New social drop-in to help patients coping with advanced illness…

We all know how good it can be to chat over a cuppa – especially during tough times. When you are living with a serious illness or a disability, it can be harder. Let’s be honest, sometimes other people simply cannot understand what you are dealing with.

That is why ellenor is introducing a new initiative ‘SOCIAL DROP-IN’ – an informal café to help adults and families living with a life-limiting or terminal condition to meet and chat over a cuppa.

Elizabeth Paska, ellenor Day Therapy patient: “Even when my condition is bad, coming to ellenor makes me feel positive about my life. The people I meet here are strong mentally, and we all support one another through difficult times”.

The first session will be held on Friday 6 September from 10am to 12 noon at ellenor hospice Coldharbour Road Gravesend, with following sessions taking place every Friday on a weekly basis. The Social Drop-in will be led by our Wellbeing team and will also be supported by healthcare assistants and trained volunteers.

“Studies have shown the importance of social support helping patients and carers cope better with a long term illness. We wanted to design sessions that would be relaxed, conversational and informative where participants can share their feelings and challenges and discuss services that provide further help and support.

So many people wrongly think that hospices are simply places to die. We find that there is plenty to live for so sessions are open to patients currently under ellenor’s care or those exploring the possibility of hospice care for themselves in the future. We offer a safe and supportive environment and hope that the Social Drop-ins will help to dispel some of the myths around hospice care” says Dr Russ Hargreaves, Head of Wellbeing.

The Social Drop-in sessions are open to adults with a life-limiting condition and sessions are free of charge. Café Verde will be open from 10am offering a selection of cakes, sandwiches and hot food.

If you would like more details about our Social Drop-in sessions, please contact our Wellbeing Team on info@ellenor.org or call 01474 320007