How Emotional Support Counselling is supporting patients across Hayward House
Across Nottingham’s hospitals, three counsellors are offering a lifeline for patients and families navigating a devastating diagnosis. It’s a service that many don’t know exists until they need it.
For those who face a life-limiting illness, the emotional toll it can have doesn’t just affect the patient but their loved ones too. This is where the amazing Emotional Support/Bereavement team steps in to support in dealing with complex emotions that are difficult to navigate. Sometimes, families find themselves grieving before their loved one has even passed, adding an extra layer of emotional challenge.
While the NHS supports some of the team’s work, it is the generosity of donors that enables them to reach even more families during such an unimaginably difficult time. The programme, run through Hayward House, provides both pre- and post-bereavement support and thanks to the invaluable donations received, the team has been able to extend their hours, reducing the previous waiting list of 4-5 months, and ensuring more families get the support they need when they need it most.
There is increasing pressure on waiting lists, largely due to a rising number of younger families and children requiring assistance. In response, one of the emotional support counsellors has been dedicated solely to supporting children, providing them with a safe space to express their feelings and guiding them through the difficult stages of bereavement.
The team’s work spans all stages of grief, connecting with families before and after bereavement to offer continuous support. They help families prepare for the next steps, whether it’s continuing care at home or transitioning to a more medically supported environment. After the death of a loved one, the team continues to offer support, providing an average of ten sessions to help families process their grief at their own pace.
Sessions typically take place at Hayward House, which offers two private rooms - one in Day Therapy and another within the unit. Since the recent renovation of the garden, the team has been able to take advantage of this peaceful space, holding sessions in a calming environment surrounded nature.
Debbie Clay, Palliative Care and Day Therapy Sister at Hayward House, is one of the dedicated professionals supporting patients and their families. She shared, "The emotional impact our team has on both patients and their families is immeasurable. We can see the difference we make through the heartfelt thanks we receive from families, and the incredible donations they often choose to give in return. Their generosity helps us enhance the services we provide and the care we can offer."
She continued, "While it’s a challenging role, the emotional support team finds it deeply rewarding. This service is incredibly valued and makes a significant difference to many patients and their families."
The work carried out by the Emotional Support team is hard to quantify, but its impact is undeniable. It provides patients and families with the support they need to come to terms with their grief and cherish the final moments they have together.
None of this would be possible without the generous donations and ongoing support for Hayward House.
Your contributions help this essential service grow and continue to reach those in need.