Compassionate communities
About compassionate communities
A compassionate community recognises the role each member of society has to play in looking out for one another, whether that be providing support to someone facing incurable illness or bereavement, picking up a neighbour’s prescription, or simply asking a stranger if they’re ok.
St Helena, together with many other local health and social care organisations and charities, is developing compassionate community networks across north east Essex which will promote and support kindness, compassion and a collaborative approach to caring for one another at times of health crisis and personal loss.
Compassionate community networks
If you or a loved one is facing health crisis or personal loss, there are many local and national organisations who can provide support, but there’s also the network around you.
If you’re wondering how you can support your family member, friend, colleague or neighbour, sometimes the answer is simpler than you think – it’s often the small things that make a big difference – and that’s all part of being part of a compassionate community.
There’s no limit to the ways in which you can help, but essentially it’s about lending a helping hand or a friendly ear. You do not need to be a professional counsellor or health expert, but a good listener who shows people in their community or neighbourhood you care. Simple but heartfelt gestures can help people stay connected to friends and their community and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Get involved
If you’d like to be part of a local compassionate community network or want to find out how you can better support those approaching end of life or grieving the death of a loved one, read more at the St Helena website.
Resources and tools
Resources for patients and families accessing end of life care including information on emotional, financial, practical and carer support can be found at Support for patients, families and carers
If you are looked for support and practical help following the death of a loved one, this can be found at What to do after someone dies
Information leaflets and useful websites which can provide further information on end of life care and bereavement support can be found in our Patient information centre
Compassionate Conversations
Being able to talk with and comfort people who are experiencing dying, death or bereavement can be daunting - but it needn't be that way.
Compassionate Conversations is a free awareness training session delivered by St Helena in collaboration with St Elizabeth Hospice, with sessions offered both online and in person throughout the year.
It is aimed at helping people (aged 18+) build the skills and confidence to enable open, honest and sensitive conversations around dying, death or bereavement, whilst identifying ways to help and support others.
Learn more and book to attend Compassionate Conversations training.
Essex Map
If you are looking for a group or service or a particular kind of support, Essex Map is a great resource to use which shows where you can find support on a map of the area.
This lists lots of local services available to you and you can search using whatever phrase you want i.e. ‘bereavement’ or search and filter by category.