Anita White, Hospice Trust Fundraiser said, “In 2017 the National Lottery Community Fund award enabled us to start working with Equal Arts a creative ageing charity who work to improve lives through creativity, arts and hen keeping. Our 4 hens have now been with us a year and the Day Hospice workshops have proved very popular.”

“This year we plan to develop our Enrichment Programme further and provide music, craft and art workshops for patients attending Day Care and Complex Needs Day as well as Day Hospice. An Equal Arts Associate will support the planning of a variety of weekly sessions, support displays of artwork, provide volunteer support and hen keeping support. “

“The Associate will also help support our community facing events and celebrations which will continue to strengthen community ties and help dispel myths which still persist about Hospice care. Many think a hospice is a sad, gloomy place – well they haven’t visited Day Hospice during one of our always lively (sometimes riotous) workshops!”

“A visit by Blackberry Donkeys to our Summer Fayre encouraged us to consider the benefits of animal therapy. Interacting with animals is becoming increasingly recognised as a therapeutic intervention as they provide a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation. We are currently arranging a series of regular visits by Teddy an adorable miniature donkey.  Teddy who will be accompanied by his owner Marie is expected to make his first appearance in October.”