Wellbeing Services
Part of Compassionate Communities
St Mary’s Hospice Wellbeing service focuses on ‘what matters most to you’.
We recognise that you may be facing difficult circumstances and symptoms that are hard to control but more than that, our team acknowledges that this can have a significant impact on you living the life that you want to. Our priority is to help you to live your life well, even if your life may be shorter than you had hoped.
About our Wellbeing Service
Some of the ways our Wellbeing Service can help are through:
- Groups programmes such as our Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathless Programme, Mindfulness Programme and Chair Based Exercises
- Art Groups focusing on wellbeing and also bereavement support
- Complementary Therapies- We offer a wide range of complementary therapies to help patients, their families and carers, who may be experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety around a diagnosis, the illness itself and those who may be bereaved.
Our complementary therapy team can offer a range of 1:1 and group therapy sessions and complementary therapy are available at any point from diagnosis.
Who can access our service?
Our services are available to a wide range of individuals, ensuring comprehensive support for those in need. We provide assistance to anyone living with a life-limiting condition, offering resources and care to improve quality of life. Additionally, we support those who are caring for or supporting someone with a life-limiting condition, recognising the unique challenges and stresses they face.
Our services also extend to individuals experiencing bereavement, offering compassionate support and guidance during their time of loss. No matter your situation, we are here to help you navigate these difficult times with understanding and care.
What Support is Available?
Integrated Group Therapy Sessions:
We offer weekly Chair-based exercise sessions. The sessions focus around gentle exercises that increase strength, support with fitness and help with symptom management. The sessions are relaxed and fun with the opportunity to meet people and socialise over a drink and light refreshments. These sessions are open to anyone with a progressive health condition.
Complementary therapies are considered an integral part of our holistic care. St Mary’s provides a wide range of complementary therapies to help patients, their families and carers, who may be experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety around a diagnosis, the illness itself and those who may be bereaved.
Our complementary therapy team can offer a range of 1:1 and group therapy sessions and complementary therapy are available at any point from diagnosis.
Join our Tai Chi – 6-Week Program hosted by St Mary’s Living Well Centre at Kelsick Grammar, Ambleside. A gentle, welcoming series of sessions designed to help improve balance, mobility and wellbeing through slow, mindful movement. Running weekly on Fridays from 2:30pm to 3:30pm, this six-week course begins on 13th February and is suitable for all levels, whether you’re new to Tai Chi or looking to deepen your practice. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, enhance your physical and mental wellness, and enjoy the benefits of this traditional movement practice in a supportive community setting.
Join us for Soothing Sound Baths with Hilary, a 6-week course at St Mary’s Hospice designed to help you rest, unwind, and recharge. Starting Thursday, 15th January in Ulverston, each session from 7pm to 8pm guides you into deep relaxation with the calming vibrations of singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other instruments. Open to anyone living with a life-limiting condition, carers, and those experiencing grief or loss, these sessions offer a space to quiet the mind, release tension, and reconnect with your wellbeing. After the guided sound journey, there’s time to chat and connect with others.
No experience is needed—just bring yourself and let the sounds guide you. Spaces are limited, so call 01229 444407 to find out more or book your place at St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub.
Struggling with sleep? Sleep Matters is a free, 4-part workshop series at St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub, designed to help you and your family enjoy deeper, more restful sleep. Led by the experienced team from Stitch Different, each session provides expert guidance, practical tools, and supportive discussions in a compassionate environment. Open to anyone living with a life-limiting condition, caring for someone who is, or navigating bereavement, the series encourages participants to explore ways to improve both sleep and overall wellbeing. Workshops run on Monday 19th January, 2nd & 16th February, and 2nd March, from 5pm to 7pm, and attendance at all four sessions is encouraged. Spaces are limited, so call 01229 444407 to reserve your place.
We’re delighted to introduce Creative Pause, a warm and supportive six-week art group for people living with life-limiting conditions and their carers, delivered in partnership with Art4All.
Creative Pause offers a calm and welcoming space to take time out from everyday pressures and enjoy being creative together. Sessions are relaxed, flexible, and fully inclusive, with no expectations and no previous art experience needed. Participants are encouraged to take part in whatever way feels right for them and at their own pace.
When: Mondays, 1:30–3:30pm
Where: St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub, Barrow
To find out more, or to book an assessment to attend the group, please contact the Hub on 01229 444407.
