Bereavement Support

What is Bereavement Support at Cotswold Care Hospice?
Whilst recognising that grief is a normal response to any loss or perceived loss, impacting on the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the bereaved person, Cotswold Care Hospice recognises that there are times when people need some additional support.

Many bereaved people will gain the support they need from family and friends, and do not need to seek professional help. However for some, the opportunity to meet with a professional bereavement support worker to assess and identify their individual needs can be helpful. Cotswold Care Hospice recognises the benefits that can be gained from bringing together recently bereaved people facing similar challenges. The bereavement team facilitates a number of groups throughout the year. Our services gives the bereaved person the opportunity to explore their feelings and emotions in a confidential setting with a trained counsellor, emotional therapist or trained and supervised bereavement support worker.

Cotswold Care Hospice automatically offers support to bereaved families, with their consent for a period of 1 year. This is in the form of telephone and written contact. Many bereaved families feel that this support is sufficient to meet their needs.

We have a team of Counsellors and Bereavement Support Volunteers. Following assessment by a trained Counsellor a Support Worker will be allocated based on your needs.

Who can refer?
Any health care professional with the patient’s/client’s knowledge. The patient or family member.

Frequently asked Questions: -

What happens after a referral is made?
Your referral is discussed at a multi –professional staff meeting and if appropriate you will be contacted by Kathy Lane. Counselling Lead, who will arrange for an initial meeting to ascertain your needs and allocate the most appropriate worker to support you.

Will I see the same person every time I attend?
Following your initial meeting with Kathy Lane you will be offered support from a member of the team. You will then see the same person for the duration of your counselling/support(except in unusual circumstances)

How long will I need to attend?
This may depend upon the complexity of the issues you present, and your relationship with the counsellor/support worker. Sessions can range from 1 to longer term support. This will be discussed with you initially and reviewed with you on a regular basis. Sessions last for 50 minutes.

What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is respected, and this will be explained in more detail at your first meeting.