Bereavement Care

“The support worker was warm, kind, approachable, sympathetic and understanding. They knew when to be quiet and let me speak, but what they did say was always considered, relevant and helpful.”

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The Bereavement Service offers support and counselling to those coping with the loss of a loved one under the care of the Sobell House Hospice Team (or another UK palliative care service).

We offer the opportunity to have someone to talk to who will listen in confidence to anything you want to share with sensitivity and without judgment.

Our aim is to help you to express your worries and help you to feel more able to cope with the many changes and adjustments you are facing.

If you feel that you would like some help or there is someone that you are worried about and you think they would benefit from having some support then please give us a call to discuss the options on 01865 225878 or send us an email on [email protected].

We have a team of counsellors and volunteer bereavement workers who provide individual support through telephone or face to face contact. The counsellors see people in Sobell House whereas the bereavement workers mainly visit people in their own homes.

The service is also able to support bereaved couples and families; however, if you are seeking one to one support for a child or adolescent then you can contact SeeSaw (01865 744768 – [email protected]) which specialises in supporting bereaved children and young people.

The length of time you need the support for will vary because we all experience bereavement in individual and different ways, however, it is rarely the case that we remain involved with the bereaved long term. You may decide that one phone call or visit is enough or feel you need more regular contact for some months. Each meeting typically lasts about an hour and you can decide how often you wish the sessions to be and when to stop with your counsellor/bereavement worker.

Helpful hints on finding a counsellor

1. To find a counsellor, use either the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) website or The Counselling Directory website

2. It’s okay to shop around. Make introductory phone calls to several people and be guided by your feelings: “Do I feel comfortable with this person?” Discuss the cost per session.

3. There is lots of information for each person listed so look for both of these symbols on their website. Look for someone who is both a member and accredited by the BACP.

 

4. Choose someone whose qualifications include diploma or masters and who has been in practice for at least five years.

5. Type of therapy: Possibly someone who has a “psychodynamic” or “psychoanalytic” approach but remember, even more than the type of therapy, it is essential that the person you see feels right for you.