Emma was a full time carer for her mum Sheila for 20 years before she was diagnosed with cancer and was admitted to the Hospice in early 2024. Sheila died with Emma alongside her holding her hand in her final moments.

In a devastatingly blow for Emma, her Gran had died the day before her mum.

Having been her mums close companion and dedicated carer for such an extended period and coping with overwhelming double family loss, Emma has found this a very challenging life transition.

Struggling with her loss and grief, Emma was referred for group bereavement counselling at Strathcarron which she said has benefitted her greatly.

After sharing with her GP that she was feeling lonely without her mum, her GP told her about the Snowdrop Café in Fallin. Snowdrop Cafés are set up in local communities with initial assistance from Strathcarron Hospice Compassionate Communities team and then taken on and run by the community for the community.

Emma attended her first Snowdrop Café on her birthday and she now enjoys meeting newly found friends there for a cuppa and a chat every week. She now feels part of her community and says it has helped give her a weekly focus and routine to look forward to.

COMMUNITY 

Emma, a skilled crafter, was signposted by our Strathcarron Hospice Fallin Community Connector Iain to a network of local connections. She is now running craft sessions with local residents within her community, passing on her wonderful artistic skills such as crochet.

Iain has also linked Emma up with volunteers at her local community garden which she now enjoys helping with, further growing her network of friends locally.

Emma has also used her craft skills to kindly help fundraise for the Hospice by creating crochet items which are sold at Strathcarron, raising hundreds for the Hospice.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Emma – we appreciate your bravery and honesty in what has been a very challenging time for you.

If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one we have resources on our Strathcarron Hospice Bereavement Hub which you may find helpful.

Find out more about the work of Strathcarron Within Our Community