Grief is a personal experience, but it’s not one that people have to go through alone. Our Bereavement care is available for anyone whose loved one has received support from Compton and our Bereavement and Family Care team work with people to understand their needs and find the right support for them.

Here we catch up with Bereavement Coordinator, Debbie.

 

How long have you worked at Compton…

I’ve worked at Compton for 10 years, beginning my journey as a Healthcare Assistant on the Inpatient Unit before moving into the role of Education Facilitator, where I supported staff development and training. For the past 18 months, I’ve been working within the Bereavement and Family Care team as a Bereavement Coordinator, providing compassionate support to families and loved ones during difficult times.

 

Tell us what an average day looks like (if there is such a thing!)

I’m based at both Compton Hall and Ruskin Road, and no two days are ever quite the same.

My mornings usually begin with calling relatives whose loved one has passed away the day before, to offer our condolences and let them know that Compton is still here for them.  We will also send a condolence card to loved ones together with some information about our Bereavement Services.

Within the first three months after someone’s loved one has  passed away in Compton’s care, I will make regular check-in calls to them every two weeks to provide a listening ear and to help normalise their grief.

As part of those calls I will share options for further support, which includes support from our Counselling Service and also our group activities such as Walk and Talk, Bereavement Cafés, and Care and Craft. Many people find comfort in these groups and often form lasting friendships.

Our support for bereaved loved ones continues for up to five years, ensuring no one feels alone in their grief journey.

I also help to run Bereavement Information Points in the community. These pop-up events are open to everyone, not just those who have lost a loved one at Compton, and members of the public can come along and find out more about services offered locally in relation to grief and wellbeing.

 

Describe your role in 40 words…

I offer compassionate support to bereaved families and loved ones during difficult times.  Each person will process grief very differently and our team is here to listen, support, and to help each person in a way that feels right for them.

 

What’s your favourite part of your job…

All of it. Some people may find it strange when I say that, especially given the sensitive nature of the conversations I have, but it truly is a privilege to be a part of someone’s journey through grief.

It’s very rewarding and humbling to support someone from their first moments of grief and be able to see how the support Compton offers can help them.

It’s also lovely to see how people who attend our group activities find comfort, connection and friendship, which sometimes continues after the group sessions have finished.

 

A moment to remember….

One moment that will always stay with me is supporting a young man. I made regular check-in calls to him after the death of his mom, and at the end of one of our conversations, he said, “Thank you Debbie, you have been my beacon of light.”

Find out more about our bereavement services. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more insights in to a day in the life of our team.