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Frequently Asked Questions

People using the Hospice’s Counselling & Support Service for the first time may have worries or concerns, below are some frequently asked questions that may relieve these concerns.









How can I contact the service?

You can contact the service directly by phoning 01429 855550 to make enquiries.  Alternatively, referrals can be made by a GP or other health or social care professional involved with a particular individual. For children or young people this could be someone involved in their education.  You may also refer yourself to our service.

What is Bereavement Counselling?

Sometimes when you have worries or problems it can be helpful to talk about them – but these worries or problems might be things that you feel you cannot or do not want to discuss with family or friends.  Counselling is a place where you will be listened to and respected while having the time to explore your thoughts and feelings.

How can it help?

Counselling can help by offering you a safe place to be listened to, understood and accepted at a difficult time of your life in order to help make sense of how you feel.

What will I talk about?

As our service is a Bereavement Service, we would encourage you to talk about your grief, however, you will only be expected to talk about what you feel comfortable disclosing.

How often will I see my Counsellor?

Initially, you will be invited for an assessment session. If you decide you would like to access further sessions, once you start working with your Counsellor or Supporter it will usually be weekly for up to 50 minutes, but we try to be flexible to meet your individual needs. Sometimes when you are working towards an ending you will meet less frequently.

Where will the sessions take place?

The sessions take place at Alice House Hospice’s Holistic Wellbeing Centre. We have three specially appointed private counselling rooms with full disabled access.
We also have limited availability at Peterlee Cancer Information and Support Centre.

Will our sessions be confidential?

The limits of confidentiality will be explained to you at your assessment session.

Who are the Counsellors and Supporters?

The Counsellors are trained and experienced practitioners who are members or accredited members of a professional body, for example, The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. The Supporters are Volunteers who have undergone accredited training to enable them to support bereaved people.  All Counsellors and Volunteers receive monthly clinical supervision in line with their professional requirements.


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What's on

Colour Run 2025

Hartlepool Motor Show

Great North Run 2025

Latest news

Brand New Hartlepool Motor Show to Raise Funds for Alice House Hospice

Motoring enthusiasts are in for a treat as the inaugural Hartlepool Motor Show launches on Sunday 27 July 2025 promising an exciting day of exhibits while raising vital funds for Alice House Hospice.

Alice House Hospice & Hospice UK Legacy Appeal: Leaving a Gift to Secure the Future of Hospice Care

Alice House Hospice has joined forces with Hospice UK and 142 other Hospices across the country for the first national Legacy Appeal. The campaign raises awareness of the ongoing Hospice funding crisis and highlights the value of leaving a gift in your will to help secure vital care services for future generations.

Fundraise for us Fundraise for Us - Colour Run

How can you help?

Sign up for the Hospice Lottery. You can donate to any of our Hospice shops or volunteer to work in one. There are loads of ways you can help, run your own event, tick something off your bucket list or attend one of the Hospice events.
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  • © Alice House Hospice 2025

Hartlepool Hospice Ltd (known locally as Alice House Hospice and formerly Hartlepool & District Hospice)
Registered office: Alice House, Wells Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 9DA.