AFTER three years of fundraising and planning, North Devon Hospice’s new outreach centre opened in Holsworthy last Thursday.

The Long House Centre was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

North Devon Hospice launched an appeal to build The Long House in 2014, and the centre will help provide more care and support to people in the area, despite concerns for the future of beds at Holsworthy Community Hospital.

The Long House will act as a base for the hospice’s community nurse specialists and consultant doctor to offer more care closer to home.

Primarily it will offer emotional support well-being support to local patients and their families. This includes one-to-one counselling, bereavement support and complementary therapies.

Stephen Roberts, North Devon Hospice Chief Executive, said The Long House has been created to provide a ‘sanctuary’ for people going through ‘the toughest of times’.

He said: “Three years ago we saw a gap in end-of-life care for the community of Holsworthy and the surrounding area. There was a real need to provide more emotional support to patients and families who are affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Travelling to our main hospice base in Barnstaple was just too much for most people, so to make sure we met patient’s wishes, The Long House has been created as a sanctuary for those going through the toughest of times.”

Mandy Redgrove, head of Supportive Care at the hospice, said: “This is a very special place, designed to offer people a refuge from what they are dealing with. We support people affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, but we are here for all the family, not just the patient. So people who are going through a very tough time can seek solace here. Some people may have an idea of what they think a hospice building might be like, but we’d love to show the local community what a peaceful, uplifting and homely environment they’ve helped us to create.”

Those looking to find out more about the services the hospice will offer can attend an open day on Saturday, September 12 or Saturday, September 19, from 10am to 4pm.

Be sure to pick up this week's edition of the Post for full coverage from the opening, and a round-up of the area's news and sport.