessions over a period of time, or to work with the counsellor in arranging further sessions when they meet.
Family Therapy
Sometimes it can be useful for the whole family to come and speak with someone together. Our Family Therapist offers therapeutic family meetings with couples, families and their children. Following a family session, some family members may choose to engage in some individual counselling, whilst also coming together in family therapy.
Bereavement support group – Pilgrim Group
At approximately eight weeks following bereavement, we invite primary carers to come to our Pilgrim Group. This is an informal Bereavement Support Group run on the last Monday of the month and offers the opportunity to socialise with others who might be experiencing similar feelings. Supportive Care Team members facilitate this evening and are able to offer one-to-one conversations to those people who would like them.
Bereavement visiting
We have a group of trained volunteers who are able to visit you in your own home, supporting you in your bereavement. They provide a listening role, giving you the opportunity to talk through how you are feeling in the comfort of your own home.
Telephone support line
Our telephone support line is operated each Monday between 4:00pm and 8.30pm. At approximately six weeks following bereavement we telephone family and friends and offer our support. Some people might feel one or two calls are sufficient, whilst others might like regular calls for a while each week or month.