Bereavement support at St Gemma’s

St Gemma’s is here to continue caring for you after your loved one’s death by providing bereavement support and counselling.

Understanding grief

Grief is a natural reaction following the death of someone close and it is a very individual experience.

Grieving takes time. Though it may be difficult to believe it now, most people gradually begin to feel less raw and are able to rebuild parts of their life again, although that life will be different.

Some people find it helpful to talk about how they are feeling, which can relieve some of the distress you might be experiencing.

How we can help

We offer individual and group support and counselling to all families, friends and carers of patients who were supported by St Gemma’s Hospice either in the community or on our In-Patient unit.

To access our services and for further information, please contact the St Gemma’s Hospice Bereavement Team on 0113 306 9167.

More information about bereavement services

Individual support

We offer an initial appointment followed by up to six weekly sessions of individual bereavement counselling in the first instance.

Bereavement Café

A social group for people who have experienced a bereavement, in the last two years and over 8 weeks ago. People who have had similar experiences can meet and provide mutual support in a relaxed atmosphere.

First and third Friday of the month
10:15am-12:15pm

Growing around grief group

A structured group, for people who have been bereaved in the last year, is an opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation, to explore how we may experience grief, how we remember our important person and look to the future.

Three times a year:
January, April and September.

Support for children and young people

The St Gemma’s Young People’s Service provides information and support for children and young people of all ages, to help them cope with their feelings and worries.

Find out more

I felt listened to, supported and not alone in my time of grief. I looked forward to my sessions every week as I knew that I wouldn’t be judged for the way I was feeling and would be able to just cry and let my emotions out.

Patient's family member

Resources

What to do when some dies

A practical and emotional guide, which has all of the information you need in one place, from registering a death and arranging a funeral to accessing grief support.

Download leaflet