PATIENTS, families, staff and volunteers have been sharing what makes our hospices so special - as part of a national campaign running this week.

Hospice Care Week runs from Monday, October 9 to Sunday, 15.

Last year, Weldmar Hospicecare helped 2,451 people across Dorset.

It also earned an ‘Outstanding’ report from the Care Quality Commission.

Just over a thousand of the 2,451 were patients’ loved ones, as Weldmar offers counselling, therapies and other types of support. For children, Weldmar’s support often extends over years.

The majority of patients are supported in their own homes by Weldmar’s Community Nurses - specialists in complex palliative cases. Nurse Noreen Reid said: “I give patients choice in what they want to do with the time they have left. It’s a lovely job – you can literally change someone’s life.”
Some patients receive art therapy, where they can tell their life stories, create things and explore their feelings through art and writing. 

Diana Davis, from Watton, near Bridport, has motor neurone disease and receives art therapy at home. She said: “It takes your mind off things, and makes me feel I am achieving something.”

Much of Weldmar’s care is given in the community – as the charity runs weekly day services in the community hospitals in Bridport, Blandford and Sherborne, as well as in Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester and Trimar Hospice in Weymouth. 

One day services patient, Linda Walsh, 69, from Preston, said: “The cancer is never far from your mind and when I’m here doing art it goes away.”

Another, Brenda Webster from Pimperne, said: “After three weeks or so I was driving home and suddenly felt uplifted. I thought, ‘Oh, it works then…’”

All this outstanding care costs £8million a year and, as the NHS funding is less than 25 per cent of that figure, Weldmar relies on its fundraising, donations, and its 20 shops and six large outlet stores.

You can help by volunteering, donating, holding events or including Weldmar in your will. There are many vacancies for volunteers, with roles to suit everyone. 

Volunteer Mel King said: “I love working here, with the fundraising team beavering away. There's a real feeling of camaraderie and dedication. They’re lovely.”

To find out more about Weldmar, how it supports Dorset’s community – and how you can support Weldmar – visit their website at weld-hospice.org.uk or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/weldmar