Patient and Family Support

Oakhaven Counselling for those affected by a life-limiting illness or death
"I am so grateful for Oakhaven counselling after my husband passed away. To be able to talk to someone outside my family and friends has been so very beneficial. There has been no judgement and I could talk about anything and show my emotions."
Anyone who is, or has been, affected by a life-limiting illness or the death of a relative or friend can access our services.
Bereavement, grief and loss are a part of life. Receiving a life-limiting diagnosis or having someone close to us die can be devastating. These circumstances can feel unbearable and our emotions - anger, sadness or confusion - although natural, may feel uncontrollable making us, or those close to us, feel vulnerable and isolated.
Oakhaven Counselling Service provides the space for you to talk about how you are feeling without judgement.
Click on the links above to find out more about our wellbeing services
Oakhaven Wellbeing News
Wanted: volunteers to aid relaxation
Volunteers with a difference are being sought by Oakhaven Hospice – their role is to aid relaxation through hand- and foot-massage. The Hospice, in Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington, provides complementary therapies for patients, carers and the bereaved. These wellbeing services are an important part of Oakhaven’s approach to meeting all the needs of those who […]
Read MoreOutdoor Activities for Health and Wellbeing
By Karen Silverthorne Whatever you have going on in your life right now, it’s important to pay attention to your health and wellbeing. Looking after your physical needs can have a knock-on effect on your mental state and this can put you in a better position to help yourself and those around you. Exercise can […]
Read MorePlanning for the Future: things to consider
By Karen Silverthorne It seems there are so many extra difficulties to face at the moment and the idea of making end-of-life plans may be something you find difficult. But by giving consideration to this now, it can lessen anxiety if you become unwell and can help those you are close to if you’re not […]
Read MoreSelf Care in Bereavement
By Paula Noyce, Counsellor As a palliative, oncology and bereavement counsellor, some of the most common descriptions I hear used by those who have lived alongside loved ones through illness and death are, ‘completely drained’, ‘exhausted’, and the feeling of ‘running on empty’. It is the inevitable impact of being alongside a significant person, whether […]
Read MoreFacing Fear: How to Cope with Health Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Steph McClean, Psychotherapist Throughout life, most of us keep an eye on our health and wellbeing. However, there are times when we are more anxious about our health than others. It might be that we need to go back to our GP for a persistent issue, or we need tests or scans to see […]
Read MoreHaving those Important Conversations about Dying and Death
By Paul Hatchard, Chaplain It’s the conversation no one wants to have isn’t it? In fact, in a survey conducted by the charity Dying Matters they found that 72% of the British public are uncomfortable discussing dying, death and bereavement. It’s true that it’s an uncomfortable subject – we’d rather not think about it. Yet […]
Read MoreHow to support children and young people in the face of COVID-19
By Mette Nielsen, Counsellor Life has suddenly been turned up-side down for all of us and not least our children and young people because of the outbreak of Covid-19. Schools, colleges and universities have closed early. There may not be any transition preparations for going to the next stage for primary school children nor proms […]
Read MoreMissing the Moment: Self Isolating when a Loved One is Dying
By Steph McClean, Psychotherapist When we have a loved one who is being cared for at the end of life, the choices and decisions we make matter. A key part of palliative care is about helping people make informed decisions in advance if they can; for example about where they want to die and how […]
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