16th November 2021
Introducing Sharon, our new bereavement support coordinator
We recently welcomed a new member of our bereavement and carer support team – Sharon Baker.
She will provide bereavement support plus some counselling.
Sharon, who trained as a counsellor while working at assistant manager for a Nottingham GP surgery, previously volunteered at the hospice.
She said: “I was feeling disheartened at the GP’s practice at not being able to help people as much as I wanted to do. I wanted to be more proactive, so I retrained as a counsellor.
“I was looking for an area of counselling which was different. End of life counselling is something that not many organisations offer, and it’s not talked about.
“I see it as a real privilege to be with someone in that time, helping them to be at peace with everything before they die. The hospice is a unique place to be able to offer this kind of service.”
Sharon grew up in Mapperley and was aware of the hospice from a young age having travelled past the building.
“I always thought there was something mysterious and magical about the place but I wasn’t aware of what went on here. When I started my counselling training I wondered if the hospice offered counselling, so I approached them and started volunteering here. I’m delighted to now be offered a contract here as a member of staff.”
Sharon joins the team at a time when there is high demand for bereavement and carer support, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said: “The pandemic has heightened unresolved issues for people, especially those grieving who have not been able to have proper funerals for their loved ones or not even been able to see people.
“When someone dies it can remind you of every loss you’ve ever experienced and open up a whole box of emotions. This is particularly true since the pandemic when we have all experienced collective losses.”
When not working Sharon enjoys baking, cookery, walking and creative activities.