AS THE Long House in Holsworthy celebrates its third anniversary, and in conjunction with Hospice Care Week, North Devon Hospice is sharing stories about how its care has an impact in the local community, while dispelling some common myths and misconceptions.

Opened in the autumn of 2015, The Long House became North Devon Hospice’s first outreach centre. The idea was to provide care and support closer to home, for Holsworthy residents who would otherwise face a two-hour round trip to the main hospice base in Barnstaple.

Since then over 3,500 sessions of care have been delivered to local people.

Brenda, a patient who has accessed various care and support at The Long House, said: “I was apprehensive to begin with. I wasn’t keen on telling everyone how I am and what’s going on.

“I’m very glad I came though, I think it’s lovely. I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie, knowing that other people feel the same as me.”

The building hosts a range of activities, which are designed to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support to those facing a life-limiting illness. But it’s not just for the patient, the whole family is supported at The Long House.

Anita’s husband has a cancer diagnosis, and her role as carer brought its own difficulties. She has accessed support at The Long House and calls it a ‘sanctuary’.

She said: “My community nurse specialist from the hospice first told me about The Long House. She said I could leave my husband here in safe hands and have a bit of time for myself. But I actually use it more than he does! It’s a surprise that I want to be here so much, but it’s just a very peaceful sanctuary.”

Words like ‘sanctuary’ may not be the first thing that come to many people’s minds when they think about a hospice. But those who know first-hand say that they don’t find the sullen or depressing atmosphere that they feared, but a space that is warm, welcoming and often full of laughter.

Pat is another who had reservations about coming to The Long House: “When my daughter told me about this place I thought, ‘Oh no, I’m not going there!’ I always thought it was for older people, just sitting around. But from the first day it’s been absolutely fantastic.”

The range of services on offer is vast, as Charlie Bond, from the hospice’s supportive care team, explains: “As The Long House enters its fourth year it’s clear that a number of services are very popular. Complementary therapies and wellbeing days are always well-subscribed. We also run sessions of gentle exercise and mindfulness meditation, which sit alongside a regular patients’ group.”

She added: “But in amongst these regular events we run other sessions that give people the opportunity to come together, to share stories, memories and things that are important to us. One recent example from our current programme of events is a session called ‘A Few of My Favourite Things’.

“Each week people come with an item that is precious from their life, and share the story behind it. In hearing these stories, the group have shared their lives, families, hopes and dreams.”

So far more than 500 people have received support at The Long House. The North Devon Hospice shop on The Square in Holsworthy helps to fund the care and support offered at The Long House — it is the most profitable of all the hospice’s shops.

As The Long House celebrates its third anniversary, and looks back on the 3,500 sessions of care provided in that time, it is worth remembering that such support is only possible thanks to the generosity of local people.

To find out how to get involved locally, to support the work of North Devon Hospice at The Long House, call the fundraising team on 01271 347232 or visit northdevonhospice.org.uk