Family Bereavement Support Service
The St Mary's Family Bereavement Support Service has been established since 1992 and provides support for recently bereaved relatives and carers of St Mary's patients.
One to One Support
Who will I see?
A Bereavement Visitor, who is a carefully selected trained volunteer.
Where do I see the visitor?
Appointments may be in your own home or at another venue such as the hospice.
How long does each appointment last?
Normally for about 50-60 minutes.
How often will we meet?
This is flexible. People often like to meet weekly at first and then less often. You can discuss this with your visitor.
What happens when I see the visitor?
This is your opportunity to talk about your thoughts and feelings concerning your bereavement, with someone who is not emotionally involved.
It may help you to know that confidentiality will be observed. This will be explained fully when you meet your visitor.
How can I access the Bereavement Support Service?
We normally contact bereaved relatives two or three months after the death has occurred. If you feel that you would like to meet one of our Bereavement Visitors before that happens, please telephone St Mary's on 01229 580305. Please leave your name and contact number and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
Afternoon tea for bereaved families
Afternoon teas are held three times a year on Sunday afternoons in the Hospice, usually in March, September and December. Please check our Events Calendar for these dates.
What happens at afternoon tea?
- Bereaved families and friends meet and have a cup of tea/coffee and an informal chat with volunteers.
- Some people also like to talk with the other bereaved people there.
- The Quiet Room is open. You may like to go in for a quiet time to reflect and pray and perhaps take the opportunity to light a candle. The Memorial Book will be open for you to view. This includes the names of all the people who have died under the care of the Hospice whether at home, in the hospital or Hospice.
Annual Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance
This is held in June in a local church. You will be asked if you would like the name of your loved on to be read out during the service and you may also light a candle in their memory. Please check our Events Calendar for more information.
For more information please download our Family Bereavement Support Service leaflet which is available in the 'downloads' column.
