This is the day in the life of Janet, our Social Worker here at Dove House Hospice!

My name is Janet Dean and I am a Social Working in the Family Support Team at Dove House. I first started in 2001, I feel like the years have gone by in a blink of an eye.

I will be honest I never envisioned working in a hospice. I saw the job advertised and immediately felt compelled to apply and suddenly, before I knew it, it was what I really wanted to do.  The idea of working as a Social Worker in a palliative care setting looked interesting and was an opportunity to work holistically and use a person-centered approach with individuals which I really liked the idea of.
The first time I came to Dove House I noted a warm and welcoming atmosphere that has only increased with time as the physical layout and decoration have changed over the years. It is bright and light and this is noted by others who enter the building.

Without a doubt what makes Dove House so special are the people who work and volunteer across the organisation. Everyone embraces and works within the hospice ethics of being united, passionate, positive, and professional.

Working alongside my colleagues in the Family Support Team, speaking to the patients and families, and supporting them in whatever way I can are what I look forward to each day at the hospice. Almost every day is filled with so many amazing moments. Moments that make such a difference to those that we care for. Speaking to patients and families on the Inpatient Unit, on the telephone, and in person is such a privileged part of my work. They share with me their thoughts and feelings and I feel that I have helped them by listening, passing on information etc.

Seeing the dedication and commitment of my colleagues and all of our wonderful volunteers is extremely inspirational and are what makes every day great.

Not only these but even saying good morning to colleagues and receiving a warm and friendly reply. Hearing Dave’s jokes (our Health & Safety Officer)! Sitting on the mezzanine at lunchtime (which is beautiful – it was designed for us by Linda Barker), chatting and laughing with colleagues. I do also love going to our onsite shop at lunchtime for a browse.

A typical day would be attending handovers and meetings, taking on new referrals, and making calls to other professionals, patients and families, having face to face appointments at the hospice with bereaved individuals and families. Making internal and external referrals for patients for other services and support.

I have really enjoyed developing my practice including being able to provide rewind therapy for individuals who have been through trauma. I am able to support people who are at one of the most difficult times in their life which is a truly special job.

I have qualified as a Practice Educator and support our social work students in training which is a great achievement. I have also helped to set up and co-facilitate groups such as Friday Friends, our Carers group, and Welcome Wednesday, our Bereavement group.

I hope that we continue to provide a fantastic service to our community for many years to come. That we prosper and thrive with the ongoing support of our community and funders.  This will allow a continuation of the services we provide and continue to help us grow and meet the needs of people with life-limiting illnesses and families.