Grace’s 565 Service Story

“St Elizabeth Hospice’s 565 Service lets you know that you’re not alone. There are others experiencing similar feelings to you. Grief is scary at first, but the 565 Service’s support soon makes you feel safe and helps guide you through your grief journey,” explained 18-year-old, Grace Harley, who has received support from the 565 Service, following the death of her dad, Ian (pictured above), who was also cared by the hospice.

Every year St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney. This care sees the independent Suffolk charity providing free services – whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice – to those living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.

As well as clinical care, we provide a range of emotional and wellbeing support through our bereavement support service, LivingGrief. Via face-to-face consultations or phone and video call support

Part of the hospice’s bereavement service, LivingGrief, the 565 Service gives emotional support to children, young people and families living with a family member with a progressive illness.

Operating in the East Suffolk area, the service also provides bereavement support following the loss of a loved one via family meetings, one-to-one counselling and group work.

“Dad was a real character – his nickname was ‘Woolly’ because of the many horrendously coloured woolly jumpers he wore! He loved photography and had a real passion for Hornby trains,” said Grace, from Ipswich.

“Dad received support from St Elizabeth Hospice until his death from cancer, just a day after my 18th birthday. The hospice team were brilliant – not just to him, but to our whole family.

“He was really concerned about me and wanted to make sure I was okay. Together with the hospice team, we agreed that I would meet with the 565 Service to learn more about how they could help.

“At first, I was reluctant, but Dad really wanted me to give it a go. After my first session, I immediately connected with the 565 team and continued attending sessions for nearly a year.

“They made me feel comfortable and gave me a safe space to express myself without judgment – to say whatever I was feeling or had on my mind.

“The team are so patient, taking the time to listen to your experiences of grief. They really helped me see things from a different perspective, allowing me to approach things without feeling like I needed immediate solutions.

“Before Dad died, the 565 team and I talked about coping mechanisms and the emotions I might experience after his death. This helped me feel more prepared and stronger when facing that time, making it easier to come to terms with my grief.

“I was very scared about what life would be like after Dad’s death. We were incredibly close, but he always said that when the time came, he wanted to be cared for at the hospice with a view of the pond.

“We were able to make that happen, which was really important to us and it meant so much knowing he was receiving the best care possible.

“The hospice was so quiet and calm, and they helped us step back from being Dad’s carers so we could simply be his family again. That was exactly what Dad, and our family wanted, and it allowed us to create lasting, precious memories together.

“After Dad died, having the support of the 565 Service was so important to me. Family and friends were kind and supportive, but having someone outside my close personal network made a real difference.

“They helped me express myself fully in a way I couldn’t with those closest to me, especially as they were experiencing similar grief themselves.

“The 565 Service taught me that grief isn’t something you ‘get over’ – instead, you learn to live with it and adapt to a new way of being.

“I would have struggled so much without their support and wouldn’t be where I am today. Juggling my work and college studies while Dad was receiving care and after his death was hard, but the hospice helped me navigate that journey

“Losing a parent at such a young age leaves you feeling lost, but with the 565 Service’s support, I’ve been able to take a step back and navigate my grief in a way that works best for me – adapting to a new way of living.

“I am so grateful for the support the hospice gave to Dad, myself, and our family that I wanted to give back and say ‘thank you’ in some way. So, just a month after Dad’s death, my friends and I took part in the charity’s Midnight Walk. It was so much fun and a great way to give back to such an important local cause.

“Every member of their team is so kind and compassionate, and I wanted to show how grateful I am to them – although I could never fully thank them enough for everything they have done for my family.

“I would really recommend reaching out to the 565 Service, and St Elizabeth Hospice as a whole, if you think you or a loved one could benefit from their support.

“During an uncertain and difficult time for my family and me, they provided reassurance and were there for us when compassion and kindness mattered most.”

To learn more about the 565 Service visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/our-care/livinggrief-bereavement-support/565-service-children-support/