St. Luke’s Hospice has continued to support residents throughout the pandemic, in Thurrock and Basildon, providing family support, youth work and essential adult, children and young person’s counselling.
For over a year usual channels of delivery have changed in response to the Covid 19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines. Last year support immediately changed from face to face sessions to virtual sessions, using Zoom, and/or by telephone.
What was essential was the continuity of service – ensuring access to specialist, confidential support from a dedicated and experienced team, committed to those who have experienced a bereavement, or are pre-bereaved.
Luke’s Counselling and Support for Children & Young People (Luke’s) believes in an honest and open approach, enabling the sharing of anxieties and feelings.
By acknowledging the impact of a life challenging illness, or bereavement, children and young people have an opportunity to express their feelings in a supportive environment. Luke’s also utilises art therapy techniques.
Dove Community Counselling Service for adults provides support for people who are bereaved, as well as support for those who are living with a life limiting illness, from diagnosis through to end of life or into survivorship. The service also extends to supporting families and carers.
Our Counselling Service offers support to anyone who has been bereaved within the last 5 years due to a life limiting illness, as well as bereavement support for families and carers who may have experienced a traumatic loss such as a road traffic accident, industrial accident, suicide or other sudden deaths.
Suzanne Sales, Assistant Director of Clinical Services said:
“During Mental Health Awareness Week we are keen to highlight the support we offer to the residents of Thurrock. As well as counselling, family support and youth work, our groups provide opportunities for peer support and a space to listen and share with those who may be experiencing a similar situation. At this time I would like to encourage anyone who feels we could provide support to please contact us. We’re here and ready to help”.
St Luke’s Hospice also provides a Walking with Nature group – a therapeutic support group for anyone who has been bereaved or is currently using the services of St. Luke’s Hospice. Lasting roughly one hour, the walk is led by St. Luke’s Hospice staff members and takes in the scenic backdrop of Langdon Hills Country Park.
A weekly Bereavement Café provides an opportunity for those who have lost a loved one to meet others in a similar situation and is open to anyone living in Basildon, Thurrock or Brentwood who has experienced a bereavement.
St. Luke’s Hospice also provides a virtual Carers Support group for carers of someone with a life-limiting condition in Basildon or Thurrock, who would like to socialise with other local carers, while having access to professional advice and information.
To learn more about any of our support services and groups, please contact a member of the team on 01268 524973.