CUPPA AND A CHAT HELP ELLENOR PATIENTS COPE WITH ADVANCED ILLNESS

by | Aug 30, 2019 | Dartford Charities, Dartford News, Health, Welfare, Where to go locally

We all know how good it can be to chat over a cuppa – especially during tough times.  When you are living with a serious illness or a disability, it can be harder.  Let’s be honest, sometimes other people simply cannot understand what you are dealing with.

That is why ellenor hospice in Gravesend is introducing a new initiative ‘SOCIAL DROP-IN’ – an informal café to help adults and families living with a life-limiting or terminal condition to meet and chat over a cuppa.

Elizabeth Paska, ellenor Day Therapy patient: “Even when my condition is bad, coming to ellenor makes me feel positive about my life. The people I meet here are strong mentally, and we all support one another through difficult times”.

The first session will be held on Friday 6 September from 10am to 12 noon at ellenor hospice Coldharbour Road Gravesend, with following sessions taking place every Friday on a weekly basis. The Social Drop-in will be led by ellenor’s Wellbeing team and will also be supported by healthcare assistants and trained volunteers.

 “Studies have shown the importance of social support helping patients and carers cope better with a long term illness.  We wanted to design sessions that would be relaxed, conversational and informative where participants can share their feelings and challenges and discuss services that provide further help and support.

So many people wrongly think that hospices are simply places to die.  We find that there is plenty to live for so sessions are open to patients currently under ellenor’s care or those exploring the possibility of hospice care for themselves in the future.  We offer a safe and supportive environment and hope that the Social Drop-ins will help to dispel some of the myths around hospice care” says Dr Russ Hargreaves, ellenor Head of Wellbeing.

The Social Drop-in sessions are open to adults with a life-limiting condition and sessions are free of charge.  Café Verde will be open from 10am offering a selection of cakes, sandwiches and hot food.

For further details of the Social Drop-in sessions please contact our Wellbeing Team on info@ellenor.org or call 01474 320007.

Sourdough Bread – Stanhill Farm

We are pleased to announce that from the middle of April we will have sourdough bread available! Produced locally by baker, Sourdough Mikate, we will be offering a range of nine different varieties of sourdough bread. Sourdough has been requested by many customers...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET JOSH ATKINSON

Dartford hosted Folkestone Invicta at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday. Josh Atkinson featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONEJosh Atkinson was promoted into the Dartford First Team,...

Local Sport round up

By Rebecca Shafford Dartford Harriers:  The Dartford Half Marathon -  On the 2nd March was the iconic and challenging Dartford Half marathon!  For the second time Dartford Harriers partnered with RunThrough.co.uk who organised the event amazingly.  1177...

IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME …

Depressed by the dull weather recently, I became demotivated, tired, and definitely not nice to live with. This manifested itself as the ‘What If Blues’. It’s a dangerous phrase often leading to introspection and dissatisfaction with yourself. Who hasn’t asked...

Indulgent Rail Journeys: Exploring the World in Unmatched Luxury

Traveling by train evokes a sense of timeless elegance and adventure, especially aboard some of the world’s most luxurious rail journeys. For those seeking indulgence, the following rail experiences offer not only breathtaking landscapes but also impeccable service...

Remote work culture is here to stay, believe Dartford residents.

By Qashish Dhiraj Mehta In the world of remote work, your office is wherever your creativity feels most inspired. In recent times, the concept of remote work has gained significant traction across the globe, with the UK being one of the leading nations taking on this...

Local Author launches new book about Hitler’s Heroes During Operation Barbarossa

The first of a series of four titles that between them will feature all of the Knight’s Crosses awarded on the Eastern Front Full explanations of the action or actions leading to the granting of the awards Covers the period up to the end of Operation Barbarossa,...

Dartford Trampoline Club Bounces On!

By Fay Sargent Fifty years ago, my whole family attended the Dartford YMCA several times each week at the top of West Hill. While my Dad coached the boys club football team and Mum ran the tuck shop, my brothers were on the judo mat, and so I snuck into the trampoline...

A family-run children’s clothing shop closes after more than two decades trading.

Debra Winter, who runs Little N's Baby Boutique, says it was a difficult decision triggered by an increase in costs, including parking costs. Her store at the Priory Shopping Centre in Dartford, has been kitting out children in adorable outfits since May 2003. Debra...

DATE AND ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR DARTFORD PRIDE 2025

Orchard West in Partnership with Dartford Borough Council, presents Dartford Pride 2025! Sat 28 June Main event 1pm – 7pm | After Party Silent Disco 8pm – 11pm DARTFORD PRIDE is back! BIGGER and PROUDER than ever!  Everyone is welcome to this fantastic event,...