Patients enjoy our wellbeing day

Yesterday we welcomed 11 patients to our day therapy unit to take part in one of four wellbeing days that we run through the year as part of our regular Open Programme, which supports patients through a series of workshops and sessions to help them cope with their illnesses. Much of the content of the Open Programme deals with specific topics such as breathlessness, fatigue, nutrition and stress and anxiety, all symptoms commonly associated with life-limiting illnesses. Today’s session was about promoting wellbeing and having the opportunity to have complementary therapies and take part in creative activities.

Zoe O’Reilly, our day therapy service lead, explains: “Today has gone very well,” she says. “A large part of the day is about providing an opportunity for patients to relax and socialise, but many have taken part in creative activities such as sewing lavender hearts, painting decorative stones and other arts and crafts. It’s been a very enjoyable day for us all.”

Patient David Bannon had clearly enjoyed joining us at the hospice. “I took part in the reiki and had leg and foot massage – and it’s all been really good,” he says. “Coming here, and attending day therapy during the week, well – it gives me a bit more ‘umph’! There are always plenty of people to talk to about how I’m feeling and that helps me. The more people I can talk to about my illness, the more I feel I can manage it. I’ve been delighted to have come here today.”