The Anne Robson Trust, who support our hospital with the Butterfly Volunteer initiative, has announced the launch of its new telephone helpline service.
The main purpose of the helpline is to provide support to anyone who is struggling with the imminent death of someone they care about, by offering someone for them to talk to.
Claire Henry MBE, Anne Robson Trust Patron, Visiting Researcher, Palliative and End of Life Care Study Group, University of Cambridge and Director of The Loss Project, said; “Caring for a loved one at the end of their life can often feel lonely and isolating. The Anne Robson Trust’s national helpline will give people that compassionate ear and support that can make a real difference at this difficult time in their life.”
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, patients dying in hospital, care homes and hospices are more likely to have limited contact with their
families.
Losing someone close can affect us in many different ways, but many of the physical and emotional impacts often come before the loss of life itself. It can be so hard to talk about all of the emotions we may experience during the time it takes for a loved one to die.
People facing the end of life, whether their own or a loved one’s, need support.
The Anne Robson Trust Telephone Helpline 0808 801 0688
Lines are open: Monday to Friday 12-6pm
Calls are completely free from all UK landlines and mobiles
To find out more please visit www.annerobsontrust.org.uk
Why the Anne Robson Trust decided to set up the Helpline
In 2018, the Anne Robson Trust began working with hospitals to set up and train Butterfly Volunteers to work on wards, providing comfort and companionship at the bedside of people at the end of life. Many of these patients have no visitors at all.
From speaking to patients, family members and NHS staff, we know that Butterfly Volunteers have a hugely positive emotional impact. We also recognised that the family and friends of those who are dying need emotional support too.
We believe that having someone to talk to can help people understand and cope with the feelings that arise as a family member or friend is dying.
