Patient and family support service
Our team of social workers, support workers, students and trained volunteers are here to work together with you on what matters most to you. We offer emotional and practical support to you and those close to you whether you are at home, in a residential or nursing home or in St Luke’s specialist unit. We are also able to explain your rights and ensure you have the information needed to make choices about your life wherever possible.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone who uses our hospice services are treated with dignity, fairness and respect. This is irrespective of their age, sex, gender identity expression or reassignment, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, religion or beliefs.
What support can I get?
- Emotional support for you and those close to you
- Helping with any difficulties or stresses you or those close to you may be experiencing
- Enable you to be aware of your rights and choices so you can make important decisions in your life, for now and the future wherever possible
- Ensure you have the right professionals and services supporting you, that they are working together and communicating clearly with you
- If you or those close to you have any additional needs such as mental health issues or a learning disability ensuring support is tailored to your needs
- Helping you access practical advice and support with benefits, grants, debts, funeral planning and wills.
How can I access this service?
Speak to your St Lukes doctor, nurse or health care assistant and they will be happy to make a referral to our team.
What spiritual care is available?
As well as social care, we will be here to help with any spiritual needs you may have. We believe in a holistic approach to care and will ensure that your emotional and psychological needs are looked after, including your spiritual well-being.
The Harbour
The Harbour is a quiet, informal space located on the ground floor of our specialist unit at Turnchapel. It is a space for reflection and contemplation. Please speak to any member of staff if you need to see someone from our dedicated team of spiritual care staff and volunteers to discuss your spiritual concerns.
The Garden Studio
Just beyond the car park at Turnchapel, you will find our garden studio, an indoor space where patients, their relatives and friends can meet in comfort away from the specialist unit. With heating, lighting and coffee and tea making facilities, it provides the perfect location to reflect and relax. The studio is available 24/7 to our patients and visitors.
What is the befriending service?
We know that when you are ill it can sometimes be difficult to get out and about as you did before or to do certain day to day tasks. This can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation. Sometimes it can also be hard to find the right person to talk about how you are feeling.
St Luke’s Befriending volunteers can help by visiting you regularly whether you are at home, in hospital, in our specialist unit or a residential or nursing home.
What support can we give:
- Sharing interests and having a chat
- Talking about your feelings or any difficulties you may be having
- Helping you get out in the community or other activities you may like to do
- Offering information about other services that could help you and those close to you.
Befrienders are not trained carers and are not able to carry out personal care activities or regular domestic tasks such as cooking or cleaning. If you need support with any of these activities please speak to your St Luke’s nurse and they will support you with getting the right help.
How can you access our service?
Speak to your St Lukes doctor, nurse or health care assistant and they will be happy to make a referral for a befriender for you.
