Support services

We can support you emotionally, practically and spiritually throughout your illness. We have a range of options available to you on your journey through dealing with a life-limiting illness, including:

Emotional support

Many people find it useful to talk to someone impartial who’ll listen to your individual experience, which is why we have a team of counsellors who can support you and offer guidance. Emotional support is available to patients, either individually or within a group where you can talk about the impact of your condition.

We also offer bereavement support for family and friends of patients who have received our care (both in the hospice, or care out in the patient’s home). Our specially trained team of volunteers and counsellors are here to support your needs.

Practical advice

We offer lots of practical advice including advice on welfare and benefits. For instance, helping you to understand what financial support might be available to you. And what care support, outside of the hospice, you might be able to access.

Spiritual support

We welcome everyone of all faiths at St Barnabas House. Whatever your beliefs, we want to make sure you’re supported spiritually. This also includes people without a faith who want to discuss how their illness is impacting them. Our chaplain is available to listen to patients and family members who want to talk through what’s meaningful, as well as give religious and spiritual guidance. Read our blog to find out about our chaplaincy team.

Working with the arts

We’re lucky to be one of only a few hospices in the UK with a well equipped, dedicated art studio which is facilitated by our artist-in-residence where you can develop a creative voice through different activities.. You can create something for yourself or for someone else, the choice is yours and our artist can support you along the way.

Read our blogs about the impact the art room has for patients and loved ones:

• Sue’s Story: For Sue, the art room at St Barnabas House has become a place where she can begin to process her loss by creating artworks that honour the lives of her two sons. Read more >
• Sarah’s Story: Thanks to St Barnabas, Sarah has a new focus, and that’s art. Instead of dancing, every week she goes to the hospice for art sessions with a group of people who are also being cared for by the hospice. Read more >
• Meet Stevan, our Artist in Residence: Art is an extremely important part of hospice care. It can be an excellent way to express emotions without words, process complex feelings and find relief in difficult times. Read more >