"Many people feel apprehensive about receiving hospice care, and if you have additional needs, come from a deprived situation, have grown up with a different culture or language, or have experienced prejudice, it can feel even more daunting. We are here to put your mind at ease and to ensure you feel safe, supported and a valued."

Building collaborative relationships

We are continuously improving the way that we can support people from all walks of life, including:

• Regular staff training to equip them to support diverse needs in an informed and sensitive manner. 
• Advice and support on social and financial matters. 

Supporting ethnic minority groups

• Our hospice in the home service supports families to care for their loved ones at home.  
• Cultural awareness ambassadors provide cultural support to patients of a similar background. 
• Translation for caring conversations, on our website and My Care Choices booklets. 
• Working with local faith leaders to offer spiritual care to different faiths. 
• Different religions are catered for in our multi-faith Chapel.   
• Our in-patient unit offers food options that meet different cultural and religious dietary requirements. 
• Same gender care is offered where possible. 

Deaf and hard of hearing support

• Signvideo translation. If you need the support of a BSL translator to speak with us, click on the button at the top of this page where you will be connected free of charge. 

LGBTQ+ support

• Support with sexuality and gender related issues in partnership with the Outhouse. 
• Gender neutral toilet facilities. 
• Care package to support transgender patients to maintain their gender identity. 

Dementia support

• Using dementia friendly signage to reduce disorientation. 
• Easy Read version of the My Care Choices booklet.

We recognise that everyone is an individual and we strive to understand and cater for each patients' unique needs as best we can. If you have any concerns or suggestions about a specific need, please get in touch to discuss this with us. 

Raising awareness

Misperceptions of what a hospice is and a lack of knowledge of services offered can make anyone feel reluctant to receive the help available, but we're here to put your mind at ease.

We want to increase confidence in using hospice services through building relationships and raising awareness.  The Safe Harbour project team is available to attend groups and events or give talks to those who would like to know more.  We also run our popular Hospice for All open days where local groups can visit the hospice to learn more about what we offer. 

Many people feel afraid that a hospice is a place you go to die, but much of our work is about helping people live well. We provide symptom management, along with emotional, psychological, social and financial issues, and spiritual support for the whole family so that they do not have to face the future alone. When people can learn more about who we are and what we do, it greatly reduces the fear and stigma that can prevent them from asking for help.  

Personalised care

We recognise that some patients may need specific considerations, or additional help, in order to receive suitable care. The Safe Harbour Project has developed good relationships with other local organisations and can work with patients and families to ensure they get all the help they need.  For some, this may just mean putting them in touch with someone who can help, others appreciate the on-going support of the Safe Harbour project to help ensure their specific needs are met whilst under the care of St Helena. 

We care about carers

At St Helena, we want to ensure that those caring for someone with a life limiting condition, or in the last year of life, also feel supported. We are here for you and we want to help.

Some of the services we currently offer include: training, referrals, admin, wellbeing, peer support, phone support and befriending. View our flyer to learn more.

We are Hate Crime Ambassadors

St Helena is committed to raising awareness of hate crime and encouraging the reporting of any kind of hostility or prejudice towards a person based on their actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. 

Read more about Hate Crime Ambassadors.

If you think Safe Harbour can support you, please contact us by emailing us or calling SinglePoint on 01206 890 360. If you require support from a BSL interpreter, please click on the link at the top of this page, where you will be connected free of charge.