Bereavement is a natural process. Our service is there to help people through the difficult times and find their bearings in their new circumstances. How long this takes may vary from a one-off contact to several months.
Here are the different ways that St Nicholas Hospice Care can help you:
Information
Bereaved people may not be aware of the help and support available in the community. St Nicholas Hospice Care has an Information Centre with useful leaflets, books and website references, and our Family Support team can signpost you towards organisations and self help groups that meet your specific needs.
One-to-one bereavement support
We offer one-to-one bereavement support with a trained volunteer or professional counselor either in the hospice or your own home. Support may vary from a telephone call or a chat over a cup of tea to bereavement counselling where issues can be worked at in depth. Through being listened to in a non-judgemental and respectful way, pain and hurt can be expressed both safely and confidentially. If someone finds they do not feel comfortable with their bereavement visitors, or would prefer to work with someone of a different gender or age, they can ask to see someone else at any stage in the process.
Bereavement Groups
Bereavement groups give people the opportunity to meet regularly with other people who have similar experiences or concerns. All groups are facilitated by the Family Support Team.
Activity Groups such as cooking, home maintenance, walking and crafts run at regular intervals. The Bereavement Support Group meets weekly for 6 weeks offering a safe setting in which to explore feelings. What is shared remains in confidence within the groups.
Faith and religion
Bereavement support is offered in ways which support people’s views, whatever their religion, beliefs or philosophy of life. We also have a Chaplaincy Team who offers spiritual care to people of any or no faith. Please see the separate leaflet for further information about Spiritual Care
