Although we’re unable to keep our services running on site at the moment, you can still rely on us for support, says Jane Cato, Martlets’ counselling and bereavement services manager.
It’s an exceptionally uncertain time for everybody right now, and for those who are affected by life-limiting illness there are extra layers of worry as we live with the impact of the coronavirus. We know you’re likely to feel anxious if you’re a carer living with a loved one who is already ill and whose health is fragile. And for those with life-threatening illnesses it is frightening wondering how you may get the treatment and support you need. For those of you who are bereaved you may be feeling the extra impact of social isolation adding to your loss and grief.
In our changing world, we want to reassure you that even if we can’t offer our normal services for the time being here at the hospice, we’re still available to listen. We won’t be offering counselling services face-to-face in the same way, but we’re still available on the phone for one-to-one support. Although our bereavement service has been suspended on site, you can still ring in if you need to speak to somebody and someone from the service will be in touch.
It’s encouraging to hear that some patients, carers and families are actually choosing not to have telephone support from us at this time and to hear that they’re developing different ways of coping in response to current circumstances and are growing resilience. For others it is different. Those who don’t have family around them and are much more isolated are finding it more difficult. We are looking at how best to support those in need through phone support and we are exploring offering face-to-face support online using Skype and Zoom.
If you’re on our books or our waiting list for Patient and Family Support services or looking for help and guidance please do check in with my blog every week as I’ll be offering photos, thoughts and news that I hope will lift your spirits. Martlets’ chaplain, Nicholas Roddis, will also be sharing words of reassurance and practical tips and tools to help us through this challenging time.
Next week I’ll be sharing some photos and video clips of our Earthworks allotment project. So even if you can’t visit at the moment, you can see how our potato and broad bean seedlings are growing.
With warm wishes,
Jane