It can be a great help to share difficulties with people who understand and to spend time with others in creative and inspiring ways.
Companionship, maintaining social contact with others, and avoiding the marginalisation often caused by a serious illness are important for both our patients and also for the team at the “Galilee”. The Day Care Centre provides an opportunity for people facing the challenges of a serious illness to spend their time creatively and to enjoy the company of others in a friendly and welcoming environment.
First opened in 2011, the centre is staffed by a team of trained volunteers who work alongside the hospice’s nursing team. Initially opened one day per week, it now runs a twice-weekly programme on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
If patients are not able to get to the day care centre our volunteers are able to provide transport.
The four-hour progamme includes opportunities for socialising over refreshments with other patients and volunteers and for sharing their concerns. Depending on the time of year the discussion may focus on an important festival, holiday, or event. Patients also take part in creative activities such as arts and crafts and narrating from their own personal experience. They also have the option to have a manicure or pedicure, a haircut, or receive a hydrotherapy treatment. The morning ends with a shared meal.
Aside from the structured programme of activities, patients benefit from the opportunity to socialise, to exchange opinions and to share their experiences and feelings.
The day care programme is held in a warm and light space, filled with displays of the arts and crafts made by the patients themselves.
Visiting groups of schoolchildren, students and artists often join in the programme, meeting the patients and volunteers over refreshments and taking part in communal singing and other activities.
Patients who attend the day care centre can also benefit from other services we provide, such as home care or a stay at the hospice if needed.
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