What is the Befriending and Bereavement Service?
A team of trained Volunteers who together with other staff are here to offer help through supportive, reliable relationships and practical help.
How do I access the Befriending and Bereavement Service?
The service is available at any time though the bereavement coordinator. You can ask the Hospice staff or a St Luke’s community nurse to ask for the service for you or please contact Peter Bellenes direct on 01752 436730.
Who is the service for?
This service is open to people affected by the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness and to the families and friends of anyone who had links with the Hospice before the death.
What does the service offer?
We offer a variety of services to help people as everyone’s needs and feelings vary. Our volunteers are available to:
• visit you regularly and provide company and a friendly chat
• read with you
• find out information for you
• assist you with practical tasks, such as writing letters and shopping
• provide emotional support at times of change or difficulty
• accompany you to medical appointments, the library, or on a local outing
• encourage and enable you to make a wider network of contacts
The Hospice will also invite you to:
• join in with the Hospice at Remembrance events held during the summer
• “Light up a Life” services – an invitation to join us at churches and chapels across
Plymouth, the South Hams, Tavistock and Liskeard for a time of remembering as we
light candles, sing carols, and meet with staff and volunteers for refreshments
What can’t the volunteer do?
Volunteers are not allowed to become involved in personal care such as bathing, any type of medical care, domestic tasks or financial and legal matters. Other services are available to meet these needs and the volunteers can help you contact them.
Will I see the same person every time?
Yes, we try to ensure that when you are allocated a Volunteer you will have all your meetings with them.
How long can I have help for?
The contact will be reviewed by the coordinator every three months but you will continue to receive the service for as long as you, your volunteer and the coordinator feel it is helping.
Where will the sessions take place?
You and your volunteer will discuss your choice of where you would like to meet, either at your home, in the Hospice at Turnchapel or the Community team offices at Pearn on Eggbuckland Road, Plymouth – or some other place you jointly choose.
Do I have to pay?
You do not have to pay – all services provided by the Hospice are free.
Do the trained volunteers discuss my sessions with anyone?
The trained volunteers must receive support in their work by law, therefore your sessions may be discussed with their supervisor (the Befriending and Bereavement Coordinator). The Hospice has a confidentiality policy and procedure, which is strictly adhered to. Should you have any anxiety regarding confidentiality please speak to the coordinator, Peter Bellenes.
What if anything, happens afterwards?
We may write to you to seek your views to ensure the service has met your expectations and our service objectives. As we follow the Hospice complaints procedure should you have any comments, good or bad, please do not hesitate to contact Peter Bellenes.
What happens if the volunteer feels I need additional help?
The volunteer will discuss your needs with the coordinators who will advise both you and the volunteer what other services might be needed.
What assessment and training do the volunteers receive?
• Volunteers complete an application form and are then interviewed
• A course of training to help them understand loss and bereavement
• A vetting procedure including references and CRB (Criminal Records Bureau)
• Six weekly team meetings and training
• Regular support
Some do’s and don'ts:
• Do remember that grieving is a normal process
• Do talk about what has happened
• Don’t bottle up your feelings or be embarrassed at crying - tears are natural and an
excellent way of relieving tension
• Don’t expect painful memories to quickly go away - the feelings will stay with your for
quite some time
• Do take time out to sleep, rest and think. Grieving is hard work and very tiring
• Don’t be afraid to seek help, talking through your loss with someone independent may
help you develop coping strategies now and for the future
To contact us telephone:
Peter Bellenes (Bereavement Coordinator) on 01752 436730
Where to find us:
St Lukes Care Services
Pearn
Eggbuckland Rd
Plymouth
PL3 5JP
Buses: from Plymouth City Centre - Plymouth Citybus 28, 28A, 41, 44,
Email: Peter.bellenes@stlukes-hospice.org.uk
If you would like further information on bereavement services, please click here:
If you would like further information on
befriending services please click here: