“It’s only once a week, but it’s been a lifeline for my mum and I”
When Glenn’s mum Doreen was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer their world changed. Always a tight-knit family, Glenn was quick to step into the role of carer for his mum, but having to navigate both the emotional strain and practical challenges such situations can bring had left them looking for support and not sure where to turn.
Glenn: “My son’s school had been doing some fundraising for Wakefield Hospice and he came to learn about the care they offer. Soon after mum’s diagnosis, my ex-wife told me about what he’d been learning and the different services the hospice provides and suggested we get in touch.
“Like a lot of people I’ve met since, I was skeptical to go at first – my understanding of hospice care was limited and I’d always presumed it was more for support in the last days of life, but we took the plunge, got in touch with their Wellbeing Team and before we knew it we were turning up for our first Friday Wellbeing Session.
“I’ll admit, at first I was worried about what it was going to be like – was it going to be people just sat around having a cup of tea, a sad environment, a place not for people like my mum, people like me? But from our very first visit, those worries quickly evaporated.
“The staff, volunteers and attendees were just amazing – so warm, so kind and so knowledgeable. Mum immediately connected with the group and it was the first time I saw her engage with people in a similar situation which was so valuable – that peer support you simply can’t find anywhere else. They weren’t just talking about their conditions either—they were living life together through shared experiences, shared stories and treasured memories - now she looks forward to Fridays every week.”
The support didn’t stop with Doreen, with Glenn finding great support from the sessions too: “I felt awkward staying at first, like I shouldn’t be there, but I started talking to staff and to other carers and it’s really helped me more than I could have expected.
“Reiki sessions, Citizens Advice drop-ins, and guidance with home adaptations have all made a huge difference – I just never knew such a service was available, let alone from Wakefield Hospice and free of charge – it’s just incredible.
“It’s a vibrant, joyous environment, beautifully furnished, full of warmth and compassion. Of course there is the vital care services provided within the in-patient unit and I completely appreciate and admire the incredible end of life care provided here, but for me, for my mum, this wellbeing service has been an absolute lifeline and one we are so grateful for.”
“Mum’s doing really well at the moment but we take things a day at a time, grateful for each other, and grateful for the support from the team and the group here at Wakefield Hospice.”
Learn more about our Friday Wellbeing Sessions by clicking the button below.
Friday Wellbeing Sessions