Welcome to the St Barnabas House Blog

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.

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."

Sharing the joy

“Making music is a massive joy in my life. The St Barnabas Community Choir is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. As the famous phrase goes, ‘Music speaks where words fail,’ and to me that is totally true."

Sandie’s story

"We broke down in tears. She’d worked in palliative care most of her life, but nothing can prepare you for that news."

Lara’s story

"St Barnabas brought us all a huge sense of relief from no longer having to worry about things like medicines, personal care or feeding. And it also gave my dad a lot of peace, knowing we were being looked after too."

Ben’s story

"The Care Team at St Barnabas House are amazing, I’d even describe them as angels. We were at the hospice for the worst possible reason, but we still smiled and chuckled every single day."

Dom’s story

"From the start to finish of our relationship, we never had a dull moment. We laughed every single day and even when things progressed with Dom’s illness, humour was our way of coping with life."

Linda’s story

"If you’re fortunate in life, you will meet that one person who is as much a part of you as your own body and soul. For me, that person was Linda."

Marilyn’s story

"I still miss his laughter every day, but I know I wouldn’t have managed to get to the stage I am now without the hospice and the ongoing counselling I’ve received."

No right way to grieve

"Death is the (very large) elephant in the room that we often feel uncomfortable talking about despite the fact it affects all of us, and everyone around us."