Bereavement Befrienders is a service available to those who have lost a loved one under the care of Forest Holme Hospice, with dedicated trained Befriender volunteers providing a compassionate listening ear and confidential space where people can freely explore their thoughts and emotions regarding bereavement.

Josie, from Bere Regis, lost her partner Shane in November 2023 at the age of 61, describing him as a hardworking, cheeky, loving gentle man who was dearly loved by friends and family. She said, “I dearly miss him but my greatest comfort is to know that his life was not about how many breaths he took but many special moments and memories even on a bad day that take your breath away.”

Josie recently used the Bereavement Befriender and describes her experience of using the service.

Tell us how you found out about the befriender service?

I found out about the befriender service after I attended the ‘Living with Loss’ presentation by Dania (counsellor). I heard about Dania via my colleague at work whose husband sadly died. I don’t know how I would have coped without all the services of the counselling team, befrienders and bereavement cafe. Of course, I guess I would have carried on, but suffering in silence trying to deal with loss and bereavement.

Describe your experience of the service and has chatting to a befriender helped you?

Talking and sharing experiences helps get all those thoughts out that are a constant chatterbox voice in your head. Also, as you are with like minded people who just get it, you don’t feel like at work, when you are forever talking about your loved one and you get the feeling sometimes they want you to change the record!

What would you say to someone who might be considering using the befriender service?

Absolutely reach out to the befriender service, you have nothing to loose but everything to gain. All the talking in the world will never bring your loved one back but to know you are not on your own but amongst people, friends, who get it, helps you to move forward.