St. Rocco’s Hospice is pleased to be working with Healthwatch Warrington and Virtual Voices to listen to local people and use their feedback to help shape bereavement support across Warrington.
Virtual Voices, run jointly by Healthwatch Halton and Healthwatch Warrington, gives local people the opportunity to share their experiences, views and ideas about health and social care services. Every voice matters, and the feedback shared through the August survey, which focused on bereavement services, has helped St. Rocco’s understand how bereavement support can be made accessible to more people across the Warrington area.
Responses were gathered from people who have experienced bereavement, or who may benefit from support following the loss of a loved one. The survey explored awareness of local bereavement support and people’s experiences of support services, what matters most when grieving, and how St. Rocco’s can continue to improve support for the community.
As a result of this feedback, St. Rocco’s will be launching a NEW evening Bereavement Café from October, held on the first Tuesday of every month between 7.30pm-8.30pm at St. Rocco’s Hospice. This café will build on existing bereavement services and provide an opportunity for those with commitments during the day to access bereavement support.
When someone you love dies, grief can feel overwhelming. Giving yourself the time to talk, reflect and connect with others can be an important part of the healing process. St. Rocco’s Bereavement Cafés are designed to offer compassionate support in a relaxed and understanding setting. They provide a welcoming and comfortable space for anyone affected by grief, at any point in their journey.
“In the last 12 months, St. Rocco’s have supported over 390 visits to our two Bereavement Cafes. We are excited to be introducing a new evening café option for those with work, family or caring commitments during the day. This will provide access to help, support and comfort when navigating grief, at a time that works for them.” Cathy Swinhoe, Senior Patient and Family Support Practitioner.
The informal drop-in sessions are open to everyone with no referral or booking required. Refreshments of tea, coffee and homemade cakes are available, and all locations have wheelchair access. Sessions are held at:
- Rocco’s Hospice on the 1st Tuesday of the month between 7.30pm-8.30pm
- Alexandra Park on the 2nd Tuesday of the month between 9.30am-11am
- Masonic Hall on the last Tuesday of the month between 10am-11.30am. Please note that our previous ‘Bank Park’ café has now been relocated to The Masonic Hall from October onwards.
All sessions are facilitated by members of St. Rocco’s Counselling and Emotional Care Team, alongside a team of trained volunteers. Those attending can talk with others who may be going through similar experiences, and there is also the option to speak to a member of the team on a one-to-one basis for more personal and confidential support.
St. Rocco’s are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their voice through the recent survey. Thank you to Healthwatch Warrington, the Virtual Voices community, staff, volunteers and everyone who continues to support St. Rocco’s Hospice. By listening to local people, St. Rocco’s can continue to develop services that reflect the needs of the community and ensure that bereavement support services are accessible to all, because our care doesn’t stop after a loved one dies.
To find out more about St. Rocco’s Bereavement Cafes, including upcoming dates and locations, visit: https://www.stroccos.org.uk/helping-you/bereavement-cafes
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