North Devon Hospice newsletter - Winter 2016

news For supporters and friends of North Devon Hospice

Winter 2016

Issue 46

Make someone’s Christmas

Lisa’s Story

Meet Bob and follow him on his journey with support from the hospice.

New year, new you? Have you thought about volunteering?

Take a look at our ebay shop at

www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/ebay

being there for all the family

Meet Bob People often ask what North Devon Hospice does and how we care for people who need our support. The truth is, there is no typical person or typical journey because everyone is different. Our care is designed to suit the needs of the individual and their family.

However, to give you all an idea of how someone might need the many services offered by North Devon Hospice, meet Bob. He is a fictional character but his journey demonstrates the care we offer to local people.

“From the moment someone

hears the news, we can be there, not just for the patient but also their family.”

M u rr ay F l e t c h e r, C o n s u l t a n t i n P a l l i a t i ve M e d i c i n e a t N o r t h D evo n H o s p i c e

You can read Bob’s whole story at www.northdevonhospice.org.uk. See how many different ways North Devon Hospice was able to support him and his family, including his two young daughters. Get a real insight into what modern hospice care is all about, we promise it is worth the read...

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Bob’s Journey

We work closely with GPs and other healthcare professionals. They make a referral to North Devon Hospice so we can support patients and families who need our care.

The first contact with the hospice is often with one of our Clinical Nurse Specialists, who provide care and support in people’s own homes.

We have specially trained counsellors who work with children to help them cope with the illness of a parent or grandparent.

Our Hospice to Home team provide care around the clock in people’s own homes when symptoms become more difficult to manage.

Support groups are an important part of the care we provide, allowing people to express themselves with others who are in a similar situation.

Patients and carers can benefit from our range of complementary therapies, which aid sleep and relaxation.

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Keith’s spirit is truly unbreakable When ambulance worker Keith Regan was diagnosed with cancer in March 2015, little did he think that the following year he would be preparing to take on a 10km obstacle challenge. But along with 50 of his friends, family, colleagues and even some fellow cancer patients, Keith took part in this year’s Mission:Unbreakable fundraising event in aid of North Devon Hospice.

Keith was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which spread to his hips, spine and ribs. He said, “I’ve since been receiving chemotherapy, and I know that in the future I may well need the care of North Devon Hospice, so taking on Mission:Unbreakable to show my support is the least I can do. It’s a charity I’m proud to support.”

Friends and colleagues were quick to rally round Keith and join the team for Mission:Unbreakable, which involved mud, marsh, fire, ice and dozens of demanding obstacles. “Before I knew it there were 10 of us.

Since that day the team grew to 40 plus!” Bravo Keith!

Introducing Richard, talking Lottery “Having been born and raised in this beautiful area, I am very proud to step into the role of Lottery Manager here at North Devon Hospice.

There are some exciting improvements ahead for your Lottery, which includes rolling out 03 www.nor thdevonhospic e . o r g . u k . b e i n g t h e re fo r a l l t h e f a m i ly

Meet Donna Donna Welsby is our Nutritional Support Worker and a Healthcare Assistant on the Bedded Unit. She explains the special role that food plays in our care of patients...

“My role is to ensure that our patients’ nutritional needs and desires are identified so they can enjoy the food they like without ever feeling any pressure to eat.

We have an extensive à la carte menu, but patients are not restricted to this and there are no set meal times. Some people follow special diets of choice and others have particular dietary conditions, all of which we can cater for, or they may just want to eat their favourite foods. People can crave food at random times and when they are not well they sometimes prefer to eat small amounts more often throughout the day. By allowing flexibility and choice, not only of food, but also when and even where to eat it, meals can be a much more positive experience.

I work with all the staff on the Bedded Unit to make sure we have this information and that any changes in a patient’s condition, which will affect their nutrition, is followed up during their stay. I also encourage staff to talk with our patients and their family members if they have any concerns about food or fluid intake.

“Every meal matters, even the one that the patient thinks they might miss”

It is distressing when a loved one loses their appetite or refuses or struggles to eat, but we understand this and can help. By talking to our patients and their families we can make an assessment of a patient’s practical needs, find out how they actually feel about food and eating, and, most importantly, determine what they would really like to eat and when.

Food is often seen as a ‘healer’ and can bring people closer together. At times, special occasions have been created to help people make memories. We have arranged birthday buffets and anniversary meals and have supported people to celebrate Christmas in July. If it is important to our patients we do everything possible to make things happen.”

different ways to play and different ways for us to keep in touch with you. Our existing members will still be able to play as they have done in the past but it’s also important that we are keeping up with the changing world and new technologies, so watch this space! I am hoping to welcome lots of new members to play the Lottery over the forthcoming years and that it becomes your lottery to feel proud of, promote and support. The funds raised really make a difference to those cared for by North Devon Hospice.

I am always available to come and talk to you and your groups, clubs and societies about how to join the Lottery. It is a great chance to explain more about how your monthly subscription helps us to provide outstanding free care and support right here in North Devon.

Please feel free to contact me anytime for a chat or a visit.”

richardcarter@northdevonhospice.org.uk 01271 344248

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Make someone’s Christmas There is no good time to be facing the impact of a life-limiting illness like cancer. But it’s safe to say that Christmas can be one of the hardest times for our patients and their families.

It is natural to have worries about whether patients will be able to celebrate with their families, or even if this may be the last time they get to do so. However, at North Devon Hospice, we make sure that we do everything to make Christmas the most special time of year, where family celebrations are at the heart of what we do.

Our care and support extends throughout the Christmas period, right around the clock. But we can only provide this kind of support thanks to your generosity, so we hope you will be able to make a donation to our Christmas Appeal.

Thank you to Listening Books!

We are so grateful to the charity Listening Books, who donated an entire library of audio books on CD to be enjoyed by patients and visitors on our Bedded Unit. Not only 05 www.nor thdevonhospic e . o r g . u k . b e i n g t h e re fo r a l l t h e f a m i ly

Please donate to our Christmas Appeal £10 could help us provide a full

Chistmas dinner with all the trimmings for a patient spending the festive season at the hospice. We also cook Christmas dinner for the whole family, so they get to enjoy this special occasion together.

£25 could help our Hospice to

Home team enable someone to spend Christmas at home, rather than in hospital. Having this kind of round-the-clock support at home makes all the difference when someone has complex symptoms, but they want to celebrate this special time together with their family.

£50 could help us provide a period

of care for someone on our Bedded Unit this Christmas. With our specialist doctors

and nurses on hand 24 hours a day, we create the most comfortable environment so the festive season can feel like a positive and joyous time for patients and families.

this, but they also gave us personal CD players and plenty of headphones, so these audiobooks could be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

Margaret Beck, a nurse on our Bedded Unit, said, “Many of our patients enjoy reading or listening to music but there are times when

How to donate:

Visit www.northdevonhospice.org.uk

Call 01271 347232

Send a cheque made payable to North Devon Hospice Christmas Appeal to: North Devon Hospice, Deer Park, Newport, Barnstaple, EX32 0HU.

Thank you people don’t always feel well enough to read. These audio books are perfect because all of our patients can enjoy their favourite book or a new bestseller in the comfort of their room at any time. They are going to make such a difference to our patients’ experience during their stay with us.” www.listening-books.org.uk

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Light Up A Life Services taking place throughout North Devon to which you are all welcome. Join us in lighting a candle in memory of your loved ones.

November Tues 29th, 6.30pm Marwood, Methodist Church

Sun 4th, 6.30pm

Fremington, Methodist Church

Sun 4th, 6.30pm

Combe Martin, Methodist Church

Sun 4th, 10.00am

Appledore, St Mary’s Church

Mon 5th, 7.00pm

Braunton, Christ Church

Mon 5th, 7.00pm

Buck’s Mills, St Anne’s Church

Tues 6th, 6.30pm

Chulmleigh, St Mary Magdalene

Wed 7th, 7.30pm Hartland, Stoke Church Wed 7th, 1.00pm Barnstaple, St Peter & St Mary Thur 8th, 7.00pm Barnstaple, Grosvenor Church Sat 10th, 7.00pm

Holsworthy, Methodist Church

Sun 11th, 6.30pm

Ilfracombe, St Philip and St James

Mon 12th, 6.30pm Lee, St Matthew’s Church Wed 14th, 7.00pm Chittlehampton, St Hieritha’s Church Wed 14th, 7.00pm Woolsery, All Hallows Thur 15th, 7.00pm East-the-Water, The Bethel Fri 16th, 7.00pm

Torrington, Methodist Church

Sat 17th, 6.00pm

Bideford, Pannier Market

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“

My beautiful wife Merlyn received such wonderful love and care from Jackie, a hospice community nurse, then the bedded unit nurses where Merl passed away peacefully.

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December

It’s such a comfort that the hospice is looking after me and the family too, now and into the future Please join me in supporting Light Up A Life this Christmas

Tony Bauer, Bideford.

Bras and Bric-aBrac please!...

Our shops raise vital funds for the hospice, but this is only possible thanks to your donations.

Some of the most popular items that sell well in all our shops are high quality bric-a-brac and... bras!

So, if you have nice trinkets, ornaments, collectibles or antiques that you would like to give a new life to, please consider donating them to one of our shops so they can be loved by someone new and the proceeds can help us care for local people.

Similarly, donations of good quality bras are also sought. So don’t discard, donate!

We run a collection service to make it even easier to donate.

We are looking for volunteers in our charity shops: C urrently, we are re cruiting for :

·

· ·

Volunteers in our Ilfracombe Shop Stock Processing Volunteers Volunteer Van Drivers for our furniture shop

For more information please contact Sue by calling 01271 342792 or email susanfriend@northdevonhospice.org.uk

We collect your large donations including Furniture and Bric-a-Brac Call Barnstaple Area 01271 327827 or Holsworthy Area 01409 255535 w w w. n o r t h d evo n h o s p i c e . o r g . u k . b e i n g t h e re fo r a l l t h e f a m i ly 08

Support for all the family ‘Being there for all the family’ is not just our strapline, it is something we live and breathe every single day. Life-limiting illnesses have an impact on everyone involved, which is why North Devon Hospice supports the entire family throughout the journey.

Lisa Stanton is a great example of this, as she and her family received support from The Long House in Holsworthy whilst their mother was living with a life-limiting illness.

Lisa said, “Last year our mum was diagnosed with having a tumour. We have received a lot of support from the hospice and it’s been great. They provided Mum with head massages and other therapies whilst she was going through treatment and they also provided emotional support to all of us.

They were great for Dad, he really got into the arts and crafty stuff and was always making things like cards, paintings and even Christmas wreaths. They have also been great in providing support and activities for the younger members of our family too like the grandchildren. They helped them create things like memory boxes and family handprints.”

The hospice team often work with a patient’s family and younger children as part of our wider care package. Young children often have worries of their own about a family member and the team provides them with an opportunity to express these feelings with the creation of ‘worry dolls’.

Alongside these creative pursuits, the hospice also offers one-to-one sessions with a trained counsellor and group support sessions which gives people with life-limiting illnesses and their families or carers a chance to speak about their worries.

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Chief Executive looks at the year ahead CEO Stephen highlights the top 3 challenges and opportunities in the coming year Challenges

Opportunities

1 - With economic uncertainty, individuals and businesses feel less able to give and, while we are able to run our services as normal for the time-being, we need continued support to be here in the future.

1 - We plan to further enhance our out-of-hours care, because this is important for those we care for. It means providing more support around the clock in people’s own homes, particularly at night.

2 - Surprisingly, there are some in the community who think the hospice doesn’t need their support. We need to raise over £4.5m from scratch every single year. If this doesn’t happen, we can’t provide the care that is so badly needed.

2 - We have a new website, which makes information about our care and support much easier to access and view. It was generously built free of charge by Bray Leino, a creative agency based in North Devon. Please do go and take a look!

3 - Lots of people think we only care for people with cancer, but we help people with a variety of life-limiting illnesses. So if you know someone who could benefit from hospice care, please get them to ask their GP for a referral.

3 - Since the lease expired on our charity shop in South Molton, we have been looking for other premises to step into.

The South Molton community have always shown strong support for the hospice, so if anyone is aware of suitable properties, we’d be keen to hear from you.

The Long House celebrates its first birthday and over 1,200 sessions of care After providing more than 1,200 sessions of care in just one year, North Devon Hospice’s outreach centre in Holsworthy, called The Long House, celebrated its first birthday in September with an open day for the whole community.

Hospice counsellor Charlie has been delivering support in various ways since The Long House opened a year ago. She said, “One of the most important things was to listen to the local community to hear exactly what they needed from us. That allowed us to create a diverse range of ways for people to get involved. It’s great to be flexible in how we support local people.”

If you or someone you know might benefit from the support offered by North Devon Hospice, please speak to your GP and ask for a referral. For more information about ways in which you can support North Devon Hospice and the work of The Long House, please visit www.northdevonhospice.org.uk or call Claire Sherwood on 01271 347206.

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Light Up A Life Celebrate the memory of a loved one this Christmas and support the vital work of your local North Devon Hospice.

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See page 7 for a full list of services

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It’s the most beautiful but challenging run I have ever done 2016 Competitor

The North Devon AONB Marathon Raising funds for North Devon Hospice. Sign up today. www.northdevonhospice.org.uk To find out more, please contact Kate on 01271 347233 or email katekilburn@northdevonhospice.org.uk.

Take a look at our ebay shop at

www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/ebay This newsletter, along with all of our publications, is available online.

North Devon Hospice, Deer Park, Barnstaple, EX32 0HU Tel: 01271 344248 info@northdevonhospice.org.uk registered charity number 286554

www.northdevonhospice.org.uk