Hospice care is vital and Dove House are highlighting the importance of their role in the community this #hospicecareweek by expanding its much-loved and in demand Friday Friends group that helps beat social isolation. The community group is for adults in Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire who want to meet new friends, enjoy conversation, take part in activities and games, or relax in a different environment. You don’t need to have been to Dove House before, or know anyone who has, all are welcome.

Due to the demand of their afternoon group, 1pm – 3pm, Dove House are launching their breakfast session of Friday Friends on Friday 6th October, 10am – 1 2pm. They will both continue to be at the Amy Johnson Unit Community Hub at Dove House on Chamberlain Road, Hull, HU8 8DH.

Harry, whose wife was cared for at Dove House shares his story in support of the hospice. He regularly attends Friday Friends and openly talks about the difference it has made to his life.

Harry shared: “Karen came to Dove House for pain management and at every step of her journey they treat her like a human being, not a number and not an illness. They took the time to get to know her and really cared for her wellness despite the fact she was dying.”

“I mentioned to the nurse how lovely it was that day and she instantly told me they could take Karen’s bed out into the garden for her to be able to enjoy the day too. I couldn’t believe it. The doors in her room opened and within hours of being at the hospice she was outside in nature.”

When Karen died I felt lost. Without Dove House I don’t know where I would have been. We spent our marriage planning for the years ahead of us and to have that suddenly taken away from us felt cruel.
 
“Thanks to the hospice I have found a like-minded group of friends who also lost their wives at similar times to me and we have certainly bonded. She introduced me to the Friday Friends group. Being back at the hospice brings me such comfort and talking to people like for like is a great help and more beneficial than anything.”

 

The hospice is pleased that with the breakfast session of Friday Friends launching it will be able to support more people in their local community like Harry.

Rebecca Brambles, Family Support Team Leader at Dove House had this to say: “We are delighted that we are able to expand Friday Friends to offer a breakfast session. This is a weekly highlight for attendees and for us to facilitate, it is a joy. For the day to be so popular just a year into being reinstated and expanding tells its own story. If you would like to meet others in a safe and welcoming space, please feel free to come along.”
The hospice is pleased that with the breakfast session of Friday Friends launching it will be able to support more people in their local community like Harry.

Gemma Hindley, Community Engagement Lead at Dove House had this to say: "As a new member of staff at Friday Friends, I was amazed by how welcoming everyone is and how much of a popular group it is with service users and staff. I am already proud of the group and very happy that we are expanding by offering a breakfast session. I am looking forward to welcoming members new and old to Friday sessions!"

To read more of Harry's story click here

To learn more about hospice Care Week click here 

To find out more about Friday Friends click here