Birmingham Hospice’s Living Well Centres are a great way for people in the community with life-limiting conditions to meet others in similar circumstances and share their experiences.
Sheila Hawkes has recently started attending sessions at the centre in Selly Park and believes it’s one of the best decisions she has ever made.
The outgoing 82-year-old, who has a heart disease and failure, as well as a chronic back problem and COPD, loves to meet and talk with people but was starting to feel lonely at home.
Although initially wary of attending after being referred to the hospice, she now loves talking to the friendly team, patients and volunteers.
She said: “I was talking to the four walls at home. I wasn’t depressed, but I was missing talking to people.
“I was apprehensive about coming here because it’s a hospice; when people say hospice you think the worst.
“I was worried it would be doom and gloom but it’s the opposite. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I tell people I’m off to the hospice and I don’t care who knows.”
The centre offers a variety of programmes which help attendees to better cope with symptoms and meet the hospice’s clinical professionals, who can provide expert guidance.
A member of the Therapies Team visited Sheila to provide advice on living with COPD. The hospice was also able to provide a nebuliser to aid her breathing.
Sheila, who grew up in Ireland, has loved sharing stories with fellow patients about her life. Over the years she welcomed hundreds of international students, who were on UK cultural breaks, into her home.
“It’s the best, I love it,” commented Sheila about the Living Well Centre.
“You get to talk to people and listen to what everyone has got to say and what they have been up to in the week. It’s fantastic.”
The hospice’s Living Well Centres are based in Selly Park and Erdington. To find out more, or to make a referral, visit our website.
