Supporting you

Adult Services

Our Family Support Team provides a range of services to anyone suffering from life limiting illness, their families and carers. Support is provided from diagnosis, pre-death, post-death and is ongoing throughout the bereavement process. This support is offered t in-patients in the Helen McArdle Wing, day care clients and their families.

“Willow Burn eased me out of despondency and set me on a new path for a new life after grief.“

The Willow Burn Hospice Family Support Team works tirelessly to provide an individual service to people who may be undergoing the most difficult time of their lives.

Willow Burn Patients and Families

Our Family Support Co-Ordinator assesses patient and family needs, providing: emotional, psychological and spiritual support during in-patient stays, advice and information, sign posting to other relevant services and practical assistance. She continues to provide support post bereavement to families who have experienced our services and may refer to in-house counselling six months post bereavement if required.

We are unable to accept external referrals for Counselling  for people without a bereavement linked to the hospice.

How do I access this support?
Your support needs will be assessed from your first contact with our services and at any point throughout the patient and family journey, including after bereavement. You can contact Willow Burn Hospice directly, or be referred by your GP but on referral they must highlight a connection to the hospice.

Formal bereavement counselling usually begins six months after the death of a loved one, allowing time for natural grieving and for individuals and families to use their own coping strategies during the early months.

Professional Referral Form - download

Afterthoughts Service
Our Afterthoughts Service provides the opportunity to explore your loved one’s journey at Willow Burn. Each person’s experience and memories of a loved one’s end of life journey different. Coping with bereavement and grief may affect the way that you feel and how you face your future - find out more.

Find out more about Bereavement Support
For further information about our services, please contact us on: 01207 529 224 / info@willowburnhospice.org.uk

Family Support Feedback

Willow Burn Information Leaflets

Other Websites

Your Stories


"The care is outstanding, the staff are wonderful. Nothing is a bother. I count myself blessed to be able to end my days in such a wonderful place."

"I cannot imagine a more caring & positive day - Lovely atmosphere, full of surprises!"

"Our family can never thank Willow Burn and the team enough for the amazing care and compassion our Mam received. We all take comfort in knowing Mam could not of been in a better place to spend her last days. For that we will be eternally grateful."

MCcrory Family

“How do I thank you all? Where do I begin?  The care, love and support you showed my beautiful sister and also to our whole family was incredible. You are a superb team and you should be very proud of every shift you work.  There aren’t enough words or big enough words to continue...so in the words of my sister...if the only prayer you say in your entire life is ‘thank you’ that’ll be enough.  Much love to you all ”