The death of a friend or relative can be devastating and can, at times, seem unbearable. Our Psychology and Bereavement Service can support you through the loss of a loved one, in a range of ways.

Who can access our bereavement support

We offer support to anybody who has been affected by the death of a loved one - whether or not they have been under our care, and no matter how the death has occurred. You might also have been affected by a suicide, or the sudden and unexpected death of someone close to you. 

What support is available?

Sometimes it can help to talk to someone independent who is trained to listen to and support you through illness or grief. We have expert Clinical Psychologists and counsellors, who offer individual and group sessions and our bereavement and support volunteers are trained, supported and supervised by these specialists.

How much support will I need?

Some people will need only one or two sessions; others require longer-term support. For bereavement support we usually offer up to six sessions of up to one hour. You will be invited to attend a bereavement group for up to a year. All support given is confidential. A bereavement group is held at the hospice every month. It provides the opportunity to meet other people who have suffered a similar loss.

Thanks to our partnership with KissyPuppy, the Sophie Rolf Trust, we are also able to provide bereavement support for children and families. We also hold a children's bereavement group from 4pm to 5pm on Thursdays in the Art Room, John Cheverton Centre. 

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

How to access bereavement support

You can ask your GP to refer you, or you can contact the service yourself. 

If you need further information about our Psychology and Bereavement service, please contact us by phoning (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 Street