Bereavement is a very individual experience. It 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. Most people wait until they feel ready.
Support for bereaved relatives and carers is provided by hospice staff of the In-Patient Units, our Social Work team, Chaplaincy team, Hospital based teams and Community Palliative Care Nurse Specialists. We strive to remain in touch with the family for some time after the death of a patient.
We provide advice and support to parents and schools as children and young people may have particular needs following their bereavement.
We hold regular services of remembrance and thanksgiving at both the Taunton and Yeovil Hospices. For further details or information, please contact the Chaplain
Additional bereavement support services are being developed by our Bereavement Liaison team, who are based at St. Margaret's in Yeovil.
- The Bereavement Enquiry Line can provide information about all aspects of bereavement. The line is run by a trained team of volunteers who may be able to offer an instant answer to your query, or who undertake research to provide broader information in response to your call. They can be contacted on Tel 01935 709497
- Mandala is a service providing support for bereaved children and their families. Supported by Children in Need, the service runs groups for children and young people who have experienced the death of someone close. The team provide support for families and schools and other professionals working with young people who have been bereaved.
- St. Margaret’s also offers training for people who would like to learn more about bereavement and a more extensive courses for anyone interesting in supporting people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement.
Contact
If you would further information please contact:
Kacey Leader, Bereavement Liaison Officer
T: 01935 709480
E: leader@st-marg-hospice.org
