Here at the hospice we understand that life-limiting illnesses affect not only the patient, but their network of family, friends and carers also. With this in mind, the care we provide is extended to include these integral people within a patient’s plan of care, as well as offering support and help to them during what can be a difficult, uncertain time.
Counselling
When we are facing a painful or difficult time in our lives, when we feel tangled up and anxious, talking with a qualified counsellor can help make sense of confusing thoughts and feelings.
Effective counselling is respectful, non-judgemental and confidential, and creates the right conditions for free and honest expression of whatever is troubling you.
Talking with a skilled listener about your thoughts and feelings can be more useful than trying to understand or analyse them in your head alone. Being well listened to can lead you to listen to yourself a little differently and this can bring about helpful changes in how you view the problem you are facing.
Most people who come for counselling say they feel better just for being listened to properly, but counselling is not a soft option: it can be truly challenging. Facing doubts and fears in therapy often feels risky at first, but it can help people come to terms with their prognosis and face the future with courage, resilience and hope.
Bereavement support
Bereavement counselling is a key offering from our patient and family support team.
Counselling is offered by our senior counsellor and a team of qualified volunteer counsellors who are accredited and experienced. They have specific training in counselling skills and in the issues connected with grief and loss.
Social Work
Hospice social workers specialise in working with adults and children, their families, those they are close to and their communities who are facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness and end of life care.
They use their particular skills and knowledge to help people deal with the impact of what is happening to them, including loss and bereavement, and to have a good life and a good death.
The social workers role can include sourcing practical help at home, accessing other services, advice about debt or income, maintenance, help with housing, advocacy, working with schools or employers, and/or offering psychosocial support.
They work in partnership with the people they offer support to and work alongside other professions, agencies, organisations and as part of the wider community in which they are based. They bring social care expertise and perspective to situations in order to ensure that people get the support they need.
The Comfort Café
Our Comfort Café offers a welcoming and supportive environment for bereaved people to share stories, feelings & coping strategies.
With a cosy and social atmosphere, our café offers a place to connect with others while enjoying coffee and light refreshments.
THE COMMUNITEA HUB, WIGTON
Wheatsheaf Lane, Wigton, CA7 9DY (Behind Greggs)
The second Thursday of every month from 10.00am – 12.00pm.
BRAMPTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
Union Ln, Brampton CA8 1BX
The fourth Thursday of every month from 10.00am – 12.00pm.
Walk & Talk Group
Our Walk and Talk Group is a free, supportive walking group for adults coping with the loss of a loved one. It provides a welcoming space to meet new people, share experiences, and receive support from others who understand. Whether you’re seeking companionship or a listening ear on tough days, this group offers comfort through connection and movement.
CHANCE PARK, CARLISLE
The first Tuesday of every month at 11am.
HAMMONDS POND, CARLISLE
The third Tuesday of every month meeting at the Hammonds Pond car park off Blackwell Road at 11am.
Spiritual Care
Our spiritual care team is made up of volunteers of different ages, backgrounds, beliefs and experiences.
The team is available in Day Services, the adult in-patient unit and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, to provide compassionate companionship to patients and families, and to be a support in whatever way they may be asked.
Religious care is provided on request and we have contact with representatives of different world religions and belief organisations. Please contact the family support team for more information.
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