As you navigate the profound journey of end-of-life planning and care, it's essential to have access to resources and support that can provide guidance, comfort, and assistance. Below is a curated list of local services in County Durham and the North East of England to support you during this time.
Local Services and Support in County Durham and North East England
Here are some local services that offer support for end-of-life care and planning:
Hospices in County Durham & North East England
St. Cuthbert's Hospice Location: Durham Service: Specialist palliative care and end-of-life care. Phone: +44 191 386 1170 Website: www.stcuthbertshospice.com
Alice House Hospice Location: Hartlepool, County Durham Service: Specialist palliative care, end-of-life care, and support for individuals living with life-limiting conditions. They provide services for both inpatients and home care. Phone: +44 1429 855 555 Website: www.alicehousehospice.co.uk
Teesside Hospice Location: Middlesbrough Service: Inpatient, outpatient, and home care services for end-of-life patients. Phone: +44 1642 811 063 Website: www.teeshealthcare.org
Marie Curie Hospice Location: Newcastle and surrounding areas Service: Provides specialist palliative care and support for terminally ill patients and their families. Phone: 0800 090 2309 (freephone) Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Butterwick Hospice Care Location: Stockton-on-Tees Service: End-of-life care, supporting people in the final stages of life. Phone: +44 1642 607 742 Website: www.butterwick.org.uk
Hospitals and Palliative Care Services
Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Service: Provides palliative care across the county. Phone: +44 191 333 2333 (general inquiries) Website: www.cddft.nhs.uk
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust Service: Home care and hospital-based palliative services. Phone: +44 191 233 6161 (Newcastle General) Website: www.newcastle-hospitals.org.uk
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Service: Provides palliative and end-of-life care for the Tees Valley area. Phone: +44 1642 850 850 Website: www.southtees.nhs.uk
Oxygen and Emergency Services
British Oxygen Company (BOC) Service: Supplies oxygen therapy and medical equipment. Emergency Helpline: 0800 111 333 (general inquiries) Website: www.boconline.co.uk
Oxygen Direct (North East) Service: Oxygen supply and home oxygen services. Phone: +44 191 273 0700 Website: www.oxygendirect.co.uk
Mental Health and Emergency Support Lines
Samaritans (National) Service: Available 24/7 for mental health support, crisis intervention, and emotional support. Phone: 116 123 (Freephone) Website: www.samaritans.org
Mind (National Mental Health Charity) Service: Support for people experiencing mental health challenges. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Infoline) Website: www.mind.org.uk
North East Ambulance Service (Emergency) Service: Provides emergency medical services, including urgent care for physical health needs. Phone: 999 (Emergency) Website: www.neas.nhs.uk
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (Mental Health Support) Service: Provides mental health services across the North East, including crisis teams. Phone: +44 191 333 6666 Website: www.tewv.nhs.uk
Crisis Team - Durham and Darlington Service: Mental health crisis support. Phone: +44 191 333 6551
The North East Suicide Prevention Network Service: Support for individuals at risk of suicide and their families. Phone: 0800 689 0500 (Free helpline) Website: www.ne-suicideprevention.org.uk
Other Support and Services
Carers UK (National) Service: Offers support, advice, and resources for carers. Phone: 0808 808 7777 Website: www.carersuk.org
The Compassionate Friends (National) Service: Support for bereaved parents, siblings, and families. Phone: 0345 123 2304 Website: www.compassionatefriends.org.uk
Government Grants & Financial Support
Macmillan Cancer Support Services Offered: Macmillan offers financial support for cancer patients, including help with grants, benefits, and financial advice during cancer treatment. Grants Available: Cancer Care Grants, financial support for treatment and daily living, advice on managing finances during cancer. Phone: 0808 808 00 00 (Freephone) Website: www.macmillan.org.uk Financial Support Information: Macmillan Financial Support
Durham County Council: Social Care and Health Services Offered: Durham County Council provides financial support for people with long-term health conditions, including social care assessments and help with funding for care needs. Phone: 03000 26 79 79 Website: www.durham.gov.uk Financial Support for Carers: Support for carers is also available in Durham, with various benefits and grants offered through the local authority.
The Palliative Care Grants Scheme (UK) Services Offered: Financial help for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, particularly in palliative care. The scheme offers assistance with medical needs, hospital stays, or end-of-life care. Website: www.nhs.uk Support Available: You can access financial support through your NHS palliative care team, which includes funding advice on available grants for families or individuals nearing end-of-life care.
The Royal British Legion - Poppy Fund Services Offered: For veterans or their families, the Poppy Fund provides grants for health-related needs, including healthcare and financial assistance. Phone: 0808 802 8080 Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk Support for Veterans: Financial support and grants are offered for veterans, including help with end-of-life care.
Turn2us (UK) Services Offered: Turn2us provides an online tool to help individuals find grants, benefits, and financial assistance. It helps people in need, including those with health challenges, apply for financial support. Phone: 0808 802 2000 Website: www.turn2us.org.uk Grants Available: Access grants, charitable funds, and financial assistance tailored to the needs of people with serious illness or those in financial difficulty.
Age UK – Financial Advice and Assistance Services Offered: Age UK provides free financial advice to elderly individuals, including help with benefits, grants, and managing financial pressures when caring for an elderly person. Phone: 0800 678 1602 Website: www.ageuk.org.uk Financial Support for Seniors: Advice on accessing grants, financial help for those aged 60 and over, and guidance for families in need.
The Fostering Network – Support for Foster Families Services Offered: If you have fostered children or a family member in need, the Fostering Network can offer financial advice and assistance, including support for fostering-related costs and challenges. Phone: 020 7620 6400 Website: www.fostering.net
St. Cuthbert’s Hospice - Financial Support for Patients Services Offered: St. Cuthbert’s Hospice offers financial support, grants, and benefits advice for patients receiving end-of-life care. Phone: 0191 512 8400 Website: www.stcuthbertshospice.com
Dying Matters – Financial and Practical Support Services Offered: Dying Matters provides advice on practical and financial issues at the end of life, such as grants, making a will, and funeral planning. Website: www.dyingmatters.org
The Hospice UK – Financial Advice and Assistance Services Offered: Offers advice and guidance on financial support available for people receiving hospice and palliative care. Phone: 020 7520 8200 Website: www.hospiceuk.org
End of Life and Grief Support Groups
St. Cuthbert's Hospice in Durham offers bereavement services for those living in County Durham. They provide support groups and counselling for those affected by loss.
St. Giles Church in Durham holds a regular weekly grief support group. It's a safe, compassionate space for individuals to share their experiences and find comfort during their grieving process.
Growing Through Grief is offered by various local religious and community groups across Durham, this program provides a network of support for those grieving the loss of a loved one, helping individuals process their emotions in a group setting.
The Grief Recovery Method Support Group, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, this support group runs a comprehensive 12-week program to help individuals heal from loss, offering both in-person and online sessions.
Please reach out to these organisations directly for more information about meeting times, locations, and specific support options. Local community centers, libraries, and churches may also host grief and end-of-life support groups, so checking in with them could provide additional opportunities for assistance.
These resources are intended to provide support, comfort, and guidance as you navigate this profound journey. Remember, you are not alone, and there are many avenues of support available to you.
