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Refer yourself for urgent bereavement care

Download the referral form

What is urgent bereavement care?

Our urgent bereavement care service is for families who have recently experienced a sudden unexpected death of a child.

Referrals to our urgent bereavement care can be made by anyone involved with the family of the deceased, you don’t need to be known to the hospice or a healthcare professional. But, please make sure you meet the criteria listed below before making your referral.

Can I access urgent bereavement care?

Please make sure you have read the below criteria before getting in touch:

  • Your child has recently died: within three months of the referral being made.
  • You must live in our catchment area: East and West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.
  • The child who has died is between the ages of birth – 18 years old.
  • If making the referral on behalf of the family – please make sure they know and understand that they are being referred.

What does urgent bereavement care look like?

We recognise that everyone's bereavement journey is different, which is why we offer a personalised support package. Here's a few ways we can support you following the death of a child.

Stars

Our bereavement suite offers a calm, serene space for your child to be laid to rest. Your child can stay in the suite for up to 14 days, and can offer you a chance to say goodbye.

At home

We can also look after the child and support you at home for up to 72 hours.

Staying at Chestnut

We can also offer you a place to stay at Chestnut Tree House, so that you can be near your child if they’re in the Stars suite.

Blue and yellow graphics of hearts

Practical and emotional support

We can help with practical advice, such as funeral arrangements and registering the death. You’ll also be offered support from our Child and Family Support Team who offer a range of services such as counselling and spiritual support.

What happens after I’ve made my referral?

  • All referrals will be fast-tracked to a Senior Nurse to review and they will get back to you within 72 hours.
  • We will always get in touch with anyone who completes a referral form, even if you aren’t eligible for our support.
  • You’ll be allocated a bereavement keyworker, who will be with you every step of the way.

Will I have any ongoing support?

Yes, we’ll provide support for as long as you need us. You will be supported by a keyworker for 3 years, and bereavement support will continue after the 3 year period for as long as you need it.

We run regular in-memory events throughout the year, which you will be invited to, as well as having the opportunity to our events we run for bereaved parents, carers, siblings and grandparents.

How do I make a referral?

Download and complete the referral form below and return to us via the email address. Or, if you're already know to a healthcare professional, they can fill in the form on your behalf.

Download the referral form for families Download the referral form for healthcare professionals

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