Don’t we all need someone to talk to during times of stress, upset and personal crisis? This is particularly true for people who experience the loss of a loved one. Our compassionate volunteers offer a listening ear, a steady presence, and a source of comfort during some of life's most challenging moments.

In 2020 during COVID, the Hospice’s Family Support Team necessarily moved to remote working mode. At the same time those experiencing loss were disconnected from the usual personal contact and their loss and grief was compounded by this situation. The team decided to develop a service to help the increasing number of people who needed support and devised the role of Bereavement Support Volunteers to provide a “listening ear” to bereaved adults. Volunteers were recruited and trained, and the service started in April 2021, with volunteers also working remotely from their homes by telephone and videocall.

The bereavement support service has continued to provide confidential personal support to individuals and families since that time. Over the past three years, they have supported 88 individuals, and the team has evidence that shows that the sessions offered by our wonderful Bereavement Support Volunteers significantly helps people adjust to their loss. A recent family member's note suggests that the service has impact and is appreciated:

“I found the sessions with [the volunteer] incredibly helpful in allowing me to process the last 12 months. Just talking to someone made a difference. [The volunteer] was so very patient and kind. Thank you”

It has now taken a step-change in that a face-to face service has been introduced based at the Hospice by the volunteers. The team has also developed and widened the opportunity for volunteers to contribute to and support other initiatives such as the 'Living with Loss' groups - group support sessions for people with grief, which are led by staff with volunteers supporting.

Additionally, other volunteers in the team have made a key contribution enabling the introduction of a monthly Walking Group for bereaved relatives, as well as having a key role with the Spiritual Care team’s work with patients, families and carers.

The Family Support Team’s ability to maintain a service to families during COVID and the development of the various services culminated in a National Award at Hospice UK’s Annual Conference.