Course to support patients is set to relaunch
A COURSE for people with life-limiting illnesses is gearing up to welcome new members when it relaunches next month.
The Living Well course, run at East Cheshire Hospice’s Sunflower Centre, is open to anyone diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.
Held once a week, the course aims to help people make the most of their lives and has a flexible design to let people get what they need from it.
Hospice sister Louise Furmston said: “Living Well is aimed at people at any stage of their illness, from diagnosis, through treatment and onwards.
“It highlights that the word ‘hospice’ should not necessarily be associated with dying.”
Cancer survivor Cecelia Kennedy did the course after a battle with tongue and throat cancer in 2013.
She said: “It is a lifeline. The support is second-tonone.
“Some days you just do not want to go, but if you are having a bad day you do not have to explain it. They know exactly how you feel.”
“In the afternoon there are therapies available. I have used the massage and acupuncture for my knee and back.
“Other sessions include tai chi, a gym, art and even flower arranging.
“Getting cancer has been a horrible way to find out about the Sunflower Centre, but I am so glad it is there.
“The day is not long enough – you want more hours in it.”
The Living Well course, which starts on September 18, is aimed at helping people develop their own coping strategies covering a wide range of physical and psychological issues, such as, fatigue, anxiety, sleep, exercise, managing medications, and body image.
Anyone wanting to join can refer themselves to East Cheshire Hospice or be referred by a healthcare professional.
They will then be invited to a one-on-one assessment.
For more information visit www. eastcheshirehospice.org. uk or call 01625 665685.