Bereavement support

We recognise that the death of a loved one is one of the most challenging times in anyone’s life. At Keech Hospice we offer a range of bereavement services to support the loved ones of our patients.

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We are here for you

Our care does not end at the death of a loved one.

We continue to support the whole family after death too, for as long as you need us.

We also offer pre-bereavement support to help every family, including children, come to terms with death – making the difference when it matters most.

Bereavement support leaflet
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Keech’s support was a light in a very dark time
We helped Martin to find joy again after his wife Gerry died
Read Heather and Martin's story

Our services

We offer a range of bereavement services to the family and friends of our patients

Adult support groups

We know that connecting with others who have experienced a similar loss can be incredibly healing.

Our support groups provide an opportunity to share your feelings with others who have had a similar experience.

Our groups are held in a safe and confidential environment and many people find comfort and understanding at these meetings

  • Grief Group: A six-session programme for adults, followed by monthly drop-in gatherings for continued support.
  • Dads Cry Too (DC2): A monthly group specifically for fathers who have lost a child, offering a compassionate space to connect with others.
  • MUM (Mums Understanding Mums): A group for mothers grieving the loss of a child of any age

Children and Young People’s support groups

Connecting with others who have experienced a similar loss can be incredibly healing for young people. Our children’s support groups provide a community where they can share stories, build friendships, and begin to find peace.

  • Sparklers: A monthly support group for children aged 5 to 18, offering a safe, creative space to explore feelings, share memories, and connect through activities and play.
  • Teens Together: A group for teenagers, with guided discussions and activities that promote resilience and offer tools for coping in a peer-supported environment.

One-to-one support

We recognise that it can be daunting to share your feelings in a group. Some people prefer to talk to just one person.

One of our emotional support practitioners or counsellors can provide one-to-one support to both adults and children, to give you an opportunity to share your feelings and talk about your loss.

Remembrance services

Keech Hospice holds annual remembrance events to provide families and friends with opportunities to honour their loved ones.

Our Light Up a Life ceremony, held in December, invites families to dedicate a light on our hospice tree as a special remembrance.

Daffodil Sunday is our annual remembrance service where families and friends to come together to celebrate the life of their child.

Spiritual care and reflection

For those who may have questions about life, death, and what follows, our chaplain and spiritual care team provide a gentle space for reflection and comfort.

Whether through quiet reflection, prayer, or simply a listening ear, our multi-faith spiritual care team is here to offer support in whatever way is meaningful to each young person.

Looking for support for you or a loved one

If you or a loved one have a life-limiting illness, we are here to offer you FREE medical, physical, practical and emotional care and support. We would love to hear from you.

Call us

Call our FREE Care Advice Line anytime on 0808 1807 788

Refer yourself or a loved one

Just complete a simple referral form and our team will be in touch to discuss how we can support you.

Make a referral

Speak with your care provider

Talk with your care provider to discuss a possible referral to Keech

Gifts in memory

A donation in memory of a loved one or a friend can be a very special way to celebrate their life. With your support, we can ensure that others feel cared for, supported, and never alone

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Set up a tribute fund

Create a personalised online tribute to celebrate your loved one’s life

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Hold a fundraising event

Celebrate their life by organising an event in their memory. From bake sales to charity walks, our team can help you plan and make it a success.

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Celebrate and remember with our memory tree

Our beautiful hand-crafted Memory Tree lets you honour a loved one with an engraved bronze, silver, or gold leaf

Practical support after someone dies

We hope the contents of this guide will be helpful to you

It contains practical information about what to do after a death and details about the support Keech Hospice can offer to you.

Download our guide
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Planning Ahead

Serious illness and ageing bring challenges many of us prefer to avoid thinking about.

One of the best ways to ensure your family and loved ones are supported when you are no longer there is to make a will, providing a clear plan and guidance for your friends and family. Yet two-thirds of us do not have an up to date one in place.

To support you and provide that piece of mind, we have partnered with Octopus legacy to provide a FREE will service to guide you through step by step

Find out more