Rosemarie Finley’s column

Thursday 28 November 2019

Caring for the whole family

Here at St Barnabas we look after the needs of family members, carers and friends too. Because, if someone you care about has a terminal illness, it can make such a difference to have the right support for those difficult questions and concerns you might have.

From decisions about a loved one’s care to support after loss, our counsellors, pastoral team, social workers and specially trained volunteers are available to provide practical, emotional and spiritual support at any stage of your journey.

Quite often people are surprised to learn that one-to-one support and counselling is available to people of all ages, from children through to grandparents, and can take place either in the hospice or in the comfort of your own home.

As well as having emotional needs, patients and their families often have practical and financial worries and our social workers can help in directing them towards appropriate sources of help.

The pastoral care team offer spiritual support whether you have religious beliefs or not, and the hospice chapel is a quiet space for reflection and prayer, available 24/7 for anyone to use.

Following the loss of a loved one under the care of St Barnabas, the support for family and friends continues. From social evenings and support groups, to individual sessions and remembrance events, there are so many opportunities to receive support as well as celebrate the life of a loved one.

For more information about the Family Services team visit www.stbh.org.uk/family-services or ring the team on 01903 706341.