North Northumberland Hospice, through the use of professional staff and compassionate, trained volunteers provides all services free of charge to patients and their families living with life threatening illness. Day Care We have two centres, one at Berwick and one at Alnwick.   We offer facilities for 10 patients per session at each centre and provide care and support in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We offer a varied programme which includes complementary therapies and psychological support as well as various creative activities. Opportunities also exist for group and individual discussion. Nursing related procedures such as changing dressings can be accommodated. The aim of the day hospice is to help you to adjust to a difficult diagnosis and changing lifestyle. Each person is encouraged to plan their own day to suit their individual requirements. A relative or friend may want to bring you. Alternatively, one of our volunteer drivers will collect and return you to your home. You will need to bring your own medication and any special equipment. The Day Hospice is staffed by a Macmillan Sister, two Staff Nurses and Day Care Assistant.  They work closely with other professionals involved in your care. Our specially trained volunteers help with the running of the day, meals and activities Lymphoedema This service is offered on a Clinic basis on a Monday at both our centres on an appointment system. You will be seen by a qualified professional and your Lymphoedema will be assessed and a treatment plan negotiated with you then treated through compression garments along with teaching massage techniques with the aim of helping to improve the quality of life for sufferers.   An important part of the treatment is to provide you with information and self help skills to help you manage your own condition. Bereavement When someone close to us dies we may have many different feelings. The pain of grief may make us feel sad, angry, lonely, guilty and helpless .Trained volunteers are available to visit and offer a supportive relationship to those suffering from Bereavement. Support Groups The aim of this service is to provide friendship and support within an informal group setting for people who are experiencing life threatening illness. We hold two groups per month, one at Marsden House, Berwick on the first Monday of the month with the other at Castleside House, Alnwick on the second Monday of the month. Professional support for the groups is facilitated by a Macmillan Nurse Out Reach This service allows carers to have time out whilst providing practical and social help for the patient. In addition to this service we also provide transport for patients to assist them with shopping, outings etc.. It is hoped this services will provide a fresh interest to the patient, with a break to the carer, giving both renewed energy to cope with their joint situation. We want to help you live your life to the full. This time can be offered to allow a carer to attend the carer Support group. Carer Support Groups We offer carers’ support on an appointment basis. These appointments offer an opportunity for discussion with our Macmillan Nurse or Social Worker to give assistance with coping strategies and information. They are offered to anyone caring for relatives with a life threatening 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. Headstrong Offering support for people facing hair loss through cancer treatment. You will be offered an individual appointment with a trained Breast Cancer Care volunteer in a comfortable, relaxing and confidential setting.  At a Headstrong appointment, you will be able to try on a range of hats, scarves and hairpieces. Learn how to tie scarves in a variety of styles. Pick up practical tips on hair loss and scalp care before, during and after treatment. Talk through any concerns you may have about your hair . Complementary therapies Complementary Therapies are natural therapies which can be used in conjunction with orthodox medicine and nursing care. The North Northumberland Hospice offers: Aromatherapy; Reflexology; Massage; Relaxation. All our complementary therapists work to agreed standards which have been drawn up by the North Northumberland Hospice. 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. Information about our services If you require any further information about any of our Services please get in contact