Support for families
At Salisbury Hospice, we understand that when someone you love is seriously ill, the emotional and practical challenges can be overwhelming.
That’s why we are here to support not just the patient, but their family, friends, and carers. Every step of the way.
Our Family Support and Bereavement Services are designed to offer comfort, guidance, and help through illness, loss, and beyond.
Bereavement support
Our Bereavement Service supports families, friends, and carers of patients cared for by Salisbury Hospice. The Bereavement Team will contact families in the weeks after a death to offer individual support.
Our team includes experienced social workers and trained volunteers who provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk and heal.
We offer:
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One-to-one emotional support and grief counselling
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Group sessions for shared experience and comfort
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Support for children and young people
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Signposting to additional mental health resources
Supporting bereaved children
It is natural to want to protect children from things which hurt them, but when someone dies, we cannot hide the fact, or hide the way we feel, so we need to be honest with children. Hiding the truth when they know something is wrong can feel frightening for them.
Help children feel safe and secure by explaining clearly how they will be cared for, especially if they have lost a parent or guardian. Use simple, honest language when discussing what has happened. Include them in conversations about what’s going on, give them space to be themselves, and listen to their feelings.
Support them in finding meaningful ways to remember their loved one and encourage them to ask any questions they may have.
Carers support:
You might not see yourself as a carer, you may feel you’re simply doing what anyone would do for a loved one. If you’re regularly helping someone who couldn’t manage without your support, you are a carer. Recognising this role is important, as it means you’re entitled to help, advice, and resources designed to support you in this journey.
Carer Support Sessions
Our Peter Gillam Support Centre runs monthly Carers Support Sessions for those caring for loved ones with life-limiting illnesses. These sessions provide an open, informal space to:
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Share experiences and emotional challenges
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Discuss practical concerns
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Connect with other carers who understand what you're going through
There is no pressure to speak – you’re welcome to listen, reflect, and participate as you feel comfortable.
Each session is:
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Facilitated by a member of the Family Support Team and a Specialist Palliative Care Nurse
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Limited to 10 people to ensure a supportive, calm environment
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Followed by a short relaxation or mindfulness activity, with refreshments including tea, coffee, and cake
Carers advice
These local organisations can help with advice, carers assessments, respite options, and peer support.
Carers assessment
If you provide regular care for someone, you may be entitled to a carers assessment, which can help identify the support you need.
