'Thank you for making days like this possible' - North Devon Hospice

North Devon Hospice’s Complementary Therapies Coordinator Mandy shares an insight into one of the hospice’s Wellbeing Days and how they make a difference to patients and their loved ones.

As I walk along the winding path to The Long House – our Outreach Centre down in Holsworthy - the sun is shining for what I know will be a lovely day. Stepping in through the door, I am greeted by our caretaker Neal and Di, one of our brilliant volunteers.

We begin the transformation of the building, changing spaces to enable various therapies to take place. Ready to welcome patients and their loved ones for a well-deserved day of pampering at one of our Wellbeing Days, which we host here every month.

In the cosy side rooms that surround the lounge area, our volunteer therapists are busy preparing their equipment ready to offer a selection of ‘feel-good’ therapies and treatments to those visiting us that day. While Julia and Bryan will be providing pain relief and relaxation through massage and reflexology, Martha-Rose will be offering facials to soothe skin and help give people a beautiful glow.

Similarly, Donna will be working her magic giving haircuts and wig advice to create exciting new styles and help instil confidence.

Alongside this talented bunch, I will be offering manicures and pedicures, helping our visitors to feel glamorous and ensuring that no detail - however small - is missed.

A little while later, happy ‘hellos’ fill the air as patients and family members are welcomed with a hot cuppa and a delicious slice of cake prepared by our wonderful Catering Team.

As everyone takes a seat in our beautiful Bradbury room, the silence created by those initial anxieties melts away and is replaced with a soft hum of growing chatter.

I hear those who have attended a Wellbeing Day before, reassuring newcomers what a wonderful day lies ahead. I smile, knowing friendships are being formed.

Throughout the morning, people come and go to have their therapies, returning to the hub of the building feeling refreshed and renewed.

As lunchtime approaches, a vibrant array of gorgeous-looking food is laid out; cold meats, delicious salads, and fresh fruit to name just a few items. After their plates are full, our guests take a seat once more to enjoy their lunch and more chatter and laughter ensues.

As the day draws on, the feeling of safety and familiarity grows as people begin to share their stories and remark on how the hospice has made a difference to them thus far on their journey. To witness the comfort and reassurance that comes from these conversations is magical, and something that makes being part of the hospice community so very special.

When the final treatment of the day has finished, we say goodbye to our guests, before restoring The Long House to its regular tranquillity.

Finally, before heading home, the volunteers and I share some poignant moments from the day - a chance to reflect on the emotions, positives, and difficulties of the day.

Supporting each other through talking over these events, I am reminded of how lucky we are to be able to give local people these moments of calm at what is often such a chaotic time. Thank you for making days like this possible.

Written by Mandy Bateman, Complementary Therapies Coordinator at North Devon Hospice