St Joseph's Hospice

Description

Corona virus service update 

City & Hackney Covid-19 Bereavement Service for Young People and Families 

Who is the service for?

St Joseph’s Hospice is offering support to children, young people and families who have lost a family member, care giver or other significant person due to Covid-19.

This is available free of charge to children and young people up to the age of 18 who either live in City & Hackney or are registered with a City & Hackney GP.

Bereavement

The death of someone close to us from Covid-19 can be deeply painful. The suddenness of the illness – often with the loss of contact with a loved one with no opportunity to say goodbye – can leave us with many painful emotions: sadness, anger, grief or numbness. Such responses, although normal, can be the source of much distress and confusion.

Referral and initial consultation

If you, or a child or young person you are aware of, could benefit from a chance to talk to someone about a death due to Covid-19 please contact our First Contact Team. They will take some initial information about who is being referred and the death that has occurred.

A member of the team will then get in touch with you for a more detailed discussion about your situation, what support you have around you and what you are finding difficult. We may offer advice and information about managing the impact of bereavement or signposting to other relevant organisations that can also offer help and support.

Sometimes this initial meeting is all that is needed but, if not, we will discuss other ways we can help you.

Support is currently being offered by phone and video call.  Face-to-face sessions at the hospice will resume once social distancing guidelines allow for this.

Access to interpreters is available if needed.

Support following the initial consultation

This may include any of the following:

• Individual counselling
• Family sessions
• Bereavement groups
• Memorial events
• Art therapy

Contact details – First Contact Team

Phone: 0300 303 0400

Email:  stjosephs.firstcontact@nhs.net

How to make a referral

You can self-refer for an assessment via the First Contact team on 0300 303 0400 or ask a GP or other professional to complete a referral on your behalf.

If you would like to discuss any questions before making a referral please contact the Patient & Family Counselling Team on 020 8525 3229 and a member of staff will help you.

Who we are

St Joseph’s Hospice cares for and supports people affected by serious illness. We try to improve the quality of life for people with life-limiting conditions and help them live life to the full, to the very end. Supporting families and carers is also an important part of what we do.

What we do 

If you or someone you know is affected by a serious, life-limiting condition then we may be able to help you. St Joseph's Hospice offers a wide range of palliative care services including:

• nursing and medical care

• emotional support

• practical advice

• physical and psychological therapies

• spiritual and pastoral care (for those who want it)

• social and creative activities

• Respite care

• Care at home

• 24/7 advice & support line

• Supportive care

• Community services