Dealing with the reality of being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness can be devastating.

You may react by feeling angry, sad or guilty. It can affect your memory, concentration, motivation, thoughts and beliefs.

It can become harder to concentrate and remember, and some people may start to withdraw from others and become more isolated.

Sometimes it can help to talk to someone who is independent and trained to listen to, and support you, through your illness. Mountbatten's expert Clinical Psychologists and counsellors offer individual and group support, depending on your own particular wishes and needs.

Supporting family, friends and carers 

Bereavement is a natural response following the death of a person you have loved or cared for. The death of a friend or relative can be devastating and, at times, seem unbearable.

Our bereavement team is available to support you, and usually offers up to six sessions each lasting one hour, depending on your need. You will be invited to attend a bereavement group for up to a year, which gives the opportunity to meet other people who have suffered a similar experience.

Dates and times for our free bereavement group sessions are available here.

Memorial services are held throughout the year and you will usually be invited to attend one about six months after your loss. 

All support given is confidential.

Accessing this service

You do not need to have a connection with Mountbatten to receive support, which extends to anyone who has suffered the sudden death of someone close to them, including loss through suicide.

You can ask your GP to refer you to this service, or you can contact us yourself on 02382548840.

Spiritual care

Providing holistic care includes helping you to face difficult issues about the meaning and value of life. These are spiritual questions, and they can cause us distress and pain when we face them on our own. They are common to all of us, whether or not we follow a religious path or practice a faith.

There are many questions that we may face as we come to terms with a life-threatening condition or as we experience the death of a loved one:

• Why am I suffering?
• What has been the point of my life?
• How can I find meaning in this experience?
• Is there anything beyond this life?

All our Mountbatten staff are here to support you if you are asking these questions. Our Spiritual Care team is also here to listen with care, compassion and in confidence to whatever you wish to raise and wherever you are.

Additional support from the Spiritual Care Team

• Bedside Communion
• Making contact with your faith community
• Prayer and anointing
• Companionship and conversation or silent support
• Funeral planning