Mia Cracknell – 565 Service & LivingGrief Counsellor

Every year St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

This care sees the independent Suffolk charity providing free services – whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice – to those living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.

As well as clinical care, we provide a range of emotional and wellbeing support through our bereavement support service, LivingGrief. Via face-to-face consultations or phone and video call support. One member of the LivingGrief team is counsellor, Mia Cracknell.

“As a counsellor, it is a privilege to support people during some of the most difficult and challenging times in their lives.

“By offering a safe, supportive space to talk, even a single conversation, whether face-to-face or over the phone, can have a beneficial impact,” said Mia, who has been a part of the hospice team since 2025.

“I joined the hospice after completing my undergraduate degree in Applied Social Sciences and a master’s in Counselling at the University of Lincoln.

“My interest in counselling began during a counselling skills module, on my undergraduate degree, where I saw the impact that talking therapies can have and this had a lasting impact on me, motivating me to pursue this path.

“As part of my master’s, I completed a placement at a hospice in Lincoln, which changed my perspective. While hospices are often associated with death and sadness, I experienced first-hand the vital, holistic role they play in supporting both patients and families.

“What stood out most was the person-centred approach, focusing on each individual’s needs and recognising them as the expert in their own life. This strongly aligns with my own values and is what drew me to working in hospice and palliative care.

“In my role at the hospice, I provide counselling support to both adults and young people through the LivingGrief service for adults and the 565 Service for children and young people.

“I work closely with families from the very first conversations, which can often be challenging, and continue to support them throughout their journey.

“You see the difference over time, how people begin to process and adapt, and it is a real privilege to be part of that. I believe counselling is a shared experience, patients and families often give just as much as they receive.

“Within the 565 Service, many children may not yet have the language or understanding around life-limiting illness.

“A key part of my role is working with families to encourage open, age-appropriate conversations, helping children better understand what is happening around them.

“It is always encouraging to see how willing children can be to talk, breaking down taboos and supporting their understanding in a safe and supportive way.

“A typical day for me begins with checking in with clients and seeing how they are doing. I also work with schools across East Suffolk and Ipswich, advising staff on supporting pupils experiencing grief, and visiting students directly.

“For some, returning to the hospice can feel difficult, so meeting them in a familiar school environment helps them feel more comfortable and open, while also giving me a better understanding of their daily life.

“I also visit care homes, supporting individuals who are unable to travel, often due to illness. These visits provide regular contact, reduce isolation and give people a chance to talk openly. Removing barriers such as travel allows us to reach more people who need support.

“In every setting, sessions are led by the individual. We focus on what they need in that moment, whether that relates to grief, emotions or something else.

“This approach is the same for both children and adults, recognising that each person is the expert in their own life, and guiding support in a way that works best for them.

“Every day, I am motivated by the difference my job allows me to make to people’s lives. Even on difficult days, there is always a moment where you can see the impact – whether it’s a smile, a change in outlook, or positive feedback. Those moments are constant reminders of the value of the work we do.

“I am incredibly proud to work for the hospice. Across the organisation, there is a shared commitment among staff and volunteers to support others, especially at the moments that matter most.

“Outside the hospice, people always speak positively about the work we do, and being part of a charity that makes such a difference is a real privilege. The hospice provides vital support to the community, and the passion that everyone brings to their work is amazing.

“As a counsellor, I see people at all points in their journey and witness the difference our team can make. Those moments are priceless, but they wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the local community which we are all extremely grateful for.”