You are able to access a range of emotional support with the counselling team via telephone or Zoom calls or 1:1 support. We run face to face Carers Group, Creative Workshops and Mindfulness sessions. You can also find information and activities that are related to the group support that we offer on the One Day at a Time section of the website, as well as other topics that you may find helpful.
Carers Group - During the year we run a series of Carers Groups which are led by one of our Supportive Care team. As a group, these carers will meet once a week over the course of six weeks. During the group sessions there are opportunities to talk about personal experiences and about what is happening around you, as well as listen to others who are experiencing similar situations.
Mindfulness - Mindfulness is about learning to pay affectionate and wise attention to everything you experience in the present moment. Studies show that it can help with stress, anxiety and even pain relief. We offer a fortnightly session where attendees are guided through mindfulness and meditation practices. The session is open to anyone connected to the hospice.
Planning ahead - Support and information to help you have conversations about what's important to your family member as they reach the end of their life and information to help you plan their funeral.
Gentle exercise - Enjoying a sense of wellbeing through gentle exercise such as yoga or Pilates.
Gentle exercise - Enjoying a sense of wellbeing through gentle exercise such as yoga or Pilates.
Wellbeing days - Relaxing days where we offer anything from hairdressing and manicures to massage or even a wet shave for gents with hot towels and everything! Some well-deserved 'me' time.
Singing workshops - A great way of expressing yourself and finding joy, whether you consider yourself a singer or not!
Singing workshops - A great way of expressing yourself and finding joy, whether you consider yourself a singer or not!
Supporting young people - Talking about how best to support young people in the family, and what to say to them at this time.
Gatherings and events - We regularly arrange opportunities for patients and their families to attend an event, a time for you to get to know us and each other and introduce members of your family to the hospice. Previous examples of this have been a barbecue, a picnic, a Mad Hatter's tea party and an Easter Egg Roll, to name just a few.
Introductory visit - We know it can be hard to attend the hospice for the first time, so Supportive Care like to invite you, and those close to you, to come to an Introductory session, where we can tell you about some of the support we offer and can show you around the therapy rooms, art room and other spaces. Stay for lunch and get to know other members of the hospice community and let us know what groups or therapies you would like to take part in.
How to be referred
If your family member is already a hospice patient, and you would like to know more about group support, please speak to one of the people involved in their care about what is available, or call the Supportive Care team on 01271 347225. Otherwise, to access this or any of North Devon Hospice's care and support, please ask your GP to make a referral to North Devon Hospice.
Service location
Group sessions are run from our main site at Deer Park, which is on the outskirts of Barnstaple, and also from The Long House, our outreach centre in Holsworthy.
