6 Jun 2022

Here at Katharine House, we know the vital role that carers play in the community and recognise how fundamental their support is to those in their care.

But we also know how isolating and challenging it can sometimes feel to be a carer.

Today marks the start of Carers Week and we want to take the opportunity to reach out to all our carers and let them know that they are valued, and that Katharine House is here for them.

Carers Week, running from Monday 6 June to Sunday 12 June, is an annual campaign run by Carers UK that aims to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

Katharine House is committed to helping all people in our community who are affected by incurable illness, and we believe that looking after family carers is just as important as looking after the person with the illness.

When someone is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, they are often looked after by family members at home rather than professional carers. If you are caring for someone at home, you might have to look after many aspects of their life, from planning and handling money to managing their symptoms, and knowing where to turn in an emergency.

It’s easy for people to overlook the fact that you’re working hard to look after someone in extraordinary circumstances. We run a number of different services to help.

Carers Café online

Our Carers Café get togethers provide an opportunity for people to chat with other carers, share experiences and enjoy some time out.

We also offer a fortnightly telephone call for carers who are unable to come into the hospice.

The carers café is open to carers of anyone with a life-limiting illness who is registered with a GP within our catchment area.

Read more here.

Hospice Companion Service

Our Hospice Companion Service aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Volunteers provide one-to-one support and companionship to people who have a life-limiting condition or to their carers. 

Carole, one of the carers supported by a hospice companion volunteer, said: "The support I get is absolutely brilliant, I can’t fault it. It really makes a difference to me. If I’m a bit low, I often feel better following a chat to my companion. My companion is a Godsend, I couldn’t ask for a better match."

To find out more about the Hospice Companion Service, email [email protected].

Social Work support

Our social worker can offer you a wide variety of support, care and advice to patients and carers. This includes:

• advocacy
• working with other organisations, employers and schools
• sourcing practical help at home
• accessing other services
• offering advice around funding, benefits, debt and income maintenance
• and dealing with housing issues.

Additionally, the hospice's social worker offers therapeutic psychosocial support in individual and group settings; and supports patients, their families and friends in coming to terms with what is happening to them, enabling them to prepare for the end of life with dignity and peace of mind.

Call 01295 811866 for more information.

Bereavement support

When the time comes to say goodbye, Katharine House is here to provide a listening ear for family and friends.

Coping with the loss of someone special is difficult and can be painful. Grief may leave you feeling sad, lost, guilty, confused, relieved and exhausted, all at the same time. There may be many changes and adjustments to be made and you might have questions or feel you need practical and emotional support.

For more information, click here.

Related pages

• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our For Patients and Families pages.
• Explore our fundraising challenge events, or see other fundraising opportunities by visiting Fundraising events and Supporter events.
• To receive regular news about development at the hospice and fundraising events, please sign up to our digital newsletter.