Christmas is fast approaching, and after last year, this year more than ever we will want to be around our loved ones and celebrate the festive season with them. However, for those who are at the end of life, caring for someone who is terminally ill or coping with a bereavement, Christmas can be a difficult time of year.
Over the past year and a half, millions of people will have been bereaved, making the festive season very hard. There will also be more than one million people across the UK, who will be caring for someone with a terminal illness and they could be having their last Christmas together.
For many people who find themselves in these situations; struggling to cope with the pressures of this holiday, feeling isolated and alone or who may have been bereaved, Marie Curie will be on hand to provide support or a listening ear.
Marie Curie trained Support Line Officers can provide practical information on everything from managing day-to-day with a terminal illness, to planning for end of life. Our support line can offer emotional support if someone needs a safe space to talk, or some guidance based on their situation. We have a dedicated bereavement service where callers will be paired with a volunteer, who can offer a listening ear and support over six sessions, as well as Check-in and Chat, a service that offers regular calls at a time that suits you.
If your readers have been affected by dying, death and bereavement and need support over Christmas and New Year, then please encourage them to contact Marie Curie for free on 0800 090 2309.
Alternatively, visit mariecurie.org.uk/supportto chat online or to find out other ways we can support you.
The support line is also open to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals dealing with end of life care this Christmas. Our online information platform, the Palliative Care Knowledge Zone, includes guidance for professionals on palliative care which is updated regularly.
Marie Curie Information and Support Line Christmas opening hours:
- 20, 21, 22 and 23 December (8am-6pm)
- 24 December (10am – 4pm)
- 25 December (10am – 2pm)
- 26 December (CLOSED)
- 27 and 28 December (10am – 4pm)
- 29 and 30 December (8am – 6pm)
- 31 December (10am – 4pm)
- 01 January (10am – 2pm)
- 02 January (CLOSED)
- 03 January (10am – 4pm)
Best wishes,
Matt Williams
Marie Curie Head of Information and Support
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