Emotional Support & Counselling
Emotional support for patients, family and friends
Supporting your emotional needs – as a patient, family member or friend – is one of the most important aspects of Shipston Home Nursing’s hospice at home care. Alongside looking after your medical needs, we are here to help you make the most of every moment and to support you during times of distress.
Our nurses and healthcare assistants are trained in basic bereavement support, including pre-bereavement, also known as anticipatory grief, which both patients and their loved ones often experience following a terminal diagnosis. Our nursing team can also help identify whether our bereavement counselling support may be beneficial.
Did you know...?
Our bereavement counselling service is available to any adult within the Shipston Home Nursing catchment area, irrespective of whether you or your family have received hospice at home services from us.
Bereavement counselling
The loss of a loved one can be one of the most painful and life changing events that any of us will experience. Patients themselves have a lot to cope with in coming to terms with their illness, as well as worrying about the impact on family and friends.
Shipston Home Nursing offers bereavement counselling sessions to help you and your loved ones. These sessions are delivered by a trained counsellor who is registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
How our counselling service works:
- Initially, three, hour-long sessions are offered. More can be provided if needed.
- Sessions take place in a private room at the SHN offices or in your home if you prefer. Counselling is normally face-to-face but virtual sessions can be arranged.
- Our sessions are led by your needs. Everyone’s experience is individual but delivered within an overall counselling framework following best practice.
We will come and sit with you during the day or overnight so your family can rest. Although it can be hard to persuade family members to take a break, we find this support is important in helping you all have the energy to enjoy your time together.
We encourage family members and carers to use these respite sits to rest or take some time away from the house.
FAQ's
Who is eligible for bereavement counselling
Adults living in Shipston, Wellesbourne, Kineton, Bidford and surrounding villages who have experienced a loss can access our bereavement counselling service free of charge.
How do I access bereavement counselling?
You can self-refer by contacting our team on 01608 664850 or by emailing us at [email protected]. You can also be referred to us via your GP or other health professional.
Do you provide counselling for children?
Our service includes anticipatory counselling for those facing incurable illness. We also provide hospice at home care should you need nursing care at home. Please contact our nursing team for more information on 07920 480392 or [email protected].
If I have a terminal illness. What counselling support can you provide?
We’d love you to get involved in supporting our services. Instant one-off and regular donations can be made directly through our donation page. You can also get involved in our events, create your own fundraising activity or join our wonderful group of volunteers. Take a look at our Supporters section for ideas – and thank you for your support!
I'm concerned about my relative/friend. How do I know whether to recommend bereavement counselling?
We have put together a guide on how to support yourself and others through the grieving process, which includes signs that suggest that counselling may be helpful. If you’re concerned that their needs are becoming more urgent or complex, please contact our team for advice.
Other Sources of information
Our Resources section includes information about talking to children about dying as well as how to support yourself and others through the grieving process.
Further information and resources to help with understanding and coping with bereavement can be found on the following websites:
