Romford hospice to offer free bereavement counselling

Shahina Haque, Manager of the Family Support Service at Saint Francis Hospice, is helping to provide the counselling (credit: Saint Francis Hospice)

Saint Francis Hospice in Romford is offering virtual bereavement counselling to people who have lost love ones due to covid-19.

Local people can access free and confidential video or phone support to help with their grief.

Funded by Hospice UK, the service is being provided by the hospice’s Family Support Team, as well as trained volunteers.

Shahina Haque, the Manager of the Family Support Service at Saint Francis Hospice, said the team understands how lockdown conditions have exacerbated the grieving process.

“I cannot imagine what it is like not to be there at the time when someone you care deeply for is dying and not to have seen them beforehand,” she said. 

“This is why it is so important that we are there at people’s time of need.”

The charity wants to ensure the service can be accessed by people who might feel unable to ask for help.

They hope the support will reach those hardest hit by the pandemic, including the elderly, and black and Asian communities. 

Anyone who thinks they might benefit from virtual counselling can call 01708 753319 or email bereavementcounselling@sfh.org.uk for more information. 

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