Our care and support We can help if... you have been bereaved You have been bereaved We are here to help you through bereavement and grief. Dealing with the death of a friend or relative can be devastating. You may react by feeling angry, sad, or guilty. It can affect your memory, concentration, motivation, thoughts, and beliefs. Sometimes it can help to talk to someone independent and trained to listen to and support you. Mountbatten’s Psychology and Bereavement Service offers free support to anyone affected by the death of a loved one, including adults, families, and children. Our team has years of experience in helping people cope with grief and trauma. You do not need to have a connection with Mountbatten to receive support, which extends to anyone who has suffered the sudden death of someone close to them, including loss through suicide. What support is available? Bereavement helpline Trained and supported volunteers offer a listening ear to anyone who needs to talk. As well as listening the volunteers can signpost you to other services if needed. The helpline is open 10 am-midnight, seven days a week. Call 01983 217297. Online support If you are unable to leave home for any reason, you can access one to one support with a clinical psychologist, counsellor or a trained volunteer online. For more information call 01983 217346. In-person individual and group sessions Mountbatten’s clinical psychologists and counsellors offer individual and group sessions, supported by bereavement volunteers trained and supervised by these specialists. Thanks to Mountbatten’s partnership with KissyPuppy, the Sophie Rolf Trust, specialised bereavement support – which often involves music and art therapy - is available for children and families. You can refer yourself to Mountbatten’s Psychology and Bereavement Service by phoning 01983 217346 or speaking with your GP, who can make a referral on your behalf. Bereavement groups A bereavement group is held at the hospice, in the John Cheverton Centre, on the 1st and 2nd Friday of every month where you can meet other people who are going through similar experiences to you. You do not need to be referred to us or to have a connection to Mountbatten. Just drop in for support. How much support will I need? Some people will need only one or two sessions; others require longer-term support. For individual 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. Memorial services are held throughout the year. You will usually be invited to attend one about six months after your bereavement.