Adult Counselling and Bereavement Services
Who is the service available for?
Adult Bereavement Services are available to anyone who lives in Highland over the age of 18, who has been bereaved by the death of a significant person in their life, regardless of the cause of death.
Services available
Individual Counselling
Counselling may offer a non-directive space to explore and address the personal issues which may be making the experience of grief difficult, in a confidential setting. This may be offered in person at the Hospice, by telephone and/or online.
Working together in counselling is an evolving, negotiated, and agreed process that aims to be responsive to your changing and developing needs and wishes. You can read more about what to expect from counselling here.
Sharing Space
A time to talk or just to listen; over a period of 3 months, 6 sessions, you will be empowered to share your story, make positive connections and friendships and build on your coping mechanisms, self-esteem and confidence as you navigate your world without your significant person. These are groups sessions facilitated by a trained volunteer or member of staff and currently run in Inverness. We seek to expand these groups throughout the Highlands so please get in touch to see how we can best support you.
Support for Children and Young People
Please have a look at our Crocus Highland service which offers therapeutic support to bereaved children and young people aged 5-18 years across the Highlands, regardless of the cause of death.
Tributes
Highland Hospice has on-line space we call our 'Wall of Memories'. It is a place to share memories and photos of those who have died. You can either scroll through the images and stories on the Wall or search for a specific person’s dedication.
If you would like a space for family and friends to add their own memories you can set up a Tribute Page. Your Tribute Page may become a place of comfort, support and inspiration for all who visit and it can also be used to raise funds to help people across the Highlands living with the challenges of dying and grief. Find out more about Tribute Pages here.
You may also choose to dedicate a leaf on our Memory Tree. Our Memory Tree is decorated with autumnal bronze, copper and gold leaves, all of which can be engraved with a personal dedication. By dedicating a leaf you can create a lasting tribute to someone you love while also making a real difference for other families who need our care.
Time to Remember
Memorial Events are organised throughout the year both online and in person. Everyone is very welcome to attend any or all of these events and to join us for refreshments afterwards. Information about these events will be publicised on on Facebook, and in local press throughout the Highlands.
If you wish to be on the mailing list to know more about our events and groups please contact our Bereavement Officer on bereavement@highlandhospice.org.uk.
Making contact
If you wish to make use of the service, or would like to discuss any aspect of what we offer please contact our Bereavement Officer, on 07709 717586 or email bereavement@highlandhospice.org.uk.
The service works on a referral system. We accept referrals from anyone, but ask that the person being referred is aware.
Referrals can be made using our online form. If you have any queries about making a referral, please contact us.
When someone in whose care the Hospice has had direct involvement dies, a member of the Bereavement Team will make contact with the next of kin approximately six or eight weeks afterwards, to offer support to any friend or family member who feels they would benefit.