Losing a loved one to death is never easy to deal with. To help ease the pain the Nelspruit Hospice has a support group that focuses particularly on individuals who have lost a loved one.

The Hospice Bereavement Support Group sessions take place once a week over a period of eight weeks.

All information concerning individuals and information shared are strictly confidential.

Sonet Goosen, the CEO of Nelspruit Hospice said they want the public to be aware of the support group so that they can make use of it when they need it.

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“This free service, which is focused on helping individuals cope, is usually in a group setting in a two-hour session. The sessions are coordinated and led by Marinda Olckers, Nelspruit Hospice’s nursing services manager and other qualified professionals.

“Aspects dealt with include recognising the phases of grief they are experiencing, helping them with coping skills, to face the reality of life and death, to start living a new life and many other aspects. We have had wonderful success and feedback from individuals who have completed the programme,” explained Goosen.

As part of helping the members of the group, there is a Remembrance Garden where they can go at any time. “It consists of a tree of remembrance painted on the wall which was done by Lesley-Ann Todd and Odette Lindeque.

There is a quiet sitting area where one can rest and contemplate the life of their loved one. We are urging people to put a plaque on the tree with the name of their beloved family member or friend, the date of birth and death on it.

Hospice will arrange for the plaque for a minimum donation of R100,” she said.
The group was started in 2013. Nelspruit Hospice is a non-profit organisation and is dependent on donations from the community to uphold the free quality palliative care to those in need. Enquiries: the hospice office on 013-744-0095.