This is our oasis

"Once people come to our Hospice, they can relax and do things that they thought weren't possible anymore," Pam revealed. "At home, it's often about 'fighting' an illness. Some feel the pressure to pretend that they're coping through fear of dragging their family down. Patients can be themselves here."

 
Our services aren't just for patients staying with us; four out of five of people who we care for are in the community. That can involve telephone calls, home visits, and socialising at Pemberton Place our day unit and social hub. It's there where you can find medical and therapeutic services, plus companionship with others who all have something in common: a life-limiting illness.

Our care isn't only for the person who is ill, but also for everyone around them. We provide counselling for pre-bereaved and bereaved families often young children who have lost a parent. Pam explained how the earlier we can support patients, the sooner we can surround them and their family with love and care.

"When someone is diagnosed with an incurable condition, their loved ones often don't know who to turn to," Pam admitted. "With the help of our Hospice, you can become a relative or friend again, and not just their carer. You're not alone; you will have our support."

While we deliver care for people at the end of their life, we are more about living our 33.5% discharge rate is a testament to that. Pam is eager to banish many myths surrounding our Hospice. One of those is that this is solely a place to die.

"The ambience, wildlife and horses trotting past are a few of the many things that make our Hospice so special," Pam beamed. "You'll find our patients taking the beauty in. It's during difficult times that things take on a different meaning; our beautiful rural setting becomes incredibly meaningful for our patients. This is our oasis."

With only 23% of our total running costs coming from the government, 73% of our funding comes from our supporters like you who are reading this today. Everything you are doing for us is making a difference.

There are many ways in which you can support us. You can find out more by visiting www.sfh.org.uk/support-us, calling 01708 753319, or emailing fundraising@sfh.org.uk