Bereavement support
We offer bereavement support and counselling to those coping with the loss of a loved one under the care of Sobell House.
Through our bereavement service, you will have the opportunity to talk to someone in complete confidence, who will listen to you without judgement. Our aim is to help you express your worries and feel more able to cope with the many changes you are facing.
My 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.
We have a team of counsellors and volunteer bereavement workers who provide individual support through telephone or face-to-face contact. Our counsellors see people in Sobell House, whereas our bereavement workers mostly visit people in their own homes.
The length of time you need support for will vary because we all experience bereavement differently. However, it is rarely the case that we offer long-term support. You may decide that one phone call or visit is enough, or feel that you need more regular contact for some months. Each session typically lasts about an hour and you can decide how often you wish your sessions to be and when you’d like to stop meeting with your counsellor or bereavement worker.
If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from bereavement support, please get in touch: pallcarebereavement@ouh.nhs.uk or 01865 225878.
Helpful resources
A guide to the services we offer
Grief and bereavement resources
Coping with significant events
Bereavement Café information
Refer yourself to the service
Call: 01865 225878
Email: pallcarebereavement@ouh.nhs.uk
Get help finding a counsellor
- To find a counsellor, use either the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) website or The Counselling Directory website.
- It’s okay to shop around. Make introductory phone calls to several people and be guided by your feelings. Ask yourself: “Do I feel comfortable with this person?” Discuss the cost per session.
- There is lots of information for each counsellor listed, so look for the symbols below on their website. Look for someone who is both a member and accredited by the BACP.
- Choose someone whose qualifications include diploma or masters and who has been in practice for at least five years.
- 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.
Access support for children and young people
If you are seeking one-to-one support for a child or adolescent then please contact SeeSaw, who specialise in supporting bereaved children and young people: info@seesaw.org.uk or 01865 744768.
Become a Bereavement Support Worker
If you are compassionate, a good listener, and want to help others, please check out our Bereavement Support Worker role and consider applying. It’s a fulfilling voluntary role, and you will receive all of the training and support you need to flourish.
For more information, please visit the Oxford University Hospitals palliative care hub.