‘Hospice hug’ greets lunch club guests

Have you or a loved one been recently referred to North Devon Hospice? Communications officer Bronte shares more about the warm welcome that awaits you…

There’s no doubt in my mind that receiving a terminal diagnosis must be one of the most difficult things to go through.

When I’ve spoken to our patients and families in the past, many have told me that in this moment, the world can feel like it’s been turned upside down and the worry of what to do next begins in an instant.

But for lots of local people facing a life-limiting illness, having the support of North Devon Hospice is the glimmer of sunlight that shines through this storm.

Last week, I was lucky enough to be invited to one of our Lunch Clubs held here at the hospice by our lovely Supportive Care Team.

During these monthly get-togethers, patients and family members can catch up with others over a delicious meal in the calming surroundings of our Terrace Café.

For those attending, not only is this an opportunity to meet other people experiencing a similar journey, but it’s also a chance to get a sense of the hospice in a gentle and relaxing way if you’re visiting for the first time.

As I helped Marcelle – one of our amazing counsellors – lay the table, I wondered how our guests would be feeling as they arrived for their lunch. Was this their first time visiting us? Would they be feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Had they or a loved one experienced hospice care before?

While these questions ran through my mind, I knew that as always, we would do whatever it took to make our visitors feel welcome and wrap them up in the warmth of our ‘hospice hug’ as soon as they walked through the door.

As our first guests arrived, I got them both a cup of tea and began chatting to them about how their day had been and shared that we had roast pork for lunch – a real treat on a Tuesday!

I find that everyday conversations like this really help to put people at ease and make them realise that our emotional support doesn’t just mean talking about their illness.

As the table began to fill up with people, it was a real pleasure to be the middleman and help our visitors connect and find common ground through different conversations.

One mother and daughter shared news of a new dog in the family while another lady reminisced on how she came to live in Devon after being evacuated here during the war.

Another couple told me how they had just moved into a new home and were enjoying going down to the seafront to visit their now-favourite café.

By the end of the meal, we were all laughing and joking like old friends, and I could feel the beginnings of some lovely relationships forming, many of which I’m sure will form a vital support network in the future.

As our guests said goodbye, they thanked us for lunch and said what a lovely afternoon they’d all had.

I too left with the biggest smile on my face, feeling grateful that as a charity, we can be here for patients like these to not only provide vital care but to help them feel normal, even just for a little while.

Thank you for making this possible.