We are a community nurse-led service working in partnership with Primary Heathcare teams, Social Services, hospitals and other voluntary organisations. There is a range of services available, tailored and delivered to meet the individual's needs. We offer friendship, empathy and a safe place to talk about fears and hopes for the future, whether in the Hospice's welcoming and comfortable surroundings or in someone's own home. Our services include: Day Hospice Therapeutic Clinics Lymphoedema care Complementary therapies Carer Support Bereavement service Hospice at Home Day Hospice There are two day hospices, one in Alnwick and one in Berwick, which both offer care and support in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Patients are offered professional support and advice from the nursing team who are supported by volunteers. Whilst the nursing team addresses the patient's clinical need, such as emotional support, symptom control and nursing care, volunteers provide transport, serve meals and drinks, and activities such as arts and crafts. Complementary therapies are also available, including massage and relaxation, as well as peer support for patients. Whilst patients are cared for at the day hospice, carers are given the opportunity of some respite. Therapeutic Clinics Patients, families and carers can also access services on an appointment basis, if they prefer, as well as having the opportunity to drop in for a coffee and a chat. A programme of care and support is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and other professionals can be accessed such as a physiotherapist, Macmillan benefit advisers for financial advice, a lymphoedema nurse specialist, complementary therapist, and cognitive behaviour hypnotherapist. Hospicecare aims to help patients and carers to maintain a sense of well being and quality of life, whilst they adapt to their illness. Lymphoedema Care Hospicecare provides treatments for advanced lymphoedema and is the only service available North of Newcastle. Lymphoedema is a swelling caused by failure or damage to the lymphatic system somewhere in the body. Hospicecare's service gives patients a programme of care and advice on skin care, self massage and exercises which will help their condition. Some patients require compression garments and more intensive treatment, such as a course of specialist massage and bandaging to reduce the swelling. As swelling can cause considerable physical and psychological distress, a very important part of the service involves listening to and discussing the patient's worries and concerns. Complementary therapies Complementary Therapies are natural therapies which can be used in conjunction with orthodox medicine and nursing care. The HospiceCare North Northumberland offers: Aromatherapy Reflexology Massage Relaxation Reiki All our complementary therapists work to agreed standards which have been drawn up by HospiceCare North Northumberland. Our therapists have all gained a recognised qualification in the therapy which they offer. They have a professional Code of Practice to which they adhere. Carer Support We offer carers' support on an appointment basis. These appointments offer an opportunity for discussion with a member of our clinical team to give assistance with coping strategies and information. They are offered to anyone caring for relatives with a life limiting disease. Complementary Therapy can be provided by appointment. We can arrange for someone to sit with your relative whilst you attend the support appointment if this is needed or you may wish to attend with your relative. Bereavement Our Bereavement Support Service is open to all, including those who have not had any previous contact with the Hospice. The service is delivered by trained and skilled volunteers who have a knowledge and understanding of the physical and emotional pain which people experience when grieving. The volunteers are not trained counsellors but provide a supportive "listening ear" either in someone's home or at the Hospice as a one to one appointment. The number of appointments and the length of time offered is matched to each person's individual need. Hospice at Home Our Hospice at Home service provides care and support to patients and their families in their own homes.  The Hospice at Home team, who dedicate themselves to providing this service, are skilled and experienced Health Care Assistants who work in partnership with other health and social care providers such as PACH (Palliative Care at Home), District Nurses, family Doctors, Oncologists, Social Services and other care agencies to provide the essential care and support needed to help people stay in the comfort of their own home. The timing of care and support delivered is tailored around the needs of the patient and family/carer putting those who matter at the centre of what we do. So if a carer needs to have a decent night's sleep support is provided overnight, or during the day giving the carer 'their' time to go out and do what they want to do. Hospice at Home is also very much about supporting those who wish to die at home. This might involve providing the care at short notice to facilitate rapid discharge from hospital, as well as being there when a patient's condition begins to deteriorate. Our professional Hospice at Home team is supported by volunteers who also play a valuable role by providing complementary therapies in the home or simply being with the patient whilst their carer goes shopping or to the hairdresser. Information about our services If you need any further information about any of our Services please get contact us on 01665 606515.