Family Support Team
When a life-limiting illness affects you or someone you love, it can bring emotional, practical, and relational challenges. Our Family Support Team is here to help you through this time, offering space to talk, support with difficult decisions, and guidance with practical concerns.
We support patients, family members, carers, and loved ones, recognising that everyone’s experience is different. Our approach is personalised and guided by what matters most to you.
How we can support patients
If you are living with a palliative diagnosis, our Family Support Practitioners can help you with:
- Coming to terms with your diagnosis, including when others around you are struggling
- Preparing for important decisions around treatment, care, and future planning
- Managing difficult emotions such as distress, anxiety, fear, or uncertainty
- Exploring changes to identity, body image, and sense of self
- Talking through relationship or communication challenges
- Practical matters such as future planning, wills, or funeral arrangements
- Advocacy and support in navigating health and care services
- Signposting to other sources of support
- Support in having conversations with clinicians about your care and condition
How we support family members, carers and loved ones
You do not need to be the patient to access support. We also support those close to someone with a life-limiting illness, including:
- Emotional support relating to your loved one’s illness
- Anticipatory grief and concerns about the future
- Changes in relationships and communication
- Practical or financial worries
- Shifts in roles, identity, and responsibilities
- Support with family conversations and difficult discussions
- Signposting to relevant services and support networks
What to expect
Support usually begins with an initial conversation, often by telephone. This helps us understand your situation and what type of support may be most helpful.
Depending on your needs, support may include:
- Emotional support and space to talk
- Information about illness and its impact on individuals and families
- One-to-one support sessions (phone, video, or in person)
- Support for couples or family members together
- Group sessions and opportunities to connect with others in similar situations
- Advocacy and practical support with care planning or end-of-life planning
- Signposting to financial, welfare, or community support services
You do not have to face things alone. We are here to listen, support, and help you move through things at your own pace.
How to access support
For more information or to speak to the team:
Phone: 01245 933854
Email: [email protected]