Accessibility Options...
Our Aim
The aim of the Family Support service is to help family members to cope with the distress that may be experienced during and after a patient’s life-threatening illness.therapy team at the present time.
The aim of the Family Support service is to help family members to cope with the distress that may be experienced during and after a patient’s life-threatening illness.
This is done by providing practical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support during the illness and following support through into bereavement.
Key Members of the Team
Key members of the team The team consists of the Family Support Co-ordinator, Lead Chaplain and volunteer support workers.
Who can use the Family Support Service
The service is available to anyone affected by the illness or death of a patient known to Willowbrook Hospice.
The service is available to anyone affected by the illness or death of a patient known to Willowbrook Hospice, whether that be through the In Patient Unit, Day Therapy or the Out Patient Unit.
Unfortunately we do not currently have the resources to offer this service to the wider community.However, where able to, we try to sign post any enquiries to the most appropriate support.
What we offer
What we offer now and what we hope to offer in the future
We currently offer one to one listening and counselling support in person here at the Hospice. This support is provided by the Family Support Co-ordinator and Lead Chaplain. For those who do not wish or are unable to come to the Hospice, telephone support is available.
Resources are available on coping with illness and bereavement, including free leaflets on a variety of relevant topics.A small number of books and multimedia resources are also available to borrow.
We can provide information on other local organisations offering a wider variety of services for carers and those who have been bereaved.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Later this year we will be launching a monthly self-help bereavement group for those affected by the death of a patient known to Willowbrook Hospice. This will offer sessions giving information on a variety of relevant issues and will provide an environment where people can give and receive support from others in their bereavement.
An informal ‘drop-in’ session will also be available, run by our specially trained volunteers. Come along for a cup of tea/coffee, a chat and access to Family Support Service resources.
Also planned is a service to offer practical support to those struggling with the arrangements that need to be made following bereavement. This will be provided by volunteers who will be available to accompany those who would like support in such things as registering a death, making funeral arrangements or visiting a grave.
Children
We provide help and support to parents whose children are affected by the illness or death of a patient known to Willowbrook Hospice.
Although we do not currently offer a dedicated child’s counseling service, we provide help and support to parents whose children are affected by the illness or death of a patient known to Willowbrook Hospice.
Resources and information are available, as is listening and counselling support for the parents. Occasionally it is appropriate for a member of the Family Support team to offer an appointment for support for the parent and child together.
We also have information about other local agencies who provide support specifically for children.
Criteria for referral
Criteria for Referral to Family Support Service
How to access the Family Support Service
How and who to contact
To make an appointment or for more information on any of the services we provide, contact the Family Support Co-ordinator on
gillf@willowbrookhospice.org.uk
or telephone Switchboard 0151 430 8736