New helpline for bereaved in St Albans

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new bereavement support phone line for local people who are coping with the loss of a loved one.

The phone line opens on Friday 2 August 2019 and provides a supportive, non-judgemental and friendly listening ear for people in St Albans and Harpenden coming to terms with their grief who want someone to talk to.

We provide care and support for local people diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, enabling them to remain in the familiar surroundings of home as long as possible. This unique package of care also extends to patients’ families – and now, with the launch of the bereavement support line – to family and friends of loved ones who have died who have not been patients of Rennie Grove. The aim is to ensure that local people never feel alone in the challenges they are facing when dealing with loss and grief.

“Grief and bereavement affect different people in different ways – and sometimes you just need to talk to someone who understands and can help make sense of it all,” said Lisa Makey, our Head of Family Support Services.

The phone service – based at Grove House in St Albans – is open on Tuesdays and Fridays between 1.30pm and 4.00pm. It is run by friendly volunteers who have been trained in conjunction with the Samaritans and who are supervised by our team of family support professionals. “Our skilled volunteers offer callers immediate support, talk through their individual situation and, together, work out what next steps to take,” added Lisa.

You don’t have to be “known” by Rennie Grove to use the phone line. The only criterion is that you live in the St Albans and Harpenden area and have been affected by bereavement. So please call 01727 638008 if you find yourself needing to talk.

And if you would like to find out more about joining our team of volunteers who provide the new service please visit  our volunteer page.