Discover the care and support we offer
We provide Hospice care & support to patients and their loved ones living in Kent and East Sussex. Learn more about how we can help you.
I was married to Keith for 68 years and we were soulmates. He was a real family man, he absolutely adored his children, and his grandchildren were his life. We had quite an active life and travelled a lot to various countries, including living in New Zealand for three odd years.
When he suddenly became ill, the doctors suggested that we should think about coming to a hospice, and I was worried about whether Keith would want to do that. But I asked him, and we found ourselves in Living Well at Hospice in the Weald.
The friendship here just envelops you and it doesn’t matter how you feel when you walk in – when you walk out you feel ten feet taller. The staff and volunteers welcome you with open arms, they care about you and think of you.
Some people find it very scary because they say you go to a hospice to die, but really, you go there to find peace. Coming to Living Well took that fear away for us, it was a second home for Keith, and he knew he was surrounded by help and comfort.
In Living Well, we did reflexology, hand massage, singing, and I joined Keith in doing some seated exercise, but I mainly wanted to let him do that alone so he could socialise with other people. We also joined the Gathering and both of us got a lot out of it. We do have a faith, and we were so pleased to listen, be part of it and hear other people’s problems. It made us realise how many people are suffering and getting so much from receiving the Hospice’s support.
After Keith died and I came here, everybody threw their arms around me and made sure I was okay. Gradually I started doing ceramics which I’d never done before. I like to paint, and I’d been dying to do some art!
Also, you meet a lot of other people and make friends. Both Keith and I have done that, and I think I’ve made an awful lot more since I’ve been on my own. Living Well is my safe space.
The thought of coming to a hospice can be scary, but I’d encourage people to hang in there. They will be amazed at the love and help that they will get when they come. You start to feel safe; you come here and feel the warmth and the love.
