Bereavement Support
What happens when a loved one dies?
Bereavement Support is available from the Hospice In-patient and Community nursing teams, the Chaplain and the Social Care Department.
When a patient dies in the Hospice, the nursing team and the Chaplain do everything they can to support the family, both emotionally and practically, offering guidance regarding funeral arrangements and advising on "what happens next". The Community Team offer families support following the death of a patient in the community. At all times, care is taken to ensure that this support is offered with respect and dignity.
The Hospice has its own Bereavement Service - a team of trained volunteers who are regularly supervised. They offer support to carers, either by telephone or on a one-to-one basis. It is hoped that we will soon be able to offer group support to people who feel they might benefit from meeting with others who are experiencing bereavement.
Support is normally offered by letter within a month of a patient's death. However, if family or carers would welcome that support sooner they should contact the Hospice Social Care Department on 01908 663636.
Lights of Love
From the end of November until early January each year the Hospice erects a Christmas tree in the grounds overlooking the lake. The tree is illuminated with hundreds of lights in memory of loved ones and friends who will not be present at Christmas. The lights are turned on at a special ceremony at the beginning of December.
For more information about our Lights of Love please call 01908 306699
As part of this special event the Family Support Service also erect two smaller trees alongside the Lights of Love tree. Children and young people are encouraged to decorate and write messages on stars which are then put on the trees.
If you have children or young people who would like to decorate a star in memory of someone special please contact the Family Support Service on 01908 663636.
Memorial Services
The Hospice holds regular memorial services (three this year) at which we remember patients who have died in our care, either at Willen or in the community. 
Around the time of the first anniversary families receive a personal invitation. There is plenty of room for as many family and friends as want to come. Names are read and a candle lit for each person we are remembering. The candles can be taken home afterwards.
We are always eager to welcome volunteers who fulfill a number of roles: greeting people as they arrive; singing in our make-shift choir; reading a scripture, poem, prayers or the names; and assisting with refreshments.
The services are at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone starting at 3.00pm and last for about 45 minutes, followed by refreshments and the chance to meet one or two staff and volunteers they may recognize.
If you would like to know more about our memorial services please contact Steve Barnes, our Chaplain, on 01908 663636.
