St Peter & St James Hospice launches free support service to tackle isolation and loneliness

The much-loved local charity has launched the expert support service to help people across the community who may be experiencing loneliness or emotional distress due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Community Reach, which has been funded by the government and the National Lottery Community Fund, offers people the opportunity to access free counselling or caller companion support from qualified and expertly trained hospice volunteers.

The service is open to anyone who feels they are struggling with increased isolation, or who has been directly affected by Covid-19 through family illness, bereavement and loss.

Chris Horton, head of wellbeing and outreach at St Peter &St James Hospice, said: “There is widespread recognition that this winter will see no return to normal and the ongoing risks and restrictions of the pandemic will continue to impact those most vulnerable in our community.

“In particular we recognise the plight of residents, their relatives and staff alike in local care homes, who may have experienced stress, confinement and absence of close contact over the past months, but Community Reach is there for anyone who feels they need it.

“Please don’t suffer in silence – we’re here for you.”

The hospice, based near Wivelsfield Green, offers a range of expert support for adults living with terminal illness, as well as their families, in Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Lewes, Uckfield and the surrounding towns and villages.

The charity receives limited government funding, which means it relies heavily on the local community to cover more than 80 per cent of its running costs.

Like many charities across the country, the hospice’s income has been significantly reduced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen the closure of its charity shops during lockdown, the cancellation of many fundraising events, the expansion of services to offer remote and telephone support where possible, and the continuing rigorous infection prevention measures at the hospice.

If you feel you would benefit from Community Reach support, or would like to find out more, please contact the team at St Peter & St James Hospice by emailing [email protected] or calling 01444 471598.