In addition to Day Hospice, we also run various 'speciality groups'.  These are formed and dissolved according to the needs of the patient population, providing targetted support. 

If we identify that group work might be beneficial to a particular group (such as younger men, women with young children etc) we consider setting up a group to meet their specific needs.

Groups can have a structured approach to how they work - with a programme for each time the group meets; or be very much patient-directed - when decisions are made on the day about what will be the focus of that day's activity or discussion. 

Groups may have input from staff and/or be more peer-support groups - and the focus can vary according to what the group believes is required on the day.  Each group meets regularly but the frequency and duration of the group can vary.

For example we currently have a group running whose members consist of women who are living with the challenges of integrating their treatment with family and work life.  The group makes collective decisions on what they wish to focus on that day and meets fortnightly in term-time only.  One of the motivations for this group is that members provide support to each other (peer-support) and they share experiences between themselves so that all may benefit. 

Within the group some activities may make you think, or do things, differently or perhaps lead you to see a problem in a different light.

Some people have not experienced groups in the past and here is what people have said about our groups:

'it's really helpful to be with people who have experienced the same problems and to hear from them how they coped'

'it's been challenging but it's been helpful'

'I feel anxious before attending the group but when I am leaving I realise how much better I feel (having been there)'

You may be offered to join a group if the team feels this would be of benefit to you and your care.