Lots going on at St Clare Hospice

St Clare Hospice runs a series of ten, local Bereavement Café groups which are open to all and free to attend. At St Clare, we feel that some of the most meaningful support you may experience when you have been bereaved, is through connecting with others who have had similar experiences. Everyone is welcome to access this free, community-led service, whether your loss was recent, or a long time ago.

A Bereavement Café takes place at Hemnall Street Social Club, Epping, every Monday from 10am-11.30am. There is also a Bereavement Café at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, every Friday from 2pm-4pm. Find your nearest Bereavement Café on the website: stclarehospice.org.uk/bereavement-cafe or call 01279 945089.

St Clare Hospice charity shops would really appreciate any donations of pre-loved goods. They need good quality clothing, shoes and bags, furniture: sofas, tables, chairs and wardrobes, games and toys, books, CDs and vinyl. To donate, find your closest shop by visiting stclarehospice.org.uk/shops

People living with a serious, long-term or terminal illness, as well as the elderly, often struggle with loneliness and could do with some extra support. Compassionate Neighbours can really make a difference. They are a network of trained volunteers who offer their time, companionship and support to people living in their community who are coping with serious illness or old age. Compassionate Neighbours can support you by visiting regularly, offering friendship, emotional support and a listening ear, helping you do the things you like doing, helping you stay connected to your community, family and friends. All support is free. Call 01279 773774 or email: patients@stclarehospice.org.uk

Are you living with COPD, a lung condition, heart failure, MS, Parkinson’s or cancer? The Wellbeing Hub brings together a range of services to support you and your family to live life to the full while coping with a life-limiting illness. With one-to-one support, expert clinics, group programmes and drop-in support, we can help you live well, keep doing the things you love, and reach your goals. Our free range of services and groups include a living well programme, breathlessness group, fatigue management group, acupuncture clinic, Café Clare drop-in and community space groups, including woodworking, painting classes and crafts. The Wellbeing Hub is for people over 18, diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. All support is free. You must be registered with a GP in W Essex or E Herts. Call 01279 773774 or email: patients@stclarehospice.org.uk

GriefLine (01279 945089) is a local resource offering much-needed emotional support via telephone, across West Essex and East Herts, to anyone struggling with their grief around the loss of someone. GriefLine operates from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. It is run by a team of St Clare staff and volunteers, trained to deliver emotional support to those who are struggling with their grief. Anyone who has experienced a loss, whether recently or in the past, is welcome to call GriefLine. No previous connection to St Clare Hospice is required to access support. GriefLine is free, though charges may apply in line with your standard network rate. Visit: griefline.co.uk

St Clare offer a free furniture collection service. Book online and they’ll collect from your door. Donate your quality, pre-loved furniture to St Clare, and they’ll turn it into amazing hospice care for local people. They are able to collect and re-sell sofas & armchairs, dining tables & chairs, occasional tables, wardrobes & bookcases, chests of drawers & dressing tables. Book your collection at: stclarehospice.org.uk/arrange-furniture-collection or call 01279 639752.

The Men’s Shed at St Clare offers a community space for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun. Men’s Sheds are all about social connections, building friendships, sharing skills, knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter. Come along and practice skills, enjoy making and mending, and enjoy a hobby. Wednesdays between 9.30am and 3.30pm, excluding bank holidays. Community Space, St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, CM17 9JX. For more information email: tracey.hall@stclarehospice.org.uk or call 01279 773700

Memory Walk: St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, CM17 9JX. Sunday 17th September 2023, 10.30am-2pm; walk starts 11am. Join us to remember your loved ones at our fifth annual 5k sponsored walk on Sunday 17th September 2023, where we come together with local people to take part in a 5k walk in honour of a loved one. Starting from St Clare Hospice, you’ll take on a stunning route through the pretty Hastingwood countryside, meeting back at the Hospice for a BBQ. Your entry includes a keepsake heart for all walkers, BBQ option, free St Clare t-shirt when you receive your first JustGiving donation. Tickets are £15 for adults and £5 for children (16 and under).

Please contact the fundraising team on 01279 773750 or email: fund@stclarehospice.org.uk To sign-up visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/walkinginmemory