15 October 2024
Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network Webinar: Dying Matters and Bereavement Support
The full presentation can be viewed here.
On Wednesday 9 October 2024 c57 people attended the Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network’s (HSPN) emotionally powerful, Webinar – ‘Dying Matters and Bereavement Support’.
After new and existing HSPN members & guests were welcomed, Nicola Gibbs, Insight and Engagement Officer, Hampshire County Council (working with Public Health) began by sharing the background, purpose and methodology of HCC’s ‘Bereavement Triggers and Barriers to Seeking Emotional Support’ research. Nicola proceeded to summarise the project’s 10 key findings. Finally, Nicola thanked those who had taken part in the (c18-40 years old) research, highlighted the HCC mental wellbeing bereavement webpages and asked anyone who is interested, to consider joining the Hampshire Perspectives Forum.
Next, Clare Shaw, Author, (and p/t Befriending Co-ordinator, Community First) began with a very powerful, personal description of her own bereavement journey and what led her to write a series of sensitive, plain speaking books. Clare proceeded to highlight 3 of the bereavement books she has written, during the Webinar:- ‘Love Will Never Die’, ‘A Mind Full of Grief’ and ‘Don’t Tell the Children’ – explaining why she wrote them and also, the respective age groups they are aimed at.
Serena Sheppard, Bereavement Coordinator, The Southern Co-op Funeralcare began by explaining what Bereavement Care is – highlighting the geographical areas that the service currently covers. Serena described the support services that are available:- Support Groups, Friendship Groups and 1:1 Support. After sharing where these groups are being delivered, Serena then explained about the Educational Sessions that are available, concluding with a request that information about Bereavement Care services, be shared as widely as possible.
Finally, Tim Houghton, Community First’s Chief Executive, started by sharing some of the conclusions from Lord Darzi’s Report into the state of the NHS and Charlotte Osborn-Ford’s response (she is CE of the National Academy for Social Prescribing). Tim went on to share the good news that NHS Hampshire & IoW, have confirmed funding for the Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network for the coming two years!
Next, Tim highlighted a few of the forthcoming NASP Webinars, the recent guidance for Link Workers re engaging with travelling and Roma communities, a plea for Healthwatch Hampshire – who are recruiting Advisory Board Members and he explained about the new Youthwatch ‘Friend in Need’ Guidance service.
Tim continued by discussing the new Hampshire Dementia Alliance, sharing that HCC will now fund some Community Transport Connect Services and that there will be another round of Household Support Grant. Tim concluded by confirming that Gosport Voluntary Action successfully merged with Community First on 1 October 2024.
An engaged audience with what can often be a challenging subject to discuss, networked virtually – sharing helpful information and adding their observations or questions via ‘Chat’.
The next Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network Webinar will be held on Wednesday 4 December, 1.00-2.00pm.
Please contact Jane Bray – healthforums@cfirst.org.uk to register if you are not an HSPN member and would like to attend &/or be kept up-to-date.