Support Services

The Hospice understands that sometimes it is the little things that get you down, like feeling negative or tired, and not always the big issues of your diagnosis.Often it is the worry over how the family is coping with your illness, and its impact on them, that concern you the most. Various support services are here to help.

Library Resources
St. Helena Hospice has an extensive library of resources that patients and their family/carer can use to find information about their condition, medications, support services etc. There is a librarian who will assist with finding what you want. The library is in the Education Centre at Colchester.

Complementary Therapy
The use of complementary therapies in palliative care is growing as research has shown that its use, alongside conventional medicine, can help enhance relaxation and well-being as well as help with the management of specific symptoms such as breathlessness, nausea and pain control.

There are four therapies offered at St Helena, they are:

Massage
Massage is the oldest form of medical treatment known to man.Massage is used to relieve muscle tension, help the body relax and promote a feeling of well being.

Reflexology
This is a therapy which works by the application of pressure to various points on the feet. It is suggested that the application of this pressure in a certain way can enhance general well being and give a feeling of deep relaxation and calm.

Shiatsu
The literal meaning of shiatsu is finger-pressure and its practice dates back several thousand years.  Shiatsu is given with the receiver remaining fully clothed and either lying on a futon on the floor, on a couch or sitting in a chair.  Research has reported that some of the benefits are better concentration, higher energy levels, improved physical capability and enhanced symptom control.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been practised for many centuries and involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body. These needles stimulate the body's natural responses and can promote general well being as well as aid specific complaints such as breathlessness, pain control and nausea and vomiting.

You may find, like many people, that you need time to come to terms with a life threatening diagnosis and need emotional support as well as medical help. Your family too may want the opportunity to talk to someone other than a relative and so this help is available for patients and their carers.

Counselling, Music and Art Therapy

Counselling, music and art therapy offer different ways to engage in, express and explore the feelings and thoughts raised by the individual's experience. Starting with an assessment, which gives both the therapist/counsellor and the individual the opportunity to see whether further sessions would be appropriate, confidential, weekly sessions continue in blocks of six and are then reviewed by the individual with their therapist/counsellor.

Counselling
Counselling is an opportunity to talk about and explore issues and emotions that may not be shared with family, friends or in any other setting, in a non-judgemental atmosphere.Counselling is not about giving advice but helping the individual find their own answers and possibly a way to deal more comfortably with what is happening.

Music Therapy
Music Therapy uses music to support communication and expression.  Music is a powerful medium which can affect us all deeply and when words seem inadequate or impossible, music can often make sense. In a music therapy session mainly improvised music is used, providing an immediate and personal form of communicating and understanding. A range of accessible musical instruments are available and no musical skill or experience is needed as there are no right or wrong notes in music therapy.

Art Therapy
Art Therapy is not about artistic ability and you do not have to be good at art to do art therapy. Through the use of art materials within a supportive relationship, thoughts and feelings that may be too intense or painful to put into words can find expression. Art Therapy offers the individual a chance to explore emotional and psychological needs at his/her own pace.