When someone is ill everyone in the family is affected. St. Margaret's supports the families, friends and carers of our patients whilst they are in our care. The Bereavement support team are here to continue that support when a patient has died. Bereavement can be a painful, difficult time and people may have thoughts and feelings they did not expect. It can sometimes be a lonely time, when it seems that friends and family don’t quite know what to say. We encourage people to give themselves time, and suggest that individuals avoid making any major changes or decisions after this experience.
Telephone Support - The Bereavement Support Team can provide on-going support over the phone to anyone affected by the death of a patient who needed specialist palliative care in a hospice, hospital or at home.
Individual Appointments - Talking face to face with one of the team can provide an opportunity to discuss things in more depth and find a way through the grieving process.
Counselling - Sometimes grief can be complicated and people may feel desperate, stuck or unable to cope with normal life. Professional counselling is available for those times when specialist help is needed.
Groups - Please contact us if you would like to share experiences within a small group of bereaved people. The groups are supported by the Bereavement Team.
Mandala - is Barnardo’s bereavement service in Somerset. St. Margaret’s Specialist Counsellor supports children and families before, during and after Mandala groups for bereaved children and young people.
Bereavement Enquiry Line - is open to anyone affected by a bereavement of any kind. The Bereavement Support Team will listen giving you an opportunity to talk about your experience and can offer information about where to find the support you need.
Bereavement Support for Professionals - The Bereavement Service is also a specialist resource for all health, edcuation and social care professionals.
We can offer:
- Information and resources
- Professional support and clinical supervision
We hold regular services of remembrance and thanksgiving at both the Taunton and Yeovil Hospices. For further details or information, please contact the Chaplain.
If you would further information please contact:
Kacey Leader, Specialist Counsellor, Bereavement Service Co-ordinator
T: 01935 709480
E: Kacey.Leader@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk
or our Bereavement Service Team on 01935 709497
Useful website links
