Overgate launch their 'Hear For You' Service

The new 'Hear For You' service is being operated by the hospice’s existing Patient and Family Support Team, nurses and volunteer retired health care professionals.

The support line will operate seven days a week from 10am to 6pm on 01422 387172.

The service will provide emotional support for:

Relatives or friends of patients being cared-for in any health or social care setting in relation to COVID-19,

Relatives or friends of patients who may be cared for at the Nightingale Ward in Harrogate,

All relatives and friends of end-of-life patients,

Bereaved relatives and friends who can only attend funerals at the crematorium or burial in restricted numbers,

Any health professional providing a front line service in response to COVID-19.

Jet Hardinge, Overgate Hospice Psychotherapist and Counselling Coordinator, said: “Covid-19 is having a huge impact on all our lives. Loneliness and isolation from the loss of freedom due to the impact of the lockdown restrictions; fear when someone close becomes ill; helplessness when loved ones receive hospital care and normal visiting is prohibited; intense grief magnified by the current limitations surrounding attendance at funerals; immense stress and strain being experienced daily by our front-line health care professionals.

"'Here for you' offers people a confidential space to talk about that impact and emotional support when individuals need it the most.”

This service has been funded by the local Clinical Commissioning Group as part of their response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Anyone who requires further help will be signposted to other services ranging from practical and financial assistance through to specialist bereavement, spiritual and psychological support.

Rev Andy Thewlis, Overgate Hospice Chaplain, says, “As the pandemic continues, more and more people will be directly affected and many will experience moments of darkness and despair when everything seems out of control.

"Finding someone to share the journey with and stand alongside you in difficult circumstances, when dreams have been stolen, can be a great comfort. 'Hear for you' is a place to find someone who will listen, empathize and provide compassionate care.”

Tracey Wilcocks, Director of Clinical Services at Overgate Hospice said, “We are already hearing from our colleagues across Calderdale that they have to deal with incredibly difficult situations due to the coronavirus outbreak. Our new telephone support line will offer emotional and practical support to staff working in health and social care in our area to ensure that they can continue to give the best to care to the most vulnerable people in our community.

"On top of this, we know that many families are facing tragic times as visiting has been withdrawn from many settings and funerals and cremations are taking place with little or no family present. Our team is here to offer support to these families, helping them to deal with the emotions that these difficult situations are creating.

"We know the whole health and social care system is working hard to set up additional capacity to manage the expected surge in the number of patients that are going to need care, and we are committed to doing all that we can to help in this difficult time.”