New bereavement support helpline available

St Clare Hospice recently launched a new Bereavement Support Helpline, after securing £46,000 funding from the National Lottery’s Community Fund.

The new helpline, 01279 967670, has been set up in response to a community need for immediate emotional support, information and guidance. This is because the number of local people experiencing bereavement has sadly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The helpline operates between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It is run by a team of hospice staff and volunteers. They are trained to provide emotional support and practical guidance for those who would like extra support after the loss of someone close.

The helpline is open to all local people living in west Essex and east Hertfordshire who feel they would benefit from extra support following bereavement. Regardless of how long ago their loss was.

People looking for support can call the helpline for:

• a listening ear, and emotional support from our trained St Clare staff and volunteers
• information and guidance on what to do after a death – things like:
  • registering a death
  • closing accounts
  • planning a funeral
  • other practical arrangements and considerations
• sign-posting to other St Clare services, as well as resources in the local community that could benefit them.

The hospice has created a video to promote its Bereavement Support Service. Watch the short film below.

Find a local, online Bereavement Café community group on the St Clare Hospice Facebook page under the ‘Groups’ tab.

For more information about the Bereavement Support Helpline, please visit the St Clare Hospice website.