Rehab and Wellbeing
Providing rehabilitative palliative care and wellbeing services to people across our community with life-limiting conditions.
Our passionate Rehab and Wellbeing team will support you to maintain skills, confidence and optimise your quality of life, enabling you to live well with your diagnosis and do the things in life you enjoy. We support with symptom control issues, provide rehabilitation and social opportunities in an environment that is friendly, welcoming and relaxed.
All our services are free of charge.
Where are Rehab and Wellbeing services held?
Our services are based in the Silver Birch room at Garden House Hospice Care, Gillison Close, Letchworth, SG6 1QU. This room is accessible via the main hospice entrance.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Your GP or other healthcare professional you are connected with can refer you to our services using our professional referral form, or you can self-refer (see next section).
Can I self-refer?
If you have a diagnosis of a life-limiting condition, you can refer yourself by calling us on 01462 679540 (option 2) or by emailing gh.hospice@nhs.net. Alternatively, you are very welcome to drop-in to one of our Wellbeing Hubs to talk with a member of staff directly. Please also get back in touch if you have already been known to our Rehab and Wellbeing team and wish to reconnect for a review of your needs.
What happens at my first appointment?
At your pre-booked appointment with one of our experienced healthcare professionals, we will ask you how your condition impacts on your day-to-day life, and discuss the things that are important to you in your life. We will complete a holistic assessment of your current emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing.
Our team will work with you to create your individualised treatment plan, with a focus on your goals, priorities and future wishes. Sessions or groups will be recommended for you to attend. You are most welcome to bring a family member, friend or carer with you to this first appointment.
Will I need to arrange transport?
Yes, you will need to arrange your own transport to access our site. We can provide you with contact details should you need to organise assisted transport.
Is there parking on-site?
Yes, we have free parking available at both the Hospice and Ernest Gardiner Treatment Centre, including disabled bays.
Meet the team
Lucy Heaps
Rehab and Wellbeing Manager
Althea Steenberg
Physiotherapist
Kirstie Pollard
Occupational Therapist
Claire Dollery
Occupational Therapist
Alice Boulton
Therapy and Wellbeing Assistant
Andrea Murauskas
Therapy and Wellbeing Assistant
How can we support you?
Our wellbeing and rehabilitation services are focused on promoting self-care and improving or maintaining your sense of wellbeing. If you would like to self-refer for one of our day services or find out more, please contact the Rehab and Wellbeing team on 01462 679540 opt 2. Regular face-to-face sessions and groups we currently offer include:
Strength and Balance - Monday 10-11am
A weekly class for individuals to focus on lower limb muscle strength along with exercises to enhance your balance.
Movement Monday - Monday 1.30-3.30pm
These weekly sessions are run by the Therapy team and supported by experienced volunteers. We can offer you an individualised exercise programme that helps you to achieve your own personal goals. Home exercise advice is also available.
Wellbeing Through Nature - Tuesday 1.30-3pm
This is a seasonal group designed to promote quality of life and wellbeing through nature related activities. These might include planting seeds, potting on plants or simply taking a walk in our beautiful garden. People living with a life-limiting illness could benefit in the following ways:
- Social interaction
- Improved strength and balance
- Increased dexterity
Connecting with nature has also been proven to have a positive benefit on health and wellbeing.
Education on Falls Prevention, Breathlessness and Fatigue - Wednesday 11am-12pm
Three self-management education sessions run by our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, providing advice and guidance on falls prevention, techniques on managing symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue.
Seated Yoga and Sound Healing - Wednesday 6-7pm
Help improve your flexibility and strength by taking part in this seated yoga session along with enjoying the relaxing sounds of sound healing.
Neuro Support Group - Thursday 9.30-10.30am
Space and time designated to our community members living with advanced neurological conditions, for example Motor Neurone Disease. Take part in a range of bespoke exercises designed for you to help maintain strength and range of movement.
Create and Relax - Thursday 11am-12.15pm
Enjoy learning a new art skill together while listening to calming music and enjoying the support from other group members and staff. This group is open to all artistic abilities.
Meditation - At your leisure
Our series of three meditations are available online to practice in the comfort of your own home. They are to be taken as one whole process, gently guiding the mind and relaxing the body. While this simplest of processes takes place, we naturally balance our inner environment, reaching the end of the meditation feeling more still, calm and aligned with our world.
Tai Chi - Coming soon
Tai chi is about strengthening and flexibility, and active relaxation for the body and mind. It helps improve balance, gain muscle strength and supports with controlling breathing which support those with various conditions such as COPD and Parkinson's. There is also a lot of evidence that it reduces falls in older adults. As well as the physical benefits, tai chi also teaches you to focus what's happening inside you, both physically and mentally.
referrals
Rehab & Wellbeing activities
Tai Chi attendees
