The Hospice provides a variety of services. For people who require relief from their illnesses or who need care at the end of their life, Leckhampton Court Hospice offers inpatient care that combines physical, psychological and social support. Their Day Hospice provides access to a range of therapies and activities on a 12 week programme which focuses on assessments, rehabilitation and day treatments. The Fatigue and Breathlessness Management Group is run over five-weeks, each session lasting two hours. The group works to find the individual balances between activity and relaxation in order to manage and find a sense of control of fatigue.

Sue Ryder’s Hospice at Home is a service that offers practical support to assist patients who wish to stay in their own homes. The service is easily accessible and, with connections to local health and social care professionals, it is able to offer high standard emotional support as well as appropriate nursing support through night and day.

In order to support the families of patients, Sue Ryder has introduced a bereavement programme which offers continued support via telephone or personal interaction. Meeting every second Wednesday of the month, the hospice also holds a carers’ support group.

The hospice additionally provides education that promotes the use of palliative care to health professionals. Leckhampton Court also takes part in regular training to keep updated with the best care for our community. They also deliver training that increases knowledge, skills and confidence of staff and students across the local area, including an Assessment and Symptom Control Day.

Numerous events are held across the country from bike rides and Starlight Hikes to festive singing sessions and other sports events. Annually, Sue Ryder holds the Lights of Love event at St Matthews Church in Cheltenham, welcome to all at Christmas time and held in the memory of loved ones.

The hospice is constantly in need of community support, and the volunteering scheme is one way to contribute. Opportunities can include being part of the befriending service, the Prison Volunteer Programme and volunteer positions for those aged between 14 and 25. Visit the Sue Ryder website to search for volunteer roles in your area or for more information on the volunteer programmes.

Leckhampton Court offers many different ways to fundraise or donate to Sue Ryder. One way is to become a ‘Friend’ to the hospice by making regular contributions. As part of the group, Friends of the Hospice receive regular updates, invitations to an annual ‘thank you’ evening and a complementary ticket to Sue Ryder’s Autumn Fayre. For more information on making regular gifts to the hospice, please contact Zoe Travis by email or on 01242 246285. Donations can also be made in lieu of flowers at a funeral, tribute funds or gifts in a will.