Several courses are run throughout the year

Positive Steps is a course for people living with a life-shortening condition and their carers to the Hospice. The course talks about fatigue and stress management, relaxation, information on diet and nutrition, advice and self-help techniques which may help to manage symptoms.

Have you or someone you care for been diagnosed with a terminal illness?

Are you looking for a support group for patients or carers?

We run ‘Positive Steps’ courses six times a year to introduce people with life-limiting conditions and their carers to the Hospice and signpost them to other support services in the North East. The sessions help dispel the myths around palliative care and show we offer more than just end of life care.

The course covers a range of practical topics including: advice and information on diet and nutrition; fatigue, stress and sleep management; relaxation; a taste of complementary therapy.

Positive Steps aims to help improve quality of life and give people the opportunity to talk to people in similar situations. Sessions also introduce patients and their carers to different staff members at St Oswald’s and there is an opportunity to learn about other hospice services.

The sessions are open to men and women of all ages, who are living with a life-limiting condition. Patients can bring along a friend or carer, who may also benefit from support and advice. People who have attended the group in the past have told us how much they benefit from peer support. It has also been an opportunity to explore topics that people find difficult to speak about with friends and family.

The course is very relaxed and informal with an unlimited supply of tea and coffee.

“3When we walked through the doors of the Outpatient Suite for the first time it was like someone had wrapped a blanket around us – it was a great relief.

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