Adult Family Support

What is Adult Family Support?

Adult Family Support at Primrose Hospice provides emotional and practical support for adults who are coping with bereavement or the impact of a life-limiting illness.

Our service offers a safe and confidential space where you can talk, reflect, and receive support tailored to your individual needs.

Who is Adult Family Support For?

This service is available for adults who are:

– Bereaved of a loved one

– Supporting a loved one with a life-limiting illness

– Struggling with emotional or practical challenges related to life limiting illness or grief

If you are unsure whether this service is right for you, our team can guide you.

How Adult Family Support can help:

We support you to:

– Process feelings of grief, anxiety or uncertainty

– Talk openly in a safe, non-judgemental environment

– Develop coping strategies for difficult situations

– Feel less isolated and more supported

– Adjust to changes in your life or relationships

Our approach is tailored to what matters most to you.

What to expect from support sessions:

Adult Family Support is typically offered through one-to-one sessions with a trained volunteer or staff member of our Family Support Team. The team is managed at Primrose by Heather Coughlin – our Head of Family Support.

Our team support people at the Coppice Centre at Primrose Hospice, in their own homes (depending on availability), or via the telephone.

Sessions may focus on:

– Talking through your experiences

– Exploring feelings and concerns

– Finding ways to cope and move forward

We understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult. You will be supported at your own pace, and there is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with.

Additional support options:

Depending on your needs, we may also recommend:

Group support sessions 

– Specialist services within Primrose Hospice

Support for other family members, including children and young people

We will work with you to find the right support for your situation.

How to make a referral:

You can:

– Refer yourself or a family member (with their consent) directly

– Ask your GP to refer you

– Ask a healthcare, social care or education professional to refer on your behalf

Contact our Family Support Team to make your referral:

T: 01527 889799 

E: primrosehospice.familysupportreferrals@nhs.net 

Our team will guide you through the process.

What happens after you make a referral?

Once we receive your referral:

– We will review the information provided

– A team member will contact you with an assessment date.

Once the assessment has been completed, you will be placed on the waiting list for the most appropriate service.

We understand that waiting can be difficult. Once you are added to the waiting list, there may be a period before your assessment is completed, and services can be offered.

We appreciate your patience and will contact you as soon as an appointment becomes available.

“The Support I have had has been excellent! I feel like I could pick up the phone at any point and call if I had a problem. It’s made me think that there are places out there in society that do actually care.” – Family Support Client.

Adult Family Support FAQs:

Do I need a referral?

Yes, you can refer yourself or ask a professional to refer you.

Is the support confidential?

Yes, all sessions are confidential.

Do I have to attend regularly?

This depends on your needs and will be agreed with you.

What if I feel nervous about talking?

This is completely normal; our team will support you at your own pace.

Is there a cost?

No, all Primrose Hospice services are free of charge. If you would like to make a donation, please visit this page.

Meet our dedicated Family Support team here. 


Contact us:

For more information on Family Support Services contact the Family Support Team Administrator:

T: 01527 889799

E: primrosehospice.familysupportreferrals@nhs.net


Have you or your family been supported at Primrose Hospice? We’d love to hear about your experience.

By sharing your experience at Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre you could help people understand what our Hospice, located on St Godwald’s Road, is like and how they too could benefit from our support.

Find out more about sharing your story, by clicking here. 


We would love to hear your thoughts about your experience at Primrose Hospice, so we can improve services.

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey here.

Our Family Support Service is supported by the TNL Community fund: