Family support
When someone is very ill, many people are affected. The lives of whole families as well as friends and carers can become upset and pressurised. It is not unusual for people to find themselves facing a host of practical, financial and emotional difficulties.
To help people to cope at what can be a very difficult time, our services include:
Specialist social workers
We have an expert group of specialist social workers who help patients, their families and their carers to adjust emotionally and practically to the impact of the illness and continue to provide support through to bereavement. This team provides, family therapy, advocacy, practical planning and children’s advice and support in either the patient’s home, our Inpatient Centre or at Mulberry Place. They are also able to provide information on legal matters such as wills, lasting powers of attorney and parental guardianship.
Welfare benefits advisor
It is not unusual for patients and families to worry about money and how they are going to make ends meet in what can be rapidly changing circumstances. Our advisor helps by ensuring people receive the benefits they are entitled to, and can also assist by acting on their behalf on debt and housing issues.
Bereavement service
Families and friends often need support after a person close to them has died. We have a Bereavement Service Coordinator and a large number of trained bereavement volunteers who provide individual counselling support. Our bereavement service also offers group support and organises memorial events that family and friends can attend.
Working closely with our specialist social workers, our bereavement team also provides support to children, together with advice and assistance to parents and schools about the needs of bereaved young people.
There is no time limit to the support on offer in recognition of the fact that everyone is an individual and has their own unique needs.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
