The Life & Loss Podcast

The Forest Holme Life & Loss Podcast has been running for three seasons and there is now an archive of over sixty informative, poignant and deeply moving videos. This last episode of Season 3 is a compilation based around the themes of; Coping Strategies During Bereavement What Grief Feels Like End Of Life Care

Welcome back to the Life and Loss podcast, where we have honest conversations about illness and grief. Today we're talking about experiencing multiple losses and the impact of compounded grief. My guest today is Debbie who has endured unimaginable loss, saying goodbye to her best friend, partner, mother, father, and stepfather over the past 19 years. Each loss has been different, bringing its own...

Welcome to the Life and Loss Podcast. Hospices are often thought of as places of sadness, but those who work in them know they are also places of warmth, dignity, and even joy. The care given goes beyond medical treatment, it’s about supporting people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible. Today, I’m joined by Claire, a Physiotherapist and Libby at Therapy Assistant, who work within...

Today on the Life and Loss podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Beverley Lee, Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Forest Holme Hospice. Opioids, particularly morphine, play a crucial role in palliative and end-of-life care, but they’re often misunderstood.  Many people worry about addiction, tolerance, sedation, and even the fear that opioids could hasten death. Bev is here to help separate fact from fic...

Tiffany Watson explaining how her muscle wasting disease affects her life.

Welcome to the Life and Loss podcast. Today, we’re discussing the emotional impact of a terminal diagnosis, a time that can feel overwhelming for both the patient and their loved ones.  I’m joined by Melissa Girling, a Clinical Psychologist based at Forest Holme Hospice. Melissa, thank you for being here.

Welcome to the Life and Loss podcast. Today, we’re focusing on a topic that affects many in their grief journey—how grief impacts sleep. I’m joined by Ben, a counsellor based at Forest Holme Hospice, who works closely with those navigating the emotional and physical challenges of grief. Ben, thank you for being here today

Welcome to the Life and Loss podcast, today I’m joined by Tiff, who will be sharing her experience of losing both of her parents, Ian and Sylvia, within two years of each other. Both were cared for at Forest Holme Hospice in their final days. We’ll talk about what those experiences were like, how hospice care shaped her grief, and how she has navigated life after loss. 

Welcome to the Life and Loss Podcast where we seek to normalise conversations about illness and grief, helping individuals feel less isolated and alone. Today, I’m joined by two nurses from Forest Holme Hospice, Louise and Rose. Between them, they have years of experience providing compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and families through the most difficult time of their lives.  Hos...

In this episode we turn the tables on the Forest Holme Hospice CEO Hannah O'Hare. The Interviewer Shonali, on work experience at the time of this recording, is now a permanent member of staff as the Marketing Assistant at Forest Holme.

Welcome to the Life and Loss Podcast. In our last conversation, Mary shared her personal journey of grief following the loss of her husband, Eric. Today, we’re exploring how she found comfort in writing, particularly poetry, and how creative expression can help us navigate loss. For many, grief feels impossible to put into words. But for Mary, poetry became a way to process emotions, find meaning,...

Welcome to the Life and Loss Podcast, where we have open and honest conversations about life, death, and everything in between. I’m your host, Hannah O’Hare, and today, we’re discussing Wills and Probate.  Making a will and understanding probate might seem overwhelming, but planning ahead can save your family stress, upset and confusion. Joining me today is Kerry Hay, a Wills and Probate Solicitor...

Welcome back to Life and Loss Podcast. Today, we’re talking about one of the most delicate moments in hospice care—the final 24 hours of life. Families often feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to expect, and afraid of what’s to come. Joining me is Nurse Carmel and Louise, experienced hospice nurses who have supported many families through this time. We’ll discuss what to expect, how to provide comfo...

Today, I’m honoured to welcome back Marbellys, who previously shared her journey of grief after the death of her husband, Michael, in 2016. But today, we’re talking about her own journey; living with Stage IV Neuroendocrine Cancer, a diagnosis she received just three months before Michael died.  Marbellys has faced unimaginable challenges, yet she continues to live with strength and determination....

Today, I have the privilege of speaking with two hospice nurses, Carmel and Tina, who have dedicated their careers to providing care, comfort, and dignity at the end of life. Today we’ll hear about their most memorable experiences, the toughest days, and the moments that have stayed with them throughout their careers.

Welcome back to the Life and Loss podcast, where we explore the many emotions and experiences that come with grief. I'm Hannah and today we're discussing anger. Grief brings with it a whole range of emotions, and anger can be one of the most confusing and difficult to navigate.  To help us unpack this, I’m joined by Victoria, a Clinical Psychologist based at Forest Holme Hospice. Together, we’ll e...

Welcome to the Life and Loss podcast. In this episode, we’ll explore the essential but often overlooked aspects of death planning.  It’s something many of us avoid, but getting our affairs in order can be one of the greatest gifts we give to our loved ones. Joining me today is Kristie Scott, also known as The Death Planner. She’s a specialist in estate planning, helping people make these difficult...

Today I am delighted to welcome back Dania, a Counsellor based at Forest Holme Hospice and in this interview, we will uncover if there is a such a thing as moving on following loss?  About Forest Holme Hospice: Forest Holme Hospice provides palliative and end-of life-care and support to more than 1,500 people each year across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset with advanced cancer a...

Marbellys has faced not only the heartbreak of losing a partner but also the immense challenge of caring for Michael while raising a family, all while navigating her own cancer diagnosis. About Forest Holme Hospice: Forest Holme Hospice provides palliative and end-of life-care and support to more than 1,500 people each year across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset with advanced can...

Ben Davies, a counsellor based at Forest Holme Hospice, talks about how to support a friend or loved-one who has received a cancer diagnosis.  He explains how to begin conversations about cancer in a way that is supportive and respectful, as well as the challenges faced when someone is in denial or refusing treatment, while offering tips to offer support without being intrusive or impacting their...

Sarah shares her experience of caring for her beloved husband, Steve, and the impact of transitioning him from home to hospice care.  She recalls her fondest memories, the impact of caring him at home and explains the dilemma they faced over accepting hospice care, while also sharing the story of completing her own personal challenge that she’d promised Steve before he died. About Forest Holme Hos...

Do neurodiverse individuals experience and cope with grief differently? Laura Clifford, a Psychotherapist and life coach, offers insights into how neurodiverse individuals experience and cope with grief. She explains what neurodiversity is, the differences a neurodivergent individual might experience understanding death and how they might express and cope with their grief.  Laura also offers berea...

Sarah, a Community Specialist Palliative Care nurse at Forest Holme, discusses the unique challenges involved in providing palliative care to homeless individuals with life-limiting conditions. She discusses the barriers the homeless face when accessing healthcare, including the prejudice and stigma, and the challenges of managing pain relief alongside addiction, sharing real-life stories to illus...

Emma shares her personal journey of loss following the death of her dad, which she described as “being part of a club that no one wants to belong to”.  She recalls her fondest memories of her dad, the impact of his life-limiting illness and how hospice care made him feel safe, while also revealing the grieving journey she went on following his death. About Forest Holme Hospice: Forest Holme Hospic...

Dania a Bereavement Counsellor based at Forest Holme Hospice, discusses how grief can physically affect the body.  She explains some of the common physical symptoms people might experience during grief, the affects it can have on appetite and sleeping patterns, as well as offering advice for those who may be experiencing concerning physical symptoms following a bereavement.    About Forest Holme H...