Woodlands Hospice | Hospice Care for North Liverpool, South Sefton and Kirkby in Knowsely

Telephone
0151 529 2299

Bereavement support

At Woodlands Hospice, we understand that bereavement is a deeply personal experience. Everyone grieves in their own way, and it’s important to allow yourself time to adjust to your loss, be gentle with yourself and find what helps you to cope and heal.

Support for Adults

Grieving can bring many challenges. You may find that there are people or places you want to avoid because the memories are too painful. Special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas can be particularly difficult. Planning ahead and ensuring you have support during these times can make a difference.

Taking Care of Yourself

  • Try to express your emotions rather than keeping them bottled up. Tears are an important part of the healing process.

  • Give yourself time to rest, think and sleep.

  • Avoid making major decisions unless absolutely necessary.

  • Talk about what has happened when you feel ready — sharing your feelings can help.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support.

If you have children, remember that they grieve too. Please encourage them to express their emotions, talk about their feelings and return to their normal routines such as school and activities. Children benefit from openness, reassurance and consistency.

Bereavement Services for Adults

We offer a range of services to support you following the loss of a loved one:

Monthly Bereavement Groups

Join others who have experienced bereavement to talk, share experiences, and find comfort and understanding. Members of our team are on hand to offer advice and emotional support.

One-to-One Meetings

You can meet individually with a member of our Patient & Family Services Team for confidential support tailored to your needs.

Complementary Therapies

We also offer therapies such as Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Mindfulness and Reiki, provided by qualified practitioners. These can help promote relaxation and well-being during difficult times.

Support for Children and Young People

The death of a significant person in a child’s life can be devastating — but with care and support, it need not be damaging. Children need time and understanding as they find their own way to grieve.

When adults recognise and respect a child’s thoughts and feelings, they help that child to process their loss and begin to heal. It’s normal for children to feel anxious or uncertain following a death, and they may show this through clinginess, changes in sleep patterns or fear of being left alone. These are all natural reactions.

Ways to Support a Bereaved Child

  • Reassure them that they are safe and cared for.

  • Let them know the death was not their fault.

  • Offer clear, honest explanations about what has happened.

  • Keep familiar routines and connections with people and places that matter to them.

  • Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.

  • Help them find ways to remember the person who has died.

It’s okay not to have all the answers — honesty and reassurance are what matter most.

Contact Us

Although we cannot experience your loss, we do understand this is a time of sadness, and we are here to help in any way we can.

You can speak directly with a member of our Patient & Family Services Team:

📞 Telephone: 0151 529 5352
📧 Email: pfs.support@liverpoolft.nhs.uk

If you prefer, a family member, friend, or healthcare professional can contact us on your behalf.
Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. (Outside of these hours, you can leave a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.)