We are a team of Counsellors, Social Workers, Chaplains and trained volunteers who provide talking, listening and practical support to people who use Fair Havens Hospice, or who come into contact with our community services.
Who we can help
When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness, it can have a huge impact on them and the people who are close to them. We are available to help them find their way in the difficult times ahead and support them with the sad and difficult conversations they may need to have with family and friends. If the people they care about need support, we are available for them too.
When someone special and important dies we are there to offer the support and guidance that people often need. We see most people in the hospice but we also see people in their own homes, and offer groups like our monthly bereavement group Travelling On in the Day Care centre. Most of our counselling takes place above our Havens Hospices charity shop in Alexandra Street, Southend.
What we offer
Spiritual Care The spiritual care of people is fundamental to all our services. This means that a member of the Chaplaincy Team is always available to offer spiritual support and comfort to patients and their families – whether people have a faith or not - in times of stress, pain and anxiety. Our Chaplaincy team will also help with special services, say prayers or contact the patient’s own religious leader if that is requested.
Bereavement Support All of us at some point in our lives will be bereaved of a loved one. Most of us manage this difficult time with support of family and friends. However, some of us need a bit of extra support from someone outside the family who is not so emotionally involved. For those, we offer a listening ear from one of our trained visitors and a monthly group for people who want to share their grief journey with others who may be experiencing similar difficulties to themselves.
However, some people can feel extreme sadness and emotional pain and for those we offer one to one counselling which is provided for a short time while people find their way through a confusing range and mix of emotions which can affect their journey through grief.
Support for Carers Our Carers Coordinator takes a special interest in the family members and friends most involved in caring for our patients. They sometimes need as much support as the patient. We aim to ensure that carers’ views are at the centre of activities designed to support them and that services provided are available to carers irrespective of gender, race, ability or religion. Find out more on our support for Carers.
Social work Support
Sometimes people need support when dealing with Social Services, housing departments, Benefits Agency and other officials and our Social Worker is there to help. They will also help patients returning home from a stay in the hospice to ensure that they receive the care and support they need, or those living at home with a life threatening illness.
How to get in touch
Our Family Support Team can be contacted on 01702 220321. If you are phoning out of hours, please leave a message and we get back to you the following day.
If you are suffering physically as a result of a grief reaction, we would always advise you to contact your GP. If you are seeking spiritual advice and you have a Faith leader of your own, we would suggest you contact them first if possible.
