Dealing with the reality of being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness can be devastating.

You may react by feeling angry, sad or guilty. It can affect your memory, concentration, motivation, thoughts and beliefs.

It can become harder to concentrate and remember, and some people may start to withdraw from others and become more isolated.

Sometimes it can help to talk to someone who is independent and trained to listen to, and support you, through your illness. Mountbatten's expert Clinical Psychologists and counsellors offer individual and group support, depending on your own particular wishes and needs.

Supporting family, friends and carers 

Bereavement is a natural response following the death of a person you have loved or cared for. The death of a friend or relative can be devastating and, at times, seem unbearable.

Our bereavement team is available to support you, and usually offers up to six sessions each lasting one hour, depending on your need. You will be invited to attend a bereavement group for up to a year, which gives the opportunity to meet other people who have suffered a similar experience.

Memorial services are held throughout the year and you will usually be invited to attend one about six months after your loss. 

All support given is confidential.

Accessing this service

Anyone who is being, or has been cared for, by Mountbatten can access this service, including family and friends.

Our bereavement support is available to everyone - whether or not you, or your loved one, have previously been supported by Mountbatten. You can ask your GP to refer you to this service, or you can contact us yourself on (01983) 217346.

Bereavement support groups

You can also attend one of our free bereavement support groups - you do not need to be referred to us, or to have a connection to Mountbatten. Just pop into one of our below groups for support. 

Freshwater

  • 4:30pm - 6pm
  • Every second Tuesday of the month
  • Jill's Kitchen, Avenue Road, Freshwater PO40 9UU

Ventnor

  • 5pm to 6pm
  • Every fourth Tuesday of the month
  • Mountbatten Ventnor, 16 Pier St, Ventnor, PO38 1ST
  • 16 Pier Street

Children and families

Thanks to our partnership with KissyPuppy, the Sophie Rolf Trust, we also provide bereavement support to children and families.