At ellenor, our Befriending service is a complimentary service which is available for patients and carers. Befrienders visit patients and carers in the comfort of their own homes, but may also visit in Nursing or Residential homes. The Befriending service at ellenor is designed to lessen feelings of isolation and loneliness that patients may experience, thus promoting emotional and social wellbeing. Befrienders have the important role of giving much needed company to the patients, allowing their hard-working carers to take a rest when they need it. Sometimes Befrienders also escort patients to the Hospital or Clinic for appointments, as well as attending specially arranged wellbeing trips.

Interested in becoming a Befriender? Find out how you can volunteer here.

We all experience bereavement at some stage of our lives, and it can leave many people feeling at their most vulnerable. The level of bereavement care and its nature vary greatly from person to person, and whilst many need social support, other people may also need counselling, practical information or expert advice.

At ellenor, we understand that everyone experiences bereavement differently, which is why we offer a number of different wellbeing support services to help those who need it. We provide counselling and bereavement support for relatives and close friends of our patients, to ensure that you receive the support that you need during this difficult time.

Our one-to-one counselling sessions are available during this time of transition, as well as informal weekly coffee mornings for the bereaved. If you prefer to meet others who are experiencing similar emotions, we also host a number of Bereavement Cuppa and Group meeting events. We also have smaller groups which are designed specifically for parents who have lost a child.

When someone close to you is ill, or when you yourself are ill, it can be difficult to come to terms with reality. Not everyone is open to discussing their emotions, however it can really help to share your worries and fears with someone. Counselling is a therapy which provides the opportunity to explore areas of life where there may be distress, dissatisfaction, uncertainty or confusion, with a view to finding ways of managing situations. At ellenor, we offer counselling support for carers and family members who wish to speak to someone.

Counselling at ellenor will involve talking to one of our trained counsellors, in a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental environment. 

Throughout your sessions at ellenor, your counsellor will work alongside you to explore possibilities, options and alternatives which may be available. Counselling will empower you to find a way forward, and will teach you new strengths and skills in order to effectively deal with any difficulties you may face.

Contact us on 01474 320007 or email

telh.clinical-admin@nhs.net (marking your email ‘Counselling’) and ask for a referral to our Counselling Team.”

1. Free Financial Advice 

As individuals near the end of life, it’s normal to face concerns about income, additional costs and managing finances. We’re pleased to be able to say that with ellenor, financial help and assistance is available. This service helps with advice on the following:

• Applying for and entitlement to benefits
• Health costs such as prescriptions and travel to hospital
• Transport concessions such as Blue badges
• Accessing charitable grants
• Housing costs

We can also offer expert advice surrounding other cases outside immediate welfare advice, around working rights, pension rights, life insurance claims and the importance of wills and forward financial planning.

Free Legal Advice Service

Stanton Solicitors offer a free legal advice service for Ellenor users, supporters and staff and historically a solicitor has been available on The Green at Northfleet between 11 am and 12 noon each Thursday for drop-in advice.

Because of the building work, that venue is now no longer convenient for most people and therefore Stantons are now offering the same service either on a drop-in basis or by telephone at their office at 24 Wrotham Road, Gravesend, DA11 0PA between 10.30 and 12.30 every Thursday.

Please ring Stantons on 01474 579940 during those hours and they can either offer immediate advice by telephone or can arrange for you to pop in to see them. They can also arrange to see you at Northfleet or the Manor Hotel if travel to Wrotham Road is difficult.

When people are at the end of their lives, it can be a very difficult time to talk. Music can be a great way for people to communicate non-verbally, especially with loved ones. As part of our family wellbeing services, we offer music therapy to both children and adults. 

Music therapy is a therapeutic intervention, which uses music to form a relationship with another person, irrespective of musical ability. Music therapy is an emotional outlet for patients and carers, and can also distract those from feelings of pain or stress. Through music therapy, beneficial changes and developments are worked towards in a safe and creative way. Not only is music therapy beneficial for supporting wellbeing, but taking part also raises self-esteem and enjoyment. Please note you do not need any previous musical ability to benefit from this form of therapy.

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach to help troubled and distressed children to express their feelings. Our play sessions are tailored to promote choice and to develop skills. Our team works hard to ensure that all play activities are appropriate to your child’s age, ability and culture, so that they feel the full benefit of our sessions.

This is an opportunity for children to explore painful feelings, and to understand traumatic experiences which they may not be able to discuss in words. At ellenor, we have a Play Therapy room, or one of our specialists can visit your child at home or school if preferred.

Learn more about Children’s Hospice Care.

As part of our family wellbeing services, we have a team of Family Support Workers to provide support and guidance to patients, relatives and carers. Family support workers will visit you at your home, and will offer help and emotional support to those that are facing various issues. They can offer practical help to carers on any family matter, or can simply offer social support if you are struggling with your caring role. 

Understandably, as terminally ill patients approach the end of their life, powerful and complex emotions can begin to take over. Patients may also question the purpose and value of their life. At ellenor we have a hospice chaplain, who as an integral member of the team, is a medical professional who cares for a patients spiritual needs. The role of the hospice chaplain is pivotal as many patients turn towards spirituality for comfort when nearing the end of life. A hospice chaplain will ensure that no patient dies alone, and is surrounded by comfort and compassion until the end of their life.

Not only is our Spiritual Care service available to hospice patients, but also to families and carers. When a patient is terminally ill, this can heavily impact family and loved ones. Naturally, the process can take a spiritual toll on a patient’s family, who may be feeling confused or worried about the process. Chaplains serve as a listener, and can offer spiritual counsel for those who require it. 

At ellenor, we offer patients a wide range of complementary therapies which may help you feel more relaxed or better to cope with your illness or treatment. Our complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments, with the aim of providing psychological and emotional support. We provide the following complementary therapy treatments for our patients:

• Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy involves essential oils from natural plants. Every oil has its own set of unique properties that are considered to have a range of health benefits. This form of therapy is also considered to be very relaxing, and can relieve patients from any stress.
• Gentle Touch Massage - Massage therapy involves the pressing of soft tissues on the body in a calming and therapeutic manner. Studies show that massage therapy can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in patients.
• Reflexology - Reflexology is the application of pressure to certain areas of the feet, and is known to alleviate feelings of stress.
• Relaxation - Relaxation therapy covers a range of techniques, including breathing exercises, mindfulness sessions and meditation.
• Reiki - Reiki (pronounced ray-key) means “universal life energy” in Japanese. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively, on or near the body there is no massage or manipulation. This helps to bring about a sense of calm, balance and wellbeing.