An Amber Heat Health Alert is currently in place across Essex until 9pm on 12 July 2026. Please take steps to protect yourself and those most vulnerable to the effects of hot weather. Hot weather advice

Hospice and bereavement support in south east Essex

Care and support for people approaching the end of life, and help for families and loved ones during bereavement.

Hospice and bereavement support south east Essex services provide specialist palliative care, end of life support and emotional support for people and their families. These services help people live as comfortably as possible while ensuring families receive appropriate care and guidance.

Fair Havens Hospice offers specialist support tailored to individual needs and wishes.

Palliative and end of life care

Fair Havens Hospice provides care for people living with complex or incurable conditions. Support is available at home, in the hospice or through a combination of both.

Care may include:

  • Support managing physical symptoms
  • Therapies such as physiotherapy and group activities
  • Emotional and psychological support
  • Support for carers and families
  • Planned respite care
  • Support when returning home from hospital
  • End of life care at home or in the hospice

This support focuses on improving comfort, wellbeing and quality of life.

Bereavement support in south east Essex

Bereavement support is available to adults and children. Services may include counselling, group support and signposting to additional help.

Bereavement support helps people manage grief and access appropriate help when needed.

How to access hospice and bereavement support in south east Essex

If a hospital diagnosis of an incurable or life-limiting illness has been given, Fair Havens may be able to help through its various care services. These include Fair Havens Hub and Fair Havens Community Team.

Although a referral can be made directly to the hospice by a patient or carer, it is recommended that a professional involved in the patient’s care make the initial contact.

This way, Fair Havens has all the medical information needed to consider the referral. For more information, please visit the Havens Hospices website or call 01702 220 350.

If you are unsure where to start, you can:

  • Speak to your GP or healthcare professional
  • Contact Havens Hospices directly
  • Speak to a community nurse or social worker

They can explain available support and help arrange appropriate care.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

No. Hospice care is available for people at different stages of serious illness and can be provided alongside other treatments.

Early referral can help improve comfort and quality of life.

No. Support can be provided:

  • At home
  • In care homes
  • In community settings
  • Through outpatient or outreach services

Your care team will discuss what works best for you.

Yes. Hospice services are provided free of charge to patients and families.

Yes. Support is available for carers, partners, relatives and close friends, both before and after a death.

Bereavement support from the Havens Hospices Wellbeing Team is available to individuals whose family member was cared for by Fair Havens within the last five years. Please visit the Havens Hospices website for more information or to contact the team.

This varies depending on individual needs.

Some people need short-term support, while others may benefit from longer-term help. Services can explain available options.

Related content