A HOSPICE is celebrating after being recognised at a major national awards ceremony.

St Catherine’s, in Crawley, was runner-up for the bereavement project of the year award at the National Council for Palliative Care Awards.

The project was in partnership with employee benefits specialists Unum.

Karen Norman, lead for patient and family support services at St Catherine’s, collected the award.

The shortlisting recognised their joint efforts in developing an innovative “bereavement toolkit” to help managers feel confident when supporting bereaved colleagues.

For many people, going back to and coping with work after a bereavement can be an enormous challenge but many employers do not feel confident providing people with the vital support needed.

St Catherine’s and Unum’s digital toolkit aims to help employers by giving information and advice on the effects of grief and bereavement.

This includes how it can affect people’s work and practical things employers can do to help people create a sense of normality, structure and focus which can help their recovery.

Since its launch in May last year, the toolkit has been used by more than 400 people.

Ms Norman said: “It’s fantastic to be nationally recognised for the work we’ve been doing around helping employers manage bereavement.

“For many of us the workplace is where we spend most of our time so when you’re bereaved it’s important that your colleagues and managers feel able to support you.

“We hope lots of businesses will make use of the toolkit, either independently or as part of wider training, to make a positive difference to the support people get when they return to work after a bereavement.

“This can have a huge impact on their future commitment and loyalty to the company.”

Dr Christopher Schenk, chief medical officer at Unum, said: “Our research shows 30 per cent of workers would consider leaving their job if they didn’t feel cared for by their company.

“As an employee benefits specialist we work with employers to provide help and support to staff when they need it most and we’re committed to making a difference.

“It’s been a privilege to work with St Catherine’s.”

To view St Catherine’s and Unum’s toolkit visit www.unum.co.uk/bereavement;

St Catherine’s Hospice provides end of life care and support to terminally ill people and their families across Crawley, Horsham, East Surrey and Mid Sussex. Its base is in Malthouse Road.