The Living Well Centre gives people with life-limiting conditions, and their carers, the opportunity to spend an enjoyable, activity based or relaxing day at the Hospice. Laughter and chatter can often be heard from our guests who attend the Living Well Centre.
The Living Well Centre gives people with life-limiting conditions, and their carers, the opportunity to spend an enjoyable, activity based or relaxing day at the Hospice. Laughter and chatter can often be heard from our guests who attend the Living Well Centre. We work with guests attending Living Well Centre to learn about their individual needs and develop a personalised programme of support. This is usually for an initial 12 week period and is based on individual aims and goals.
Those attending can take part in a range of activities. These may help manage symptoms, improve mobility and independence. Guests can access therapeutic care and physiotherapy. Some sessions are one-to-one and others are delivered as part of a group. Once guests have achieved their goals our teams can help plan for continued care in the community.
It really isn't what you expect it to be like. Just give it a go. It's changed my life coming here, and could change yours for the better too.
The Sycamore Room is a large bright airy space with wooden floors, soft furnishings and lots of windows for natural light. We use this space for cognitive stimulation therapy and Namaste group sessions.
The Hub is a great space for a good chat. The room has lots of modern sofas, cosy chairs and plenty of side tables to rest a cuppa and biscuit on. Natural light pours in from the large ceiling windows.
We have a dedicated gym space for gentle exercise groups.
We have treatment rooms for blood transfusions on a calm quiet space.
Gallery
I had no idea what this place would be like. I thought it would be all doom and gloom but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The staff and volunteers are incredible and everyone is so positive. The place is full of laughter.
Therapy groups currently on offer:
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) – CST is a type of treatment for people with mild to moderate dementia. This seven week program supports people with a dementia diagnosis to take a trip down memory lane and to participate in activities that encourage thought processes and social interaction.
- Strength and Balance – the exercises covered during this six week program are particularly important for those who have had a period in hospital, a recent fall or feel they are losing strength and mobility.
- Fatigue, Anxiety & Breathlessness (FAB) – an eight-week course led by our Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist, encouraging people to make positive changes to cope with tiredness, anxious feelings and feelings of breathlessness.
- Health & Wellbeing Group - six weeks covering areas such as relaxation, meditation, self-care and general well-being. We will look at anxiety and fatigue, and how to manage this in day-to-day life. Also, practical things such as falls prevention and managing medications. There will be gentle, simple craft activities and group support as well as drinks and biscuits!
- Seasonal Creations Group – a group for people of all abilities to create seasonal craft items or take part in seasonal activities. This could include making bird feeders, painting terracotta pots and planting seeds. These activities have benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being, including reduced anxiety and improved social interaction.
Find out more
We've included a few of our leaflets which give you more information on some of the sessions we have on offer in the Living Well Centre. Click the links to download them below.
Who can attend?
We welcome guests to attend at all stages of their illness; when newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with symptoms of their illness and when requiring specialist care and advice. Referrals to The Living Well Centre can be made by any healthcare professional. There is no charge for our care thanks to donations, legacies, events and other gifts. Our generous community of supporters cover over 60% of our running costs, meaning St Cuthbert’s Hospice care is free to all who need it.
Information about referrals
We are currently open to referrals for the Living Well Centre
When making a new referral please provide specific information about the needs of the patient you are referring and any specific intervention that is required. This will help us to triage patients appropriately.
Patients can be referred by any health care professional at any stage of diagnosis. Our care is free and available to adults in County Durham. If you’d like to discuss a referral please call 0191 386 1170.
Dementia Care
We sadly no longer offer a Dementia Service, though many of our Living Well Centre groups are dementia friendly and the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is designed with people who have dementia in mind.
The National Dementia UK helpline is: 0800 888 6678 and email: helpline@dementiauk.org
Local Information:
Dementia Advisor Service
The Dementia Advisor Service in County Durham offers support, advice and information to people living with dementia/memory problems, their families and carers. Dementia Advisors can:
- give you information about what to do if you have a diagnosis of dementia
- give you information about memory loss or dementia
- help you to find and access local services
- help you to plan for the future
Durham County Carers Support
If you care for someone with dementia, Durham County Carers Support can help with information about services to help you look after yourself.
Alzheimer’s Society
For support in County Durham please call 0191 389 0400. If you are working with someone who would like dementia advice and support, please use the Alzheimer’s Society: referral form to refer to the dementia advice and support service.
Email: durhamandchester@alzheimers.org.uk
Durham dementia support from Helping Hands
We provide home care on a visiting or live-in basis and all of our carers are dementia experts, thanks to the superb training that they receive with us. If you’d like to learn more about how we could be supporting you, please call the friendly home care in Durham team today.
Contact us
If you would like more information about attending or would like to arrange to have a little look around, please call 0191 386 1170 option 3.
We’d love to hear from you.
Refer to The Living Well Centre
To make a referral please download the form below and return it to:
