Community Bereavement Service
Introduction
The Community Bereavement Service at Clarkson House is available to ANYONE in the community who has suffered a loss, regardless of the nature of the bereavement.
Our Aim
We aim to offer help and support to those who have lost a relative or friend and are having difficulty coming to terms with the bereavement. Death and bereavement bring many changes that are painful. Many people feel isolated and find that there is no-one with whom to share their grief. Enabling people to express their feelings at this time helps them to adjust to the major changes that they face. The service is confidential and free of charge.
How does the service work?
After an initial assessment by our professional counsellor, the client will be offered, if appropriate, support on a one-to-one basis by one of our carefully selected and trained volunteers. The weekly sessions will continue for as long as necessary and attendance at our Bereavement Support Groups may also be suggested.
Training Opportunities
’Introduction to Bereavement Care’ workshops are organised twice a year by the Community Bereavement Service Manager at Clarkson House. Participants are from all walks of life - anyone who has an interest in furthering their knowledge of how to support family, friends and colleagues who have been bereaved should download the form below and contact Marilyn Carre (Community Bereavement Service Manager) on 285144.
How you can get in touch
If you have been bereaved yourself, and are in need of help or would like to know more about the service, please contact:
Community Bereavement Service
Clarkson House
Mont Cochon
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 3JB
Tel: (01534) 285144
Email: bereavement@jerseyhospicecare.com
Our direct telephone number is (01534) 285144. An answering machine will be in operation if there is no one in the office. However, messages are checked on a regular basis. Alternatively you may contact the Jersey Hospice Care switchboard on 876555.
Working with children
Starting in 2011, referrals for children will also come from schools and individuals and organisations specifically working with young people aged up to 18. The bereavement support workers have been trained by Winston’s Wish to help children deal with their grief, They look at ways of enhancing the child’s current skills to specifically help young people to express and manage their grief and to facilitate memory work on more of an experiential and visual basis using practical aids such as memory boxes and stones, picture cards and written diaries.
Marilyn Carré, Community Bereavement Service Manager said: "We’ve supported a small number of bereaved children to date over the years but have noticed an increasing need in this area and although school counsellors work with bereaved children, there is no facility specifically dedicated to children in this way. As such we believe it’s essential we expand our service and offer it to youngsters of all ages from 0-18 years old whilst they try to come to terms with the death of a loved one."
Cate Masheder, Family Services Manager at Winston’s Wish said: "Bereavement can affect children in so many ways and many can suddenly become very different, displaying unusual behaviour such as becoming withdrawn or disruptive at home and/or at school ..... However if a bereaved child receives timely and appropriate support they are less likely to develop psychological problems at a later stage – they are more likely to develop into resilient adults because of that life experience, not in spite of it."
Provided free of charge
Jersey Hospice Care is a registered charity and depends on voluntary contributions. The Community Bereavement Service is free of charge. If you would like to make a contribution towards our funds, please send a donation to:
Community Bereavement Service Manager
Jersey Hospice Care
Clarkson House
Mont Cochon
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 3JB