Worcestershire men living life-limiting illnesses were welcomed to a recent training session with Worcester Wolves to discover more about basketball.
The men, who are all supported by St Richard’s Hospice, took time out to meet some of the players at the University of Worcester Arena in Hylton Road in the city.
The visit was part of a programme of activities and visits by the Men’s Space group of patients. The group offers men the space under the care of the hospice the opportunity to take time out, go on visits, listen to guest speakers and share their experiences with others.
Group members can be given support from other St Richard’s services if they think they will be helpful, including benefits advice, counselling, complementary therapies and time with specialist doctors and nurses.
Matt Jackson from the St Richard’s Family Support Team said, “The group had a great visit to meet the Wolves and watch them in action. As usual when they get together, the time they spend is full of laughter, support for each other and a focus on living well with their illness.”
He added, “we would like to say a big thank you to the Worcester Wolves for spending time with us and giving the group an insight into the world of basketball.”
Lucy Caden, Marketing and Communications Manager of the Worcester Wolves said, “The Men’s Space group were a great bunch of guys, we spent the whole time laughing and joking. You can clearly see how the Men’s Space programme is positively impacting the local group and we are really glad that we were able to be a part of it.”
To join the Men’s Space group the person must have a confirmed life-limiting diagnosis; a South Worcestershire GP and be referred to St Richard’s Hospice. Anyone can refer to the group including patients themselves and hospice staff will liaise with the patient’s GP. For more information please contact the Gateway Team on 01905 763963.
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative and end of life care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones. Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
The hospice strives to provide the best medical, practical, emotional and social support they can to help people live life to the fullest, as independently as they can, for as long as they can. They care for people with a range of illnesses including heart failure, Parkinson’s, and motor neurone disease as well as cancer.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it continue its work.