The Life & Loss Podcast

Chantal, a criminal profiler turned mindset coach, discusses the emotional impact of losing a loved-one and how to rebuild confidence and self-esteem following a bereavement.  She explains how grief can affect self-esteem and highlights some of the signs and behaviours associated with low self-esteem, while offering techniques, support and advice to help people affected by grief regain their self-...

Gary shares his own personal experience of when his grandad was admitted into hospice care and the subsequent emotional journey that followed.  He describes his relationship with his grandad, the impact his of his diagnosis and how he stayed positive during his illness, and how he channelled his grief in a very creative way.  About Forest Holme Hospice: Forest Holme Hospice provides palliative and...

Jacquie, who leads the Hospice at Home Project at Forest Holme, discusses the Hospice at Home service which she has already been instrumental in setting up at the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch. She explains what Hospice at Home is and how it differs from hospice care on an inpatient ward, highlighting why it is so vital by sharing examples of the positive impact it has had on patients and familie...

Kathy, a Counsellor specialising in bereavement and serious illnesses, talks about navigating grief during significant dates such as Christmas and New Year, which can be particularly challenging times for those who have lost a loved-one.  She explains why emotions can be heightened as significant dates approach, why it’s okay to enjoy these festive occasions and offers tips on how friends and fami...

Liz Wareing - When grief divides a family Liz, a Psychotherapist based at Forest Holme Hospice, discusses family conflict after someone has died. She highlights, using real-life examples, some common reasons grief can cause divisions within families and the impact it can have, as well as offering guidance for family members to help communicate their grief and support each other.  About Forest Holm...

Katie shares her story of losing her nan Linda at a young age and explains how this experience has influenced her life, from her creative outlet in music, to her new perspective on grief and resilience. She talks about the fond memories she had of her nan, the effect of being exposed to death at such a young age, and how her neurodiversity impacted her grief, leading her to write songs as an outle...

Krista, the CEO of MYTIME Carers, talks about the definition and responsibilities of a young carer, who predominantly go unnoticed within their schools and communities. She highlights the many challenges a young carer might face in their daily life, especially caring for a parent with a life-limiting illness, and the impact this can have on their school and social life as well as the long-term imp...

Chantal Dempsey , an award-winning life coach, discusses the fear and anxiety people experience around death and how to help people overcome these challenges. She explains the differences between stress and anxiety, the various fears about dying that people encounter, and the different techniques and mindsets that can be adopted to help cope with the fear of death. About Forest Holme Hospice: Fore...

Emma discusses how she became a “mum on a mission” after her manager told her to return to work the day after her partner and father of her child committed suicide aged 31.  She talks about the shock and subsequent trauma of her manager’s insensitive response and how it led her to leave her job and retrain as a coach and a counsellor, setting up an organisation dedicated to fostering empathy and c...

Annemieke, a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Coordinator at Forest Holme Hospice, explains what MND is and how it affects the body and the strategies or treatments recommended for controlling the symptoms.  She discusses some of the misconceptions associated with the disease, the support services available and offers advice to caregivers who are supporting someone with MND.  About Forest Holme Hospice...

Leanne Adimi, an experienced Funeral Director and Community Engagement Officer, talks about what it is like to work in the funeral industry while sharing some common misconceptions people have about funeral services. She explores the compassionate side of funeral directing and gives insights into what happens to the body after a person dies and the challenging yet deeply meaningful process of supp...

Melissa Girling, a clinical psychologist based at Forest Holme Hospice, explains the meaning of “complicated grief”, when professional intervention becomes necessary, and how clinical psychology can play a critical role in healing. She highlights some of the key signs and symptoms that indicate someone might be experiencing complicated or prolonged grief disorder, as well as the differences betwee...

Joe discusses the death of his mum Bridget and how he took on the challenges of caring for her at home before she moved into Forest Holme Hospice for the final few weeks of her life.  He talks about his mum and their relationship and the impact caring for her at home had on the family and the initial reluctance to accept hospice care, as well as explaining how running became his coping mechanism b...

Esther discusses the loss of her much-loved sister Rebecca at the age of 37, who was diagnosed with cancer just 5 days before she was due to be a bridesmaid at Esther’s wedding.   She describes her relationship with her sister, the shock of the diagnosis on the family including the impact on Rebecca’s two little boys. and how bereavement counselling took her on her life-changing journey. About For...

Annabella talks about her own personal experience of caring for her husband Danny, who is living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the challenges and experiences involved in supporting a loved one through this cruel and relentless disease. She discusses the impact of his diagnosis and the subsequent effect it has had on their daily lives, as well as on her own mental health and wellbeing, but a...

Welcome to another episode of the "Life and Loss" podcast, brought to you by Forest Holme Hospice Charity in Poole, Dorset. In this episode, Danny Fudge-Harman discusses living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the immense physical and mental challenges he has faced since his diagnosis 10 years ago. He reflects on life before and after his diagnosis, and how, despite losing the ability to walk,...

Welcome to another episode of the "Life and Loss" podcast, brought to you by Forest Holme Hospice Charity in Poole, Dorset. In this episode, Lorien, a mindfulness coach and wellbeing expert, highlights how mindfulness can be used as a tool for grieving. He explains the term ‘mindfulness’ and discusses how specific mindfulness techniques or exercises can help with emotional turmoil, as well as how...

Martin Edwards, Chief Executive for Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire Children’s hospices, shares his insights on bereavement, remembrance and finding a way forward when your child has died. He discusses the emotions parents and family members might experience in the early days of grief and how it evolves over time, while offering advice and guidance on coping with anniversaries and birthday...

Kathy, a counsellor at Forest Holme Hospice, discusses the personal journeys of those who are dying.    She explains how different people cope and whether they find hope and joy on their journey, as well as offering insight into how people can feel about hearing commonly used phrases such as ‘being brave’ and ‘fighting cancer’. ....... About Forest Holme Hospice: Forest Holme Hospice provides pall...

Leo, a Social Worker based at Forest Holme Hospice, explores how children understand and cope with death. He shares advice about how to break the news of death to a child and the subsequent grief support and gives real life insights into how grief can impact a family, while also offering guidance on the resources and support available for children. ....... About Forest Holme Hospice: Forest Holme...

Mary discusses her personal experiences of grief following the loss of her husband Eric and offers her insights and strategies for navigating loss and finding healing. She talks about her initial feelings of denial, anger and chaos in the immediate aftermath of Eric’s death and discusses strategies that helped her cope day-to-day as she explored new activities or hobbies to aid her healing journey...

Welcome to another episode of the "Life and Loss" podcast, brought to you by Forest Holme Hospice Charity in Poole, Dorset. In this episode, Jennie shares her experience of grief and finding purpose again following the loss of her Dad in 2013 just two weeks after her wedding, where her Dad's presence was her greatest wish. She explains how through her grief she discovered comfort in her growing fa...

Welcome to another episode of the "Life and Loss" podcast, brought to you by Forest Holme Hospice in Poole, Dorset. In this episode, Dr Amy, Lead Consultant at Forest Holme Hospice, explores the role of palliative care in enhancing the quality of life. She explains the meaning of ‘Palliative Care’ and what and holistic approach to care involves, as well as offering examples of excellent palliative...

Welcome to another episode of the "Life and Loss" podcast, brought to you by Forest Holme Hospice in Poole, Dorset. In this episode, Clive discusses his experience of love and loss of his wife Sandie as they faced the unexpected challenges of both ME and cancer after 30 years of marriage. He explains journey of initial triumphs and then downturns with her health that led them through hospital visi...

Welcome to the "Life and Loss" podcast, brought to you by Forest Holme Hospice in Poole, Dorset. In this episode, Liz, an End-of-Life Care Educator based at Forest Holme Hospice, discusses what should be included in an End-of-Life Care plan and why they are so important to patients, and their loved ones.  She explains some common misconceptions about end-of-life care and how proactive end-of-life...