Family Support Services - St Gemma's Hospice

Having a serious illness or caring for someone who is ill brings with it a range of new challenges. Working as part of the multi-disciplinary team in the Hospice, the family support team has the experience, knowledge and counselling skills to help and advise you on how to address these challenges.

The team is currently made up of registered social workers, qualified counsellors and volunteers.

We work with patients, carers, and family members by offering practical and emotional support.

St Gemma’s Hospice works with all people, no matter what their ethnicity, faith, age, disability, gender or sexuality and are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm both in the Hospice and for home visits. If you wish to contact the Family Support Team you can email familysupportteam@st-gemma.co.uk or call the main reception on 0113 2185500.

Please click on the boxes below to learn more about our Family Support Services at St Gemma’s Hospice:

Social work service for patients, carers and family members

Time limited emotional support through the stressful changes that may occur because of an illness or at the end of life for patients and their families. We can support people face-to-face, either in the Hospice or in their own homes, or speak to people by telephone.
Assistance with future planning and decision making; including making wills, powers of attorney and funeral arrangements.
Advice and support with housing, benefits and finances including accessing charitable grants.
Liaison with other care and support agencies.
We also run a Carers’ Group which may be beneficial to anyone looking for a safe space to meet others in a similar situation. Click here to find out more about our Carers’ Group in Leeds.

Bereavement Support for Adults

We offer a comprehensive adult bereavement service that includes one-to-one counselling and group support. You are also welcome to drop in to our Bereavement Support Group which meets on the second Friday of each month 10am to 12pm. This offers the opportunity to meet with people going through a similar experience.

Please click here to visit our bereavement support page for more information on how to access the service.

Bereavement Support for Children and Young Adults

Our Young People’s Service has bereavement support workers who are trained and highly-experienced in working with bereaved children and young people and work exclusively in this field.

Support can be offered on an individual basis or by meeting together in a group for memory days or fun events. They can also signpost to other agencies, provide leaflets, advice and information. Please click here for further information on the St Gemma’s Young People’s Service.