It has been one year since Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, based at Longthorpe, launched its virtual day services programme to support people living with a neurological condition to stay safe and independent at home.

Since then a team of three hospice staff, three volunteers and virtual guest speakers have delivered 260 hours of virtual quizzes, 208 hours of chair-based exercises, 156 hours of virtual complementary therapy, 70 hours of arts and crafts, 52 hours of relaxation and meditation and 52 hours of writing for wellbeing, in addition to one to one support as needed to support members individually.

One member said: “These sessions have become my lifeline,” while another added, “It picks me up on my sad days and makes me laugh on my good ones.”

Another member said, “I have met new people and am really enjoying it. It is something to look forward to" while another shared it was an “absolutely essential service that I could not live without."

The passionate team behind the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice virtual day service, headed up by Jo Hazell, is keen to make a difference to more people in the region.

Jo said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the fantastic feedback we have received from our members and everything we have achieved together in the year since the service’s launch.

“But we have more care to give and space to support more people. That’s why we’re reaching out to anyone in the local community who lives with a neurological condition – or anyone who might be caring for or supporting them – to get in touch and find out more about what we do.

“We can invite you along for free taster sessions so you can take part in the virtual sessions and therapies yourself.

“Or if you’re a GP, specialist nurse or carer and want to find out more about how the service could help someone in your care please contact us to register for a webinar with the team, so we can tell you more about what we can do. Our healthcare professionals’ webinar will take place in March, with more details to be shared soon."

Through the service’s online eight week programme people will be able to access Sue Ryder experts specialising in holistic care and enjoy exercise, complementary therapy and relaxation sessions alongside opportunities to socialise and take part interactive activities such as quizzes, art and poetry and listen to guest speakers.

So versatile are the virtual sessions that one patient was even able to continue their therapies and sessions while away on holiday.

The service is available to anyone living with neurological conditions such as MND, MS, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, dementia or following a stroke in Peterborough, Rutland, Stamford, The Fens, Warmington, Ramsey, Bourne, March, The Deepings, Whittlesey, Wisbech and Huntingdonshire.

For more information on Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/thorpehall