OM SS 2023 WEB 070623

matters
For those who attend our art group, sharing activities such as painting and a cup of tea brings joy and friendship.
Carers matter
Based within the grounds of Oakhaven hospice,
Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington, the Coates
Centre is currently open Monday to Friday,
10am to 4pm. It is run by trained volunteers
who welcome you for a friendly chat, support,
and a cuppa.
The Coates Centre focuses on supporting
people affected by the loss of a loved one, those
living with a life-limiting illness, as well as
carers.
Carers play such an important role in our
society, looking after people with an illness, the
elderly and/or palliative clients. Sadly, carers
are often invisible in our society and not given
the support they need to feel well. They are
often isolated due to the needs of people they
care for and find it hard to find the support in
the community. Oakhaven Wellbeing recognises
the need of the carer to be seen, supported and
their voices to be heard.
People that come to the Coates Centre often
comment that it is the coming together with
others, going through similar experiences,
that helps. They explain that they do not
have to justify how they are feeling or be
asked awkward questions. It is just enough
to understand that others understand them,
where they are right now, with no expectations
or answers. It is so lovely to see the mutual peer
support that people give each other and over
time the friendships that develop. This can be
during an art session, chatting over a cuppa
with one of our volunteers, or sharing benefits
of attending one of our mindfulness sessions.
Compassionate community
Oakhaven Wellbeing recognises the need to
collaborate and connect with the community.
We are working alongside organisations,
charities and agencies, as well as local
hospital trusts we are providing support for
many people. However, we want to widen
that support. Oakhaven has joined the
Compassionate Communities UK, a national
public health project that recognises the
strength of people caring for each other, by
educating, advising and supporting each other
to build a network of community connections.
Community matters… Oakhaven Wellbeing
helps connect the community, making every
moment matter.
To find out more about what
wellbeing has to offer, please visit
oakhavenhospice.co.uk/wellbeing
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