Counselling

Our Counselling service is available to patients with a life-limiting illness, their friends, or family members. Sessions are provided face to face, online, or over the telephone. Couples counselling is also available.

Counselling provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space, where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, develop coping strategies, receive support to overcome challenges, and consider possible solutions.

Service

Patients are supported by our team of qualified counsellors who are available to support both the patient and their friend or family member.

An individual assessment is undertaken to determine the individual’s needs.

Referrals

Referrals can be made through healthcare professionals, such as your GP or District Nurse, and by self-referral. With the patient’s consent, a friend or family member may also make a direct referral to the service.

Referral criteria

We can only accept referrals to our Counselling service if the individual meets the following criteria:

• The individual is aged 18+

• The patient has been diagnosed with a life-limiting or palliative condition. Please note that friends and family members of the patient may also access counselling support.

• The individual is registered with a GP in either Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn or the Ribble Valley.

Please note that we are unable to meet the needs of people with complex mental health or substance misuse difficulties.

Accessing other hospice services

We regularly work alongside other hospice services and make referrals when appropriate. Our holistic approach puts the individual’s health and wellbeing at the centre of everything we do, helping them make the most of life.