Chaplaincy and Social Work

Chaplaincy

At Highland Hospice we recognise that spirituality is a part of life and is relevant to every individual, whether or not we think of ourselves as 'religious'. Spirituality has to do with the meaning we give to our lives, and the things which sustain us to live as fully as we can.

Our chaplain, Norma Higgott, works across the Hospice, offering time and attention for patients and family members who are trying to make sense of what is happening to them. The chaplain is available to all those connected with the Hospice in either a personal or professional capacity; to listen and be with individuals and families. In doing so they endeavour to assist people in finding resources within and around them to help deal with their present situation.

Our chaplain can also assist with planning life events such as baptisms, weddings and funerals, and can liaise with local churches or other faith groups as needed.

Our beautiful room, Suilven (pictured below), offers a place for groups and individuals to use for quiet reflection. We often think of it as 'an cridhe', the heart of the Hospice.

Making Contact

You can get in touch with and benefit from the support of our chaplaincy service if you are using any other Highland Hospice service. You can make contact yourself or ask any member of the Hospice team to refer you. Enquiries can be made to the Clinical Secretary on 01463 227919.

Social Work

Our Social Work team works across the different clinical teams in the Hospice. They spend time each day in the Inpatient Unit, the Rehabilitation and Wellbeing, with outpatient services, and work with individuals as well as groups to support patients and their carers.

The Social Work Team offers:

• a range of support and advice on practical issues including, but not limited to: accessing benefits and care-at-home services; housing issues; information about residential or nursing home services; information about Power of Attorney; making a will.
• advocacy and support in dealing with other agencies.
• psychological support to people living with a life shortening illness and also to their family and carers.
• advice, guidance and information for families where there is a child or teenager affected by all that is happening.
• advice and information to other social work and health professionals.

Making Contact

You can get in touch with and benefit from the support of our social worker if you are using any Highland Hospice service. You can make contact yourself or ask any member of the Hospice team to refer you. Enquiries can be made to the Clinical Secretary on 01463 227919.

Other services

Highland Hospice is one of many voluntary and public sector organisations providing advice, support and hands-on care for people and families living with advancing, life shortening illness. We hope our 'Signposting to Other Services' page will help you navigate your way through these organisations and find the help you need. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact the Community Support Team on 01463 227901.