Welcome to the St Barnabas House Blog

Looking back over 50 years of loving hospice care

St Barnabas House opened in 1973 and fifty years on, the support from our local community has helped care for more than 45,000 local people and their loved ones.

George’s story

"When George eventually agreed to me calling St Barnabas, I felt utter relief as his symptoms were so complex that we couldn’t cope at home."

Helen and Adrian’s story

"Whilst I’m lucky to have an amazing support network, grief still left me feeling lonely and isolated. Because, until you have experienced the pain of loss, I don’t think you can fully understand how it feels. "

What is a bereavement support group?

Counsellor, Alice, tells us all about the Connections bereavement group aims to bring together people who are isolated in their grief.

Volunteering as a bereavement counsellor

Belinda, a volunteer counsellor, has been at St Barnabas for six years after initially joining us on a placement. She tells us what its like volunteering with patients and families.

Fiona’s story

"Despite all this, Mum’s happiness and humour was quickly picked up on by the nurses and it was beautiful to see the connection they had with her. "

Tony’s Story

"The pain of losing your partner, your soulmate, is almost impossible to describe. I miss his laughter and his crazy socks every day. But I can honestly say that saying goodbye to Tony was easier thanks to the support of St Barnabas. "

Why I signed up as an Emotional Support Volunteer

Corinne explains why her role as an Emotional Support Volunteer means so much to her, what her role entails ant the type of training and support she gets from the hospice.

Why I became a hospice Community Companion

Jazzy, 28, is our youngest Community Companion. After studying psychology at university, Jazzy wanted to positively impact someone’s life and use her skills to help others, so she looked for a role in hospice care.

Helping you live with frailty

Find out about our six-week Frailty Wellbeing Programme as part of our Living Well service, helping older people and their carers with the challenges that come with ageing and reduced mobility.

Sue’s story

"I look forward to visiting the hospice and I’m doing something that means such a lot to me. Rather than sitting at home and giving up, I now have a collection of beautiful artworks and the grief I felt on that first visit to the art room feels a little less raw."

What it’s like to be a hospice chaplain

"We hope to be sensitive and compassionate listeners who will walk beside someone as they journey, providing a space for people to be open about what they are experiencing."