Bereavement

Supporting you

The death of someone close to you can be an incredibly difficult experience. While family and friends often provide comfort, some people may feel they need additional support or prefer to talk to someone outside their immediate circle. If this sounds like you, the St Luke’s bereavement service is here to help.

Our adult bereavement service is free of charge and open to anyone living in Plymouth and Devon whose relative or friend was cared for by St Luke’s. We understand that sometimes people don’t feel ready to ask for support right away – and that’s okay. You can contact us at any time, whether the loss was recent or some time ago.

One-to-One Bereavement Support

One-to-one bereavement support offers you a confidential space to talk about your experience of grief with someone who will listen with care and understanding. While we do not provide formal counselling, we can help you find ways to carry your grief and remember your loved one in a way that feels right for you.

Our team includes bereavement-trained Social Workers, Support Workers, and Volunteers who are here to support you. We offer support by phone, video call, or face-to-face—either at the hospice or in your own home, whichever you prefer.

You can self-refer by calling 01752 964200 or emailing community@stlukes-hospice.org.uk. When you get in touch, one of our team members will speak with you to learn more about your needs and to make sure this service is the right fit for you.

Group Support: Compassionate Cafés

Compassionate Cafés are welcoming, community-led gatherings run by The Compassionate Friends, a group that supports people experiencing loss, bereavement, or coping with life-limiting illness.

If you feel you need someone to talk to, you’re invited to join a café for a cup of tea and cake, and a chance to share your thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. Compassionate Friends aren’t there to give official advice, but to offer companionship, understanding, and a listening ear.

St Luke’s is proud to support these cafés as a valuable resource for the community.
To find out more about Compassionate Cafés and when the next one is happening, please click the button below.

Compassionate Cafés

Bereavement support for children

Children grieve too, and often parents and carers are best placed to support them during this difficult time. Our St Luke’s Children’s Service, Patches, is here to offer advice and guidance to help you support your child through their bereavement.

Patches also provides one-to-one bereavement support for children and their carers, tailored to meet their individual needs.

For more information or to access support, please call 01752 964200 or email community@stlukes-hospice.org.uk.

Find out more

Where can I find help?

There is a lot of information and support available online that you may find helpful. Please explore our Useful Links Directory below to explore trusted organisations offering a range of support services.

While these links don’t cover every possible situation, many websites also provide connections to other organisations that may be able to assist you.

If you feel overwhelmed or concerned that you are not coping, please speak with your GP. They can offer advice and refer you to specialist support if needed.

For urgent help, here are some important crisis support numbers you can contact:

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (Free, 24/7 confidential support) or online at samaritans.org
  • Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7 text support)
  • NHS 24/7 Mental Health Helpline (England): 111 option 2
  • Mind Mental Health Support Call 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday 0300 102 1234 or visit the Website: mind.org.uk

Useful Links Directory

The Bereavement Journey

The Bereavement Journey is a course for anyone who has been bereaved. The course gently guides bereaved people through the most common aspects of grief. The course offers a final session on faith questions in bereavement provided from a Christian perspective. This is optional, thus making The Bereavement Journey suitable for people of any faith or none.

Online course: https://thebereavementjourney.org/

In-person course: www.emmanuelplymouth.co.uk

Marie Curie

For information and advice on all aspects of end of life and bereavement. Marie Curie offers a telephone bereavement service for people grieving after someone has died from a terminal illness.

Call: 0800 090 2309

Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk/services/support-line

Sue Ryder

Information, advice and bereavement support. Offers an online community to talk to others who are grieving, a video chat counselling service and personalised grief support by text message.

Website: www.sueryder.org

 

The Good Grief Trust

For support and information in your grief

Website: thegoodgrieftrust.org

 

 

AtaLoss

Provides a central signposting and information service for everyone bereaved. They also offer a free live chat with a bereavement counsellor through their service grief chat.

Website: www.ataloss.org

 

 

 

Bereavement Advice Centre

There are many practical matters to attend to when someone dies. Bereavement Advice Centre supports and advises people on what they need to do after a death.

Website: bereavementadvice.org

 

Find a private therapist

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 

Podcasts

Our Care

Support us

Courses

Information