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Learning resources

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Guide | Toolkit

‘Do you see us?’ – Carers with no recourse to public funds who are supporting loved ones at the end of their life

A guide for hospice and palliative care staff

Download

“I don’t know what to say…”

An introductory study day on communication skills for front line support staff

Find out more

x idkwts

Leaflet

Additional information on medicines used in symptom control

This leaflet contains further information on your medicines and the way that we sometimes use them in palliative care. If you have any more questions please ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. (more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)
Videos

Administration of injection video guide and paper prompts

This audio-visual resource was developed at the request of NHS nurse educators tasked with supporting and integrating newly appointed international nurse recruits.

Watch video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKHqOXDgX5c&feature=youtu.be
Guidance

Admission and Care of Residents during COVID-19 Incident in a Care Home

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/880274/Admission_and_Care_of_Residents_during_COVID-19_Incident_in_a_Care_Home.pdf
Documents

Advance Care Plan

Advance Care Planning is a process of discussion between an individual and their care provider. Wishes and preferences are documented in an Advance Care Plan booklet which becomes a patient held record. This has been designed to be provided in the hard copy format which you can obtain from St Christopher’s bookshop. Please do not print from the website. Thank you.

Download
Leaflet

Advance Care Planning

This leaflet explains how to consider your choices and preferences for the future – if you have any other questions, we hope you will talk them over with a member of staff who will be glad to help.
(more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)
Guidance

Advance Care Planning by phone or video

This framework has been designed to support GPs to have advance care planning conversations
with patients by phone or video, in the context of COVID-19. It is a tool to help you have honest
and open conversations.

https://compassionindying.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ACP-conversations-via-Phone-or-Video-Call-v1.pdf

Advance Care Planning Reconsidered

A study day for all health and social care professionals to learn more about this essential element of end of life care and to reflect and build on their interpersonal communication skills.

Find out more

Advance Care Planning

Advanced Assessment in Enhancing Palliative Care Practice

Find out more

Helpline

Advice and support – Professionals Bypass line

If you need advice or support please call us on 02087684582

Your call and brief details will be taken by a member of our admin team and forwarded to the appropriate team. A member of the team will ring you back on the same day. Please leave a number that we can easily contact you on.

publications

Age-attuned Hospice care

An opportunity to better end of life care for older people

Report by Caroline Nicholson and Heather Richardson

“This document is a “call to arms” to the Hospice movement to recognise that there are a large group of people who currently are denied palliative care…This is a very timely publication. The challenge to us all is to reflect and then act to improve care for our frail older patients.”

Dr Eileen Burns
President of the British Geriatric Society, Consultant in Older People’s Medicine

Download
Guidance

Anticipatory prescribing for symptom control

Anticipatory prescribing refers to charts and, where appropriate, medications that are left in a person’s usual place of residence for use by visiting clinicians should problems arise with uncontrolled symptoms.

  • Patients are most vulnerable to these in the last days of life and when they are no longer able to swallow
  • The common ones are pain, nausea and vomiting, distress and agitation and respiratory secretions
  • The guidance below covers these.

There has been controversy over the best practice for clinicians to adopt following the widely publicised Gosport Enquiry.

  • General, national guidance and policies are currently under development and several members of the clinical team at St Christopher’s are closely involved with this work
  • Our current guidance reflects the developing thinking, is subject to regular review and scrutiny and will be modified as further evidence emerges around the best and safest practice to adopt
  • Our 24 hour specialist advice and support is there to back up this general guidance to ensure, as far as possible, that clinical decisions are individualised and safe.


DOWNLOAD ANTICIPATORY PRESCRIBING GUIDANCE FOR FRAIL ELDERLY PATIENTS (PDF)
DOWNLOAD ANTICIPATORY PRESCRIBING GUIDANCE FOR ADULTS (PDF)
DOWNLOAD PAN LONDON SYMPTOM CONTROL MEDICATION AUTHORISATION AND ADMINISTRATION RECORD (PDF)

Bereavement support

ARC – Antenatal Results and Choices

Helping parents and professionals through antenatal screening

https://www.arc-uk.org/
Videos

Art for All sessions – watch again

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPgtdSsS-chysPmt1xzqcJwhuU6ndqH1c

Arts team

Articles

Avoid frailty score in Covid-19 guidance when assessing LD patients

Nursing Times article advising clinicians not to use the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) when assessing whether people with learning disabilities and other conditions should be admitted to critical care. 

https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/policies-and-guidance/avoid-frailty-score-in-covid-19-guidance-when-assessing-ld-patients-24-03-2020/
Weblinks and Resource Lists

Baby Loss

Support for women and their partners who have suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth

http://www.babyloss.com/
Leaflet

Bereavement

Most people will experience bereavement at some time in their life. Everyone reacts to their loss in their own unique way

Grief can be very painful and may give rise to feelings and thoughts that you don’t expect. You may find the information in this leaflet helpful. (more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)
Bereavement support | Helpline

Bereavement Advice Centre

Practical advice

0800 634 9494 (9am-5pm)
https://www.bereavementadvice.org/
Bereavement support

Bereavement support in the Croydon and South London area from Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors

Answers, advice and support from the Rowland Brothers

https://rowlandbrothers.com/arranging-a-funeral/bereavement-support/

Bluebell Walk 2022

Bluebell Walk

Let nature

into your life

Bluebell Walk

Sunday 1 May 22,
Cudham, Kent

  • Cudham Recreation Ground,
    Cudham, Kent
  • Sunday 1 May 2022
  • £25 for individuals
    £40 for 2 people
    £50 for up to 5

Bluebell Walk 2022

Let nature into your life this Spring by signing up to Bluebell Walk 2022.
But hurry, places are limited!

Secure your place today

About the walk

We will have tour guides along the way, ready and waiting to tell you fun facts about the flora and fauna you’re wandering within whilst, back at Cudham, we’ll be waiting for you with home-made refreshments, entertainment for children and adults as well as a very special bluebell themed art installation.

So dig out your cameras, dust off your walking boots, gather your friends and enjoy a full day out in the beautiful countryside!

Join us to enjoy the beautiful bluebells, ancient trees and rare birds at this educational and fun event.

BBW x rachel manns

One walk, two routes

For the hardy amongst you a new 8 mile route will test your endurance! For everyone else, our accessible 4 mile route has been specially designed with families in mind:

funwalk blue

8 miles
Blue route

bluebellwalk map

4 miles
Red route

Pricing

Tickets are priced at £25 for a single person, £40 for two people, or £50 for up to 5 people.

Little ones five and under can join the walk for free!

We know that many of you will wish to raise additional money for the hospice through sponsorship so we can be there for people in the community when they need us most. This is by no means mandatory.

Bluebell Walk

Getting to Bluebell Walk

The start and finish for all walks is at:

Cudham Recreation Ground,
Cudham Lane South,
Cudham,
Kent TN14 7QB

Parking: there is free parking available at a first come first served basis at Cudham Recreation Ground.

Shuttle Bus: There will be a free shuttle bus from Orpington Train Station on the day. We will update this page and contact walkers on the email provided at registration with the exact timetable in April. It will be approximately every hour.

Fundraising

This is a limited ticket event. However, if you would like to fundraise you can:

Whichever way you choose to support us, we appreciate it!

Book your place today

Terms and conditions

1. Registration

1.1 All persons taking part in the Event (each a “Participant”) must be registered with St Christopher’s to take part in the Event.

1.2 Each Participant/Group must complete and submit an entry form (“Entry Form”) whether participating as an individual or in a team via the web registration system. (this measure is to control COVID Social Distancing requirements on site and across the event). Contact details for every walker must be supplied to St Christopher’s for contact and safety notices relating to the event.

1.3 Team entries must include the names and contact details/addresses of all team members as part of the registration process.

1.4 St Christopher’s is not responsible for technical, hardware or software failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer or internet transmissions or other errors or malfunctions of any kind which may prevent receipt by St Christopher’s of an Entry Form. It is the participants responsibility to check that their entry has been received and to check the event webpage before the event for any updates, participant information (eg walkers guides, maps, notes, weather warnings, and all downloadable content)

1.5 All postal Entry Forms (if applicable) must arrive before the closing date for Event registration. Proof of postage must be obtained for postal entries and St Christopher’s accepts no responsibility for lost, damages, illegible, delayed or mislaid Entry Forms.

1.6 Entry to the Event is subject to the payment of the notified fee (and any applicable VAT) payable to St Christopher’s prior to participation in the Event (“Registration Fee”). On payment of the Registration Fee Participants may be given the opportunity to add an optional donation to St Christopher’s (“Registration Donation”).

1.7 For safety reasons age restrictions are adopted for some Events and Participants and for those who are under 18 (“Young Person”) the following may be required:

a. the prior consent of their parent or guardian to participate in the Event; and/or

b. to have an accompanying adult who is over the age of 18 on the date of the Event (“Accompanying Adult”). Any age restrictions will be set out in the Event Information and/or on the Registration Form.

1.8 An Accompanying Adult must be registered to participate in the Event as must any Young Person they are accompanying.

a. Accompanying Adults shall take full responsibility for the Young Person(s) that they are accompanying and must stay with their Young Person(s) at all times during the Event.

b. Unless otherwise agreed in advance by St Christopher’s at its sole discretion, an Accompanying Adult may accompany no more than two Young People.

1.9 For some Events, Participants will be allocated a time at which they can commence the Event. Each Participant agrees that this time cannot be changed unless St Christopher’s in its absolute discretion agrees to a change. Any permitted change will be made before or on the day of the Event and in accordance with the restrictions contained in the Event Information or in compliance with government advice relating to COVID.

2. General

2.1  All participants and supporters must abide by the instructions or regulations displayed or given on the day of the Event by Event officials and/or volunteers/ marshals. 

2.2  We respectfully ask that all participants and supporters do not use aggressive or abusive language towards our Event organisers, marshals, officials, volunteers and other participants. You should also avoid behaving in a way which may cause injury or harm to other participants and/or spectators, or which may cause offence or damage the reputation of St Christopher’s.

2.3  We respectfully ask that all participants and supporters do not drop litter but instead use the litter and recycling facilities available along the route(s) or take litter home to dispose of responsibly.

2.4  Any participant bringing a dog to the Event (where permitted) must act in a responsible manner by making sure that:

• The dog must be kept on a lead, under close control always, and any usual equipment (muzzle / harness etc.) used to control the dog is employed on the day.

• Dog owners must be cognisant that walks often traverse fields where livestock and wildlife may be present. Dogs must not be allowed to cause any stress in any form to livestock or wildlife.

• The dog has a collar with a clearly identifiable tag.

• Adequate water is supplied for the dog to keep them hydrated.

• Any dog mess is cleaned up and disposed of responsibly.

• All instructions given by the Event Manager and officials/marshals on the day are adhered to.

2.5  We reserve the right to ask participants and supporters to leave an Event if they do not adhere to these Rules. 

2.6  By taking part in the Event participants confirm that neither St Christopher’s nor its sponsors or suppliers will be liable for any loss, damage, illness or injury whatsoever directly or indirectly occasioned by or resulting from their participation in the Event; Including any negligence, wrongful act or default of St Christopher’s, its sponsors, suppliers and/or their respective agents or from any other causes, including any act of God or the participants physical condition. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this clause shall exclude or limit our liability for any liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law. 

3. Health & Safety and Medical 

3.1  All Events are non-competitive, non-UKA accredited walks, jogs or runs.

3.2  Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are sufficiently fit and healthy to take part in the Event. Anyone unsure of their physical ability to take part in an Event must therefore seek medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the Event. 

3.3 Notwithstanding rule 3.2 above, we reserve the right to refuse entry to an Event in our absolute discretion, with no refund provided, if for whatever reason we consider a person unfit to take part. We may also ask you to withdraw during an Event if we have concerns about your ability to complete it due to fitness, injury or otherwise. If you choose to continue you do so with the understanding that you are no longer considered a participant of the Event and that you absolve us of all and any responsibility, and progress entirely at your own risk.

3.4 Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are wearing appropriate attire (including footwear) when taking part in an Event, considering the nature of the Event, the weather forecast and the terrain involved.

3.5  All participants must write the following on the reverse of their official Walker Number (if provided), which must be worn on the front of shirts during the Event:

• Their name.

• The details of any health problems or current medication.

• The name and number of a person to contact in case of an emergency.

3.6  We take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of injury to participants during fundraising events. Stringent risk assessment processes are in place for each Event which aim to minimise or eliminate the risk to everyone taking part. By taking part in an Event, all participants acknowledge that there may be conditions or circumstances beyond our control that can lead to unforeseen risks.

3.7  For your own safety, the organisers expect all those people taking part in this charity walk to observe carefully all the relevant rules in the Highway Code and to obey all reasonable safety instructions communicated verbally by Walk Officials, staff, volunteers and marshals or by any signs on route. Walk with care and consideration of others on the roads and paths.

4. Sponsorship Money and Donations 

4.1 All participants have a legal responsibility to ensure that all sponsorship monies/donations received in connection with an Event are paid to St Christopher’s, and we ask that you do this as soon as possible after the Event and no later than Wednesday, 1 June 2022. Money pledged via online fundraising pages is collected automatically.

4.2  Please ensure that all sponsorship forms are filled out in full and are returned to us to enable Gift Aid to be claimed where possible. 

5. Use of your information

5.1 By providing your information when you register for an Event, you agree that we will use this information for the purposes of organising, staging and administering the Event, processing your donations and any eligible Gift Aid, including to send you your fundraising pack. We may also contact you about our work, fundraising initiatives and opportunities to support us. If you do not wish to receive future marketing from us, please call 020 8768 4575 or email fundraising@stchristophers.org.uk.  

5.2 In the case of an emergency we may also pass personal details provided (either when registering for the Event or on the reverse of your Event number) to the emergency services or health care professionals and use them for the purposes of contacting your emergency contact.

5.3  First aid facilities will be provided at each Event. If you are treated by medical providers at an Event, your details may be passed on to us only for health and safety purposes and to fulfil our legal obligations (including those under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995). All accident details will be held on our database.

5.4  All personal information held by us will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and our privacy statement which can be found at stchristophers.org.uk/privacy or you can ask us for a printed copy.

6. Filming and Photography at our Events

 6.1 Please note that St Christopher’s (or our authorised service providers and agents) may film or photograph participants, volunteers and spectators taking part or attending Events and use such footage or photographs for the following reasons : (i) for St Christopher’s to publicise the Event for commercial and/or fundraising purposes including, but not limited to, television broadcasts, advertising, publications, marketing material, merchandising, and other documents that may be made available to the public; and (ii) for our sponsors, suppliers or partners to publicise their involvement and/or association with the Event.

7. Withdrawal, refunds and Cancellation policy

7.1 All Registration Fees are non-refundable and may not be deferred toward a future Event.

7.2 No refund shall be given under any circumstances for purchases of travel tickets, T-shirts, hoodies or other merchandise save in accordance with the terms and conditions of purchase for items bought directly from St Christopher’s or statutory consumer law.

7.3 St Christopher’s reserves the right to alter the Event Date, the start time or other details of the Event as required. If changes to the Event are made, St Christopher’s shall update the Event Information on the Website and notify all Participants affected as soon as reasonably practicable. No refund in full or part shall be made in respect of any change to the Event, subject to paragraph 7.4 below.

7.4 In the event of a change of the Event Date, Participants will have the right within 15 days of receiving notice of the change to:

i. withdraw from the Event and request in writing a refund of their Registration Fee; or

ii. transfer their registration to another individual who agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

7.5 If St Christopher’s does not receive a written request from any Participant for a refund of their Registration Fee in accordance with paragraphs 7.7 (below), St Christopher’s will treat the Participant’s Registration Fee as a donation to St Christopher’s.

7.6 In the event that St Christopher’s is forced to cancel the Event for any reason, St Christopher’s will notify each Participant as soon as possible. If St Christopher’s gives notice to cancel an Event in the UK then:

i. affected Participants will not be entitled to a refund of their associated travel costs; and

ii. any refund of Participants’ associated accommodation costs will be entirely at St Christopher’s own discretion, taking into account all circumstances surrounding the Event and its cancellation.,

7.7 If a Participant wishes to claim a refund of its Registration Fee for any cancelled Event or any associated travel and accommodation costs (in line with the restrictions set out above) then the participant must

i. notify St Christopher’s of this in writing within 15 days of St Christopher’s sending notification of the Event cancellation;

and

ii. provide St Christopher’s with reasonable evidence of payment of all their associated travel and/or accommodation costs for which a refund is being claimed.

8. Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions

8.1  By registering to participate in the Event, a Participant agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

8.2 If any provisions in these Terms and Conditions, whether in full or in part, is held to be invalid or unenforceable, all other remaining provisions (in full or in part) shall continue to be valid and enforceable.

8.3 St Christopher’s may vary these Terms and Conditions from time to time and the up to date terms shall be available on the Website.

8.4 These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim that arises out of or in connection with them is governed by and construed in accordance with English law. The English courts have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim that may arise out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions.

“We’ve been working hard at Bluebell Walk HQ to make sure that you’ll have a safe day to remember. Supporting one another feels more important than ever and this event is a great way to show your support for our nurses, remember loved ones and raise money to support the care of people in our community facing the end of their lives”.

Jo Mowbray, Senior Event Fundraiser

Frequently Asked Questions about Bluebell Walk

You can register for the event online. We strongly encourage everyone to register this way, if you are unable to access the internet please call the Bluebell Walk team on 020 8768 4575.

All walkers must register in advance. Advance registration closes at midnight on 24/4/22.

Walkers of all ages are welcome to take part. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If you are under 18, you must have parental consent to take part.

The event officially starts at 8.00am. It is important that you arrive at the event to start your walk at the time you booked at registration.

We ask you to return no later than 5:00pm when the event finishes, for us to congratulate you and to receive your medal!

Absolutely, it’s a lovely way to remember a loved one. Please let us know when you register who you are walking in memory of.

As the routes contain stiles and narrow footpaths through the countryside, unfortunately the routes are not suitable for those using a wheelchair or pram.

Yes, dogs are welcome but do make sure you clear up any mess, keep dogs on leads where applicable. Please read The Countryside Code for more information.

We do not allow the use of bicycles or scooters on this walk.

Please make sure you wear some comfortable and supportive shoes or trainers. The weather can vary so do come prepared for anything and check the forecast beforehand. The walks are country walks so the paths are uneven and can be muddy if it has rained.

Parking: there is free parking available at a first come first served basis at Cudham Recreation Ground.

Shuttle Bus: There will be a free shuttle bus from Orpington Train Station on the day. We will update this page and contact walkers on the email provided at registration with the exact timetable in April. It will be approximately every hour.

Absolutely, the more creative, the better. We encourage everyone to dress up for the occasion!

There are no cloakroom facilities, so you will not be able to leave your belongings behind when you do the walk.

There will be hot food and refreshments and drink to purchase on the day at the start/finish point at Cudham Recreation Ground.

We ask all our walkers to be considerate of their and others wellbeing and we recommend the following

  • Always stick to the 2m rule – stay at 2m distance from members of the public (as per government guidelines)
  • Bring hand sanitiser – you will come into contact with gates and fences, please sanitise your hands to protect both yourself and others
  • Do not walk if you show any symptoms of Covid-19
  • Do not walk if you have come into contact with anyone with symptoms of Covid-19
  • Wear a face covering when at the start and finish and if you enter any public spaces along the route
  • Stay up to date, with and adhere to the current government guidelines

You can walk at your own pace, whatever your fitness level, but please ensure the distance you choose is right for you, especially If you’re taking on the longer routes.

Although there is no minimum sponsorship, we do encourage you to raise as much as you can, as your registration fee only contributes to the cost of putting on the event.

We will send you a link to set up your Just Giving page in your welcome email when you register for the event.

All the money raised through your online fundraising Bluebell Walk page will be directed straight to the hospice bank account.

You can pay in your money raised offline by sending a cheque made payable to St Christopher’s to:
Bluebell Walk HQ, St Christopher’s Hospice, 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, London, SE26 6DZ no later than Friday 3 June 2022

Please let us know by emailing bluebellwalk@stchristophers.org.uk or calling the team on 020 8768 4575. If you are unable to participate in the Bluebell Walk for any reason, all monies collected in support of St Christopher’s must be offered back to the individual sponsors or forwarded to the charity if sponsors do not want their donations returned. You must not attend the event if you show any symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have come in to contact with anyone with symptoms of Covid-19.

T-shirts will be available to collect at the event or you can pick them up prior to the event on one of the following collection days:

Sydenham 

  • Saturday 26 March, 11am – 4pm
  • Thursday 31 March, 4.30pm – 7.30pm
  • Sunday 10 April, 11am – 4pm

Orpington 

  • Tuesday 22 March 11:30am – 3pm
  • Thursday 7 April 2pm – 7pm

View event information

Bluebell Walk

Bereavement support

Brake

Supporting people bereaved and seriously injured by road crashes

https://www.brake.org.uk/

Brighton Marathon

Take part in the Brighton Marathon Weekend and raise much needed funds for St Christopher's!

We are delighted to have several charity places in the 2022 Brighton Marathon. Part of the Brighton Marathon Weekend, this sell out event is hugely popular with new runners and seasoned pros.

To register your interest, please email h.davidson@stchristophers.org.uk

We have limited places available in this event, so sign up now to avoid missing out!

View event information
Bereavement support | Helpline

Bromley Bereavement Services

Bereavement Support in the Bromley area

0208 768 4599
https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/bromley-bereavement-service
Leaflet

Bromley Care Coordination at St Christopher’s

Helping you to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time

Who we are

Our friendly team of clinical nurse specialists, staff nurses and healthcare assistants are on hand to support people living in Bromley with advanced illness and frailty enabling them to remain at home and live well.

(more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)
Leaflet

Bromley Care Coordination at St Christopher’s – Information for Professionals

Who we are

Bromley Care Coordination (BCC) is provided by our expert team at St Christopher’s and commissioned by Bromley Clinical Comissioning Group. The service enables patients with advanced illness, multi-morbidities and frailty to receive timely and coordinated care in the community.

(more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)

Bungee Jumps

Take the leap of faith looking over the magnificent landscape and feel the incredible rush of freefall!

Calling everyone with a taste for adventure, Bungee Jumping is an activity that the vast majority of people are capable of undertaking. You can bungee jump for St Christopher’s at anytime throughout the year.

We ask that you pay £75 registration fee to cover the cost of your jump, then raise £150 sponsorship to which will go directly to supporting the work of St Christopher’s.

Please visit the UK Bungee Club website to book yours today or call UK Bungee on 0845 319 5767 for group bookings. Don’t forget to let us know you are jumping for St Christopher’s so we can support you with fundraising tips, ideas, and a t-shirt to wear on the day!

View event information

pexels arun mathew

Bereavement support | Helpline

Candle

Support for children and their families

0208 768 4500
https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/candle
Leaflet

Candle: Children and Funerals

Parents and carers want to do the best for their children, and it is very hard to know what is best for them when a death has happened. You are trying to come to terms with what has happened, cope with painful and difficult feelings, and there are so many decisions and choices to be made.

This leaflet has been written to help you think about your children and the funeral, why they should have the chance to go, and how to answer some of their questions.

(more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)

Children and funerals

Leaflet

Candle: Children, Young People and Loss

St Christopher’s has been providing bereavement counselling to patients’ families for over 50 years. St Christopher’s Candle Child Bereavement Service extends this support to all children, young people and their families in the south east London area, covering the boroughs of Croydon, Bromley, Lewisham, Southwark and Lambeth. Any parent, carer, teacher or healthcare professional can make a referral to the Candle Child Bereavement Service. Young people aged over 16 can refer themselves.

We also offer a specialist training, advice and consultancy service to schools and other agencies working with children facing bereavement.

(more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)

Children, young people and loss

Leaflet

Candle: How to help your bereaved child

How to help your bereaved child

You may be bereaved yourself, and may be finding it hard to keep your child’s needs in mind with all that is happening.The following points are a guide to help you focus on what is going on for them. (more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)

Leaflet

Candle: Someone close has died

How to help a bereaved young person – a guide for adults

Every year many young people experience the death of someone they are close to. Some of these deaths will be sudden and some will be after a long illness, but all losses can be difficult for teenagers. This leaflet is designed to help you understand some of the aspects of a death that are hard for young people and to give some ideas about how you can offer support. (more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)

Leaflet

Candle: Someone has died suddenly

Helping your child

Everyone is very shocked when someone dies suddenly. There has been no time to prepare and often no warning that the person was going to die. Shock affects adults and children physically and emotionally, and some of the effects you may notice are feeling dizzy or sick, shaky, shivery, hot and cold. After a shock we often feel very unsafe for a while, and need to take things quietly. This leaflet mentions some of the things you and your child may be feeling. (more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)

Bereavement support

Care for the family – widowed young support

https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/family-life/bereavement-support/widowed-young-support

Care Homes Promotional Event

Find out more

CARE atrium

Care of Wounds in Palliative Care

Wound care management and holistic symptom control at the end of life

Find out more

CARE atrium

Leaflet

Caring for someone with advanced dementia

This leaflet has been compiled by nurses from the Care Home Project Team at St Christopher’s in collaboration with nurses from dementia care units to help support relatives of people with advanced dementia living and dying in care homes. (more…)

Read leaflet online   |   Download leaflet (PDF)
Guidance

Caring for your dying relative at home with COVID-19

This guidance is produced to help support people who are caring for someone who is dying at home from COVID-19 infection

https://www.hospiceuk.org/docs/default-source/echo/covid-19-echo/covid-19_care-at-home_guide_final.pdf

Chatterton Arms Christmas fundraiser

Get down to the Chatterton Arms in Bromley this Christmas for a race day and live music fundraiser in aid of St Christopher’s!

Are you feeling lucky? Buy and name a horse for the chance to win big!

Chatterton arms
Chatterton arms

Go to racenights.co.uk to find out more.

View event information

Chatterton arms

Bereavement support | Helpline

Child Bereavement UK

Helpline (9-5pm)

0800 028 8840
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/
Bereavement support | Helpline

Child Death Helpline

A dedicated helpline that offers support to anyone affected by the death of child of any age, under any circumstances however recent or long ago

0800 282 986 or 0808 800 6019
http://childdeathhelpline.org.uk/
Bereavement support | Helpline

Childline

24 hour support line for under 25 years and their relatives

0800 1111 (24 hour support line)
https://www.childline.org.uk/

Cicely Saunders Society – Open Meetings

Heart and Mind

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Classic car show at Coolings Garden Centre

Michael Twomey is back again with another classic car show! Last year’s event was a great success with over £4,000 being raised. The display will once again be held in the front meadow at: Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7NN.

As well as the Garden Centre, the meadow is ideal for a picnic by the car, or if you prefer: breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are all available in Arthur’s Restaurant.

The “Jazznights” trio will also be playing in the meadow between 12.30 & 1.30 pm

Entry for cars is by £5 minimum donation per car – all proceeds going to St. Christopher’s.

Online fundraising page – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charity-carshow

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pexels photo

Guidance

Clinical guide for the management of palliative care in hospital during the coronavirus pandemic

NHS Clinical Guide for Management of Palliative Care in Hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic

https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/C0081-Speciality-guide-Palliative-care-and-coronavirus-FINAL-02.04.20.pdf
Leaflet

Clostridium difficile (C.diff)

This leaflet gives you information on Clostridium difficile (C.diff) and how St Christopher’s is working to control it. (more…)

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Leaflet

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

You have been referred to the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) clinic here at St Christopher’s Hospice either because you have asked for some help or because a member of the team has suggested that you come. This leaflet aims to answer some of the more common questions about CBT and help you understand a little more about what to expect. (more…)

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Leaflet

Coming to St Christopher’s Hospice as an inpatient

This leaflet explains what you can expect as an inpatient at St Christopher’s. We hope to answer your concerns by concentrating on the most commonly asked questions. If you have any more
questions please ask your doctor or nurse.
(more…)

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Guidance

Community palliative, end of life and bereavement care in the Covid-19 pandemic

A guide to end of life care symptom control when a person is dying from Covid-19 for General Practice Teams, prepared by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Association for Palliative Medicine.

https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/pluginfile.php/149457/mod_page/content/22/COVID%20Community%20symptom%20control%20and%20end%20of%20life%20care%20for%20General%20Practice%20FINAL%20v2.docx.pdf
Leaflet

Complementary therapies

This leaflet explains about complementary therapies available at St Christopher’s and Harris HospisCare – if you have any other questions, we hope you will talk them over with a member of staff who will be glad to help. If you are thinking of using another complementary therapy service, please ask us for further information. (more…)

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Helpline

Confidential support for individual Care Home staff

We have had several requests from Care Homes asking if we can offer support to individual staff. This is why we have created a new staff support service called Hear For You.

What is Hear For You?

Hear For You offers confidential telephone and email support to all care home staff. It is provided by experienced staff and counsellors here at St Christopher’s. Think of this as a ‘check in’ service to support your wellbeing. You may want to talk about a difficult moment at work, worries about your family or friends or simply offload for a few minutes. Whatever you need we’ll do our best to support you – your emotional wellbeing is very important to us.

How do I access support?

Simply email us at hearforyou@stchristophers.org.uk or call us on 020 8768 4688. Let us know which CCG you work in, and where possible the care home you work for. This will remain completely confidential. We will be available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you want to book in a call outside of these times simply email us and we’ll do our best to fit this in for you.

Is this support confidential?

Please rest assured that everything you share will remain confidential unless we have a concern that falls within our safeguarding protocol.

Leaflet

Consent – what you have a right to expect

1 What does consent really mean?

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your permission or ‘consent’ to do so.
(more…)

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Leaflet

Contact Precautions

Why do I need to supported with care using ‘contact precautions’?

If you are being cared for in this way, it may be because you are infected with a micro-organism that can be passed to other people, or because you have symptoms of a contagious disease. For example, you might have a rash that could mean you have chicken pox or shingles, or, if you have diarrhoea and vomiting this could mean you have a gastrointestinal infection. If any of this applies to you, we will explain the reasons for needing to use these extra precautions. (more…)

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Documents

Continuous drug stock balance chart

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Documents

Continuous SC Infusion Syringe Driver Charts

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Documents

Controlled drug stock balance chart

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Guidance

Coordinate My Care

Coordinate My Care is an innovative NHS service that builds medical care around the wishes of each patient. You create the plan with your GP: then we share it with all the healthcare professionals who might treat you. So everyone looking after you knows exactly what you want.

https://www.coordinatemycare.co.uk/
Guidance

Coordinate My Care quick reference guide

Quick Reference Guide to CMC Urgent Care Plans

https://coordinatemycare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cmc-quick-reference-guide.pdf
Bereavement support

Coping with Bereavement guide from Age UK

Age UK is the leading charity for older people. Visit Age UK for help, information and advice.

https://www.which.co.uk/later-life-care/end-of-life/coping-with-bereavement
Leaflet

Coping with dying

This leaflet describes some of the physical changes that happen to people as they start to die. It anticipates some of the questions you may want to ask about what is happening and why, and encourages you to ask for further help or information if there is anything at all that is worrying you.
(more…)

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Leaflet

Coping with feelings of depression

1 Coping with feelings of depression

There is no right or wrong way to feel when you or someone close to you has a terminal illness. You may experience a range of emotions, at different times. You may feel shock, fear, anger and resentment. Or you may feel helpless, sad, frustrated or perhaps experience relief and acceptance. You may also feel isolated and alone, even if you have family and friends around you.
(more…)

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Weblinks and Resource Lists

Coronavirus (COVID-19) if you’re affected by terminal illness

Marie Curie’s advice on understanding COVID-19 if you’re affected by a terminal illness

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/coronavirus
Weblinks and Resource Lists

Coronavirus (Covid-19) if you’re affected by terminal illness

Marie Curie’s advice on understanding covid-19 if you’re affected by a terminal illness

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/coronavirus
Guidance

Coronavirus (Covid-19) if you’re affected by terminal illness

Marie Curie’s advice on understanding Covid-19 if you’re affected by a terminal illness:

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/coronavirus
Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): looking after people who lack mental capacity

Guidance for health and social care staff who are caring for, or treating, a person who lacks the relevant mental capacity.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-looking-after-people-who-lack-mental-capacity
Virtual learning

Coronavirus education programme for End of Life Care

This programme is freely available to colleagues working in the NHS, independent sector and social care.

https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/coronavirus/
Weblinks and Resource Lists

Coronavirus resource hub

The Royal College of GP’s coronavirus resource hub which includes a palliative care section

https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=10537
Weblinks and Resource Lists

Coronavirus: resources for people with a learning disability

Learning Disability Wales guidance resources for Covid-19 

https://www.ldw.org.uk/project/coronavirus/https://www.ldw.org.uk/project/coronavirus/
Bereavement support

Counselling Directory

Connecting you with help for your mental health

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
Weblinks and Resource Lists

Covid-19 Learning Disability Resources

Carers in Southampton, Covid 19 learning disability resources

https://www.carersinsouthampton.co.uk/covid-19-learning-disability-resources
Guidance

COVID-19 rapid guideline: critical care in adults

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Covid 19 Guidance on supporting staff who are self-isolating, communicating with patients, remote working and reviewing and stopping critical care treatment 

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng159
Webinar

COVID-19 Second Wave webinar series

Delivered by our team of experts to provide essential knowledge and skills

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x nurses in ppe

Covid-19 useful links

Community palliative, end of life and bereavement care in the Covid-19 pandemic

A guide to end of life care symptom control when a person is dying from Covid-19 for General Practice Teams, prepared by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Association for Palliative Medicine.

https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/pluginfile.php/149457/mod_page/content/22/COVID%20Community%20symptom%20control%20and%20end%20of%20life%20care%20for%20General%20Practice%20FINAL%20v2.docx.pdf
Guidance

COVID-19: Guidance for community and inpatient services

Royal College of Psychiatrists, Community and inpatient services – COVID-19 guidance for clinicians

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/about-us/responding-to-covid-19/responding-to-covid-19-guidance-for-clinicians/community-and-inpatient-services-covid-19-guidance-for-clinicians
Guidance

COVID-19: How to work safely in care homes

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/880094/PHE_11651_COVID-19_How_to_work_safely_in_care_homes.pdf
Guidance

COVID-19: Our Action Plan for Adult Social Care

Bereavement support | Helpline

Cruse

Nationwide Bereavement Support

Cruse provides support services for people across the UK who have been bereaved. The helpline offers listening support and practical advice related to bereavement, including dealing with an estate, debt and arranging a funeral.

0808 808 1677
https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Dementia programme

A new programme to help you to better understand and support people with dementia at the end of life

Find out more

Award in Awareness of Dementia (with added learning on long term conditions and frailty) City & Guilds Level 3

Dementia: Introduction to supporting people living with and dying from dementia

A three-day introductory course to support Nurses, Health Care Assistants and Allied Health Professionals to feel more confident in meeting the key challenges affecting people with dementia as they approach the end of life.

Find out more

Dementia

Videos

Depression and low mood

Session 7 of the Fit for Life Programme

Low mood is common and maybe even more prevalent at this time. Lauren will talk you though the common things you may feel and how to identify if you need more support as well as strategies that might help you.

(more…)

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Leaflet

Difficulty Sleeping

Introduction

Lots of people have a problem with sleeping at some time during their lives. If you are ill, sleep can be hard because of anxiety, worry about treatment, fears about the future, or just because you are going through a stressful time in your life. (more…)

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Leaflet

Do I need to make a Will?

This leaflet is intended for general guidance only and we suggest that you obtain proper legal advice if you are in doubt about the meaning of anything. Some of the legal terms used in this leaflet are explained below. (more…)

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Easter 50 Challenge (Ultra Challenge Series)

Make Easter 2022 a weekend to remember!

Take on a 50 km Ultra or a historic 25km – and make it an active Easter! From the Windsor Racecourse base camp 1500 adventurers will head out on looped routes through the Great Park with fantastic views of the Castle, on to Runnymede, along the Thames Path, and takes in some wonderful countryside. You’ll get full support all the way, a few post Easter surprises, a celebration finish at base camp, and a BBQ meal. It’s a great way to kick off the 2022 Ultra Challenge season, and to get in shape for summer!

This event is organised by Ultra Challenge Series and Action Challenge.

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Leaflet

Eating and drinking when ill

This leaflet aims to answer frequently asked questions about appetite, weight loss and the need for fluids or artificial hydration (fluid intake given by a drip) if you, or the person you are caring for, become very ill. (more…)

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Videos

Eating well

Session 3 of the Fit for Life programme

In this session our Dietician, Lorna, will explore the principles of healthy eating and how you can put this into practice. You can also visit the British Dietetic Association website for more healthy eating resources.

(more…)

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ECHO sessions for care homes in South East London and Croydon

For care homes in South East London and Croydon

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Guidance

End of Life Care in Frailty

The aim of this guidance is to support clinicians and others in considering the needs of and providing high quality care for frail older people as they move towards the end of their lives. 

https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/resource-series/end-of-life-care-in-frailty
Articles

End of Life Journal

End of Life Journal was a free, online, peer-reviewed journal that published articles on all aspects of nursing practice relating to end-of-life care.

The journal was primarily aimed at generalist nurses working in hospital, community and care home settings. Many articles will also be of interest to the palliative care nursing audience as well as members of the wider multidisciplinary team.

The journal focused on care for patients with both malignant and non-malignant disease and their family and friends.

https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/end-of-life-journal/

End of life update for GPs

This interactive afternoon for GPs in training and qualified GPs, features case studies and panel discussions and is complemented by a full set of resources on our online learning platform

Find out more

GP Vocational Course

Videos

Exercise

Session 2 of the Fit for Life programme

In this video we hope to give you an understanding of what exercise is, the different types of exercise, what you might want to exercise and how you can put this into practice. The guidance here is general and may not be appropriate to you.

(more…)

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Videos

Exercise at home

A set of four videos designed to help people through exercise

https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/videos/exercises/
Videos

Exercise at home

A set of four videos designed to help people through exercise.

https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/videos/exercises/
Videos

Exercise Group – David’s Seated Exercises

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Videos

Exercise Group sessions – watch again

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPgtdSsS-chwP2n3xjjcNv1LaeU3A-Rzy

Standing exercises

Leaflet

Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)

What are ESBLs?

(more…)

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Fabrics and Threads Group presents Textiles Exhibition

St. Christopher’s Fabrics and Threads group will be exhibiting a selection of their quilts and textiles work.

Come along to an inspiring evening, with the opportunity to meet the artists and look forward to enjoying some wine and cheese whilst viewing these incredible works of art!

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Facing Death Creatively conference

A one-day conference, featuring special keynote speaker Michael Rosen, to explore ways in which creative arts provide support and facilitate meaning at the end of life – as exemplified during the pandemic

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Bereavement support

Find a Therapist

Therapist finder from BACP

https://www.bacp.co.uk/search/Therapists
Videos

Fit for Life: Course introduction

Part of the Fit for Life programme

The aim of Fit for Life is to support your physical and emotional wellbeing through video sessions on exercise, sleep, mood and eating well amongst others. With plenty of advice and support available via email, this free series of videos will give you food for thought and the tools that you need to take action.

(more…)

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Videos

Fit for Life: Course summary

Part of the Fit for Life programme

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