Counselling and Bereavement Services
The Counselling team is available to Hospice and Continuing Care patients both at St Peter & St James and in patients' own homes. They also offer counselling support to patients' friends and family.
Different, difficult issues may need to be talked over and sorted out in order to live life to the full in a greatly changed situation. Sometimes, whilst family and friends may be close and supportive, an individual may not wish to burden them with exactly how they are feeling. For others, it may feel that there is no-one to talk to. Or, having another person present may be helpful when difficult things need to be said.
St Peter & St James Counsellors are available to listen and talk through any issues and concerns patients and their loved ones have and may choose to share.
Is the service free?
Yes - All of our Hospice services are free of charge to all patients and their families.
Bereavement Service
Everybody deals with bereavement differently and at St Peter & St James we aim to continue to support the families and friends of our patients for as long as is needed following the death of their loved one.
The grief that follows death of a family member or friend and learning to adjust to a life where that person is missing often makes the period following death seem confusing and full of strong and mixed emotions. Our Counsellors contact the loved ones of our patients six weeks following the death of their relative or friend, or sooner if required, to offer the support of one of our Bereavement Visitors. The Bereavement Service is available to the families and friends of both Hospice and Continuing Care patients.
Who are the Bereavement Visitors?
They are all volunteers and are students on counselling courses at local colleges. They receive bereavement counselling training from St Peter & St James as part of their qualification and receive regular supervision and support from our qualified Counsellors. To find out more about becoming a volunteer Bereavement Visitor please click here.
How does the service work?
The first meeting with a bereavement visitor is an opportunity to talk through the things that people are finding more difficult and to decide if further meetings would be beneficial. Meetings take place wherever feels most comfortable and where privacy can be ensured. They usually last 50 minutes and are usually weekly. A date is always agreed to review how things are working out although there is not a limit on the number of sessions available when there are outstanding issues to work through.
Is the service free?
Yes - All of our Hospice services are free of charge to all patients and their families.
For further information please contact the Counselling team at St Peter & St James on 01444 471598.