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OUR CARE

Bereavement support

Talking with someone who is trained in counselling skills can help bring a new perspective or understanding. It can help you feel less confused and more confident about your personal situation.

Usually the word “counsel” means to give advice, but therapeutic counselling is really about careful listening and reflecting. We don’t tell you how to behave or what you should or should not be doing or what to think. We allow you the space and the time to make sense of what has happened and to face the future with courage.

FAQ

Do you have a passion for retail and want to work for an organisation where your hard work and dedication will have a direct impact on patient care provision to local children and adults?

Our senior counsellor and our volunteer counsellors are qualified, accredited and experienced and we have a team of skilled volunteers who are trained in counselling skills and in the issues connected with grief and loss. Our student counsellors are counsellors in training.

Everyone in our Counselling and Bereavement Support Team receives professional support and supervision.

You should allow about an hour for each session.

The frequency of appointments is something you can discuss with your supporter or counsellor: you might meet every week at first and then less often as time goes by. Your volunteer will keep in touch with you for as long as is necessary.

Counselling and bereavement support takes place at Eden Valley Hospice in a quiet, confidential room away from the busy part of the hospice. We also offer telephone counselling and virtual appointments.

This will largely depend on your wishes. You may wish to see your volunteer regularly at first, or you may choose to retain contact by telephone. Not everyone’s needs are the same, so please choose what feels right for you.

 

In the first session your supporter will talk with you about your current circumstances and what you can expect to happen in the sessions. Your supporter is there to listen and to understand, not to judge you or tell you what to do.

We understand that everyone is different and it’s not possible to like everyone – if you would like to talk to a different person, please contact the Counselling & Bereavement Support Team Co-ordinator to ask if this can be arranged. No offence will be taken if you decide to do this.

If you have an appointment but decide that you don’t want counselling or support at the moment, please contact the hospice to let us know so we can offer the appointment to someone else. You can always get in touch again at any time in the future.

Walk & Talk group

Our Walk and Talk Group is a free walking group for adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. It allows you to meet new people, share ideas and be supported by the group when you’re having a tough day.

The walks take place at 11am at Chances Park, Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JP on the first Tuesday of every month. To find out more phone the hospice on 01228 810801 or email wendy.ashton@edenvalleyhospice.org.

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