Support at The Long House has helped him find solace and a community of like-minded people
“I didn’t have any idea of what it meant to come to a hospice. I thought it was a place for those who are going to die. But it’s not like that at all. The staff and the patients all feel like one big happy family.”
Colin Averall was diagnosed with secondary bone cancer in June last year. Far from seeing this as a life sentence, it has proved to be an opportunity for him to make friends and come out of his shell, thanks to the support of North Devon Hospice.
He now accesses a range of support close to home at The Long House, the hospice’s purpose-built outreach centre in Holsworthy, which Colin says he enjoys immensely.
“The camaraderie here is fantastic, everybody seems like a big family,” said Colin, after receiving a relaxing massage from one of the hospice’s complementary therapists. “I’m a very private man and keep myself to myself, but this place has made me more relaxed and brought me out of my shell. I’ve made friends here without a doubt, and we can help each other out and talk about our illnesses. People here are in the same boat, so they know what you’re talking about, they know about your medication and how tired you may be feeling.”
As well as making friends among other people who are in the same situation, Colin also accesses a range of support at The Long House including massage, mindfullness sessions and a workshop called Tracks of My Years. “We did a course looking at music which is meaningful to us, which our family could listen to and think ‘that’s Dad.’ I made a CD with 12 songs that relate to my family and found that a really great experience.” said Colin.
Far from finding a grim or drab atmosphere at the hospice’s Long House, Colin instead discovered somewhere warm and uplifting. “I was surprised by how upbeat this place is. When you say the word ‘hospice’ people might think of somewhere you go to die, but it’s not like that at all. There are people here who are going to live years and enjoy the benefits of hospice support all that time.”
Colin added, “It’s a very lively place and the staff and volunteers make you feel at home. Everyone has a laugh and you can laugh about yourself as well. Rather than just being miserable about the illness that you’ve got you can laugh about it, which is amazing.”
For more information about how to access the care and support offered by North Devon Hospice, either speak to your GP or find our more on our website.
