Family Support
There is always someone to listen and share what can be painful and distressing feelings.
When someone is very ill, everyone in the family is affected. Earl Mountbatten Hospice offers holistic care which extends beyond the treatment of physical symptoms, to consider the emotional and social needs of patients, families and their friend and carers.
The Family Support Service is considered an integral part of Hospice care and free confidential emotional support and counselling to patients, family, relatives and friends. This also includes children.
Often emotional pain and stresses associated with illness or death are as difficult to overcome as physical symptoms.
The Family Support Service recognises that people faced with these difficult circumstances will naturally experience a range of emotions, for example, feeling tearful, anxious, angry, feelings of helplessness amongst other emotions.
Our service offers:
Individual counselling/support - adults and children.
Family counselling (to enable families to talk about what they are facing and gain support from one another).
Telephone counselling.
Anxiety Management.
Bereavement Support Group (open to those who have been bereaved no less than 3 months).
Educational talks to schools/organisations.
The service is coordinated by Ms Jane Wheeler a professionally trained counsellor. Within the department is Kate Abbott, Counselling Psychologist, Counsellors Anne Barnett and Wendy Hookey, and Mrs Phyl Birch who gives secretarial support dealing with referrals and appointments.
Jane is also supported by a team of specially trained volunteers in counselling skills who are required to attend monthly supervision.
Who can refer to the Family Support Service?
Patients, families, carer's may refer themselves.
Professionals with the Hospice Multidisciplinary Team.
GPs, Macmillan Nurses, Community Nurses
