At Birmingham Hospice we have a Living Well Centre at both our Selly Park and Erdington sites. The Living Well Centre is about you living well with your illness. We will help provide the opportunity for you to explore aims, goals and wishes for the future.
Caring for you
Living with a life-limiting illness can feel isolating — but you are not alone. Our social group at the Living Well Centre, based at both hospice sites, offers a safe, friendly space to meet others who understand, and offer each other mutual help and support.
We are open three days a week and whether you’re looking for a listening ear, shared laughter, or simply a comforting place to be yourself, you’ll find a warm welcome here.
What you can expect:
- Relaxed and informal gatherings
- Friendly conversation
- Support and understanding
- Activities and refreshments.
Each centre can help you learn how to cope with symptoms, take part in therapeutic activities and set realistic goals around what is important to you.
Joining us at these sessions offers you the opportunity to meet professionals who can provide support and expertise. We work in partnership with your GP, District Nurses and other members of the hospice’s Specialist Palliative Care Team.
Is the Living Well Centre for me?
If you have a life-limiting illness, then our Living Well Centre is open to you. A referral can be made by any supporting healthcare professional and forms are available via this website.
What weekly programmes do you offer?
- Social group: People can attend this session for social interaction and peer support.
- Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness (FAB) programmes: Providing education for breathlessness management.
Food and drink
A selection of drinks and snacks will be available for you throughout the day and a meal will be provided at lunchtime. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know so we can ensure we can cater for your needs.
Medication
Please bring any medication required with you to each visit. Our colleagues will need an up-to-date medication list to advise on any symptoms. You will be asked to sign an agreement taking responsibility for your medicines. If you need help with medication, please discuss this with the team. We do not have a medication stock in our Living Well Centres.
Transport
In much the same way as you would for a hospital appointment, the expectation is that you make your own way to our Living Well Centres. There is limited parking and disabled parking available at each site.
If required, you can call Ring and Ride 0330 053 8141 at least 24 hours before your journey.
Everyone I’ve met here, whether they are a patient or a staff member, is so friendly and welcoming. For a few hours, I can forget about things. And when I’m not here, the hospice is only a phone call away if I need them.”
Chris Harper – Living Well Centre patient
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