Psychological services

St Nicholas Hospice Care offers psychological support to people in our care nearing the end of life, those struggling to cope with their loved one’s illness and specialist bereavement services for adults and children.

We provide space to talk things through at any stage of illness, diagnosis or treatment. We offer assistance in helping relatives and offer in-depth psychological support.

We are currently experiencing a high level of demand for our services at the moment, which unfortunately means our waiting lists are longer than usual. This may mean we take a few months to offer you support. Please bear with us whilst we try to meet this demand. If you are struggling in the meantime, please do call Samaritans on 116 123. Thank you for your understanding.

Bereavement support

We support newly bereaved families or individuals, including children who live in West Suffolk and Thetford, no matter how they are bereaved.

The bereavement service provides telephone support and advice, written information, and counselling.

For younger people and children

Nicky’s Way supports young people between 5-18 years of age who have been bereaved through long-term illness, accidents, suicide and sudden death. Support is provided both individually and in groups in the community, in schools and at the hospice.

Nicky’s Way also supports parents and those caring for and supporting bereaved children. Referrals can be made by the Hospice, GPs, schools, school nurses or directly by a child or parent.

Bereavement Café

A drop-in session for those coping with bereavement. The Bereavement Café is a space where people can talk about the pain of loss and also find courage and strength in knowing they are not alone. Drop-in groups are available in Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds, Stowlangtoft and Thurston. Learn more here

Stepping Forward

Attend our walking group at Ickworth Estate, Horringer at 10am on the fourth Sunday of the month, starting January 2024. You can find out more about the walk here.

Peer Support Group

Meet with others, young and widowed, in a relaxed setting for a casual coffee and chat, supported by the Psychological Services Team. We meet weekly on Thursdays, 10-10.30am until midday, at St Nicholas Hospice Care, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds.

• Download a referral form
• Use our online referral form

Getting support now

• Do you need to speak to someone now? Download a list of useful phone numbers to get bereavement and mental health support now.
• Access a specially trained bereavement counsellor through GriefChat. (External service)