Our Saint Michael’s Wellbeing Network is partnering with Thirsk-based charity, Rural Arts, to offer creative opportunities for our patients to come together and share their experiences at our Share & Support sessions
Share & Support is a peer support group for patients, families and carers affected by terminal illness. Individuals are invited to come along to Crimple House for a relaxed coffee and chat with the chance to take part in therapeutic activities if they wish. It is part of our Wellbeing Network – a range of outpatient services offering physical, practical, emotional, social and spiritual support, tailored to people living with terminal illness across the Harrogate district.
Tom, who has attended all of the 12 Share & Support sessions, said: “I like to get out of the house and meet people, and coming to this group gives me a break during the week. It’s nice to talk to others who are in the same boat, and it helps me to relax, whilst I sit in an armchair, have coffee and biscuits and look at trains going over the bridge.”
Other members of the group shared how they didn’t know what to expect before they came to the first session, but they were pleasantly surprised by how it is run and the benefits of going. Many feel that chatting about life is hugely helpful and enjoy the quiet and informal support provided by our expert team on hand.
Community Artist, Joe Jordan, from Rural Arts, joins the Saint Michael’s Share & Support group to offer attendees the opportunity to take part in art and music activities, if they wish. The self-taught musician brought a special instrument to the group – a Handpan – which added soft, tranquil and welcoming sounds to the room.
Joe said: “It’s great that Rural Arts has partnered with Saint Michael’s, and it’s a beautiful thing to be able to help out at these sessions.
“People who come here often enjoy chatting about art and music which helps them to think about something other than their illness. I play my instrument for them to listen to and some even like to have a go at playing themselves!”
Joe Jordan, from Rural Arts, holding a Handpan which was played at our Share & Support group
We are grateful for the positive contribution that partnering organisations like Rural Arts bring to our care across our family of services, helping us continually develop our support and deliver positive experiences.
You can find out more about our Wellbeing Network, including details of our individual clinics at https://saintmichaelshospice.org/how-we-help/saint-michaels-wellbeing-network/.
