Early starts, plenty of teamwork and countless acts of kindness – there’s much more to housekeeping at Willow Wood Hospice than meets the eye. Over the course of a week, Julie Hafford kept a diary of her daily duties, offering a glimpse into the important role the team plays in helping patients and families feel cared for, comfortable and supported.
If you’d asked me years ago what working in housekeeping at a hospice would be like, I don’t think I could ever have pictured this. Yes, I start early – I’m usually in by 7am – and of course there’s plenty of cleaning to be done. But there’s so much more to it than people might think.
My day often begins with the laundry, getting things washed, folded and ready to go. Other times I’ll be deep into cleaning one of the patient rooms on the Inpatient Unit, making sure everything is fresh, calm and comfortable. Those rooms really matter. They’re someone’s space at a very important time, and I take a lot of pride in making them feel just right.
Julie folding bedding in the laundry room.
What surprises people is how much you’re part of the wider hospice life. I’m always stopping to say good morning, having a quick chat, or helping someone find where they need to go. Visitors are often a bit unsure when they arrive, and if I can put them at ease or point them in the right direction, that feels just as important as any cleaning job.
Some days I’ll be upstairs doing offices, kitchens and toilets, other days I’m working alongside my colleagues covering reception areas, family rooms and quiet spaces. We’re a small team, so we all help each other out. There’s always time for a cup of tea and a bit of laughter in between, which makes even the busiest days easier.
Then there are the moments you don’t expect at all. Sitting with someone for a few minutes because they need company. Walking a worried relative to a patient’s room. Keeping an eye out and noticing when someone might need a bit of extra support. That’s not written in any job description, but it’s just part of working here.
Julie hoovering the family lounge on our Inpatient Unit.
By the end of the week I’ve cleaned everything from bedrooms and therapy rooms to stairways and shared spaces, but it’s the people that stay with me. The smiles, the thank-yous, the quiet conversations in the corridor.
It’s a physical job and those early starts can be hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Being part of this hospice means knowing that what I do helps create a safe, peaceful place for patients and families when they need it most. And that’s something I’m really proud of.
Our patients and those closest to them now have a beautiful new way to preserve treasured memories, stories and voices for generations to come.
We’ve recently partnered with Featherbed Tales, an innovative digital storytelling platform that helps people create personalised digital photobooks complete with photographs, written memories and voice recordings.
Whether it’s sharing childhood stories, recording family traditions or simply leaving messages for loved ones, the platform enables people to create meaningful keepsakes that can be treasured and shared with family and friends anywhere in the world.
Available free of charge to Willow Wood Hospice’s patients and their families, as well as staff and volunteers, the platform is simple to use and allows you to:
Upload photographs and add personal captions
Record memories and messages in their own voice
Capture conversations with loved ones
Create a lasting digital keepsake that celebrates a lifetime of memories
The partnership offers another way for patients and families to connect, reflect and create something deeply personal during an important time in their lives.
Bethan Kinder, Family Support Team Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Creating memories and preserving stories can be incredibly important for patients and families. Having the opportunity to record someone’s voice, capture their personality and celebrate the moments that matter most can bring enormous comfort, both now and in the future. Featherbed Tales is a wonderful addition to the support we offer, giving families a simple and meaningful way to create something they can treasure forever.”
Our clinical team recently received training from Featherbed Tales to ensure they can confidently support patients and families in using the platform.
Caroline England, founder of Featherbed Tales, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Willow Wood Hospice to help patients and families preserve the moments, stories and voices that matter most. Every story is unique, and our aim is to make it easy for people to create lasting keepsakes that celebrate a life, strengthen family connections and provide comfort for years to come. We look forward to working alongside the Willow Wood team to support the vital care they provide.”
The partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing person-centred, holistic care that supports not only patients, but those closest to them, helping families create lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come.
When Jai Mistry left her job in October 2024 to care full-time for her husband, Balu, she had no idea that decision would also lead her to discover the support and compassion of Willow Wood Hospice.
Jai, 57, stepped away from her accounting career to look after Balu, who had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) – a neurological condition. She cared for him until he died on 19th May 2025.
That’s how Jai first came across Willow Wood Hospice.
She learned about the Hospice’s services when Julie Moran, our Wellbeing Team Lead, gave a talk at a group held at the Shree Bharatiya Mandal temple on Union Street in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Jai said she was immediately curious to find out more.
“I got in contact with Julie and we got lots of help and information. Both my husband and I were able to access therapies, which were amazing. We’ve got to know several members of staff really well.
“We didn’t realise these services were available because you think a hospice is just for end of life. It’s been really eye-opening.
“The staff at Willow Wood are so reassuring and told me I can call with any issues and if there’s anything they can help with to alleviate any pressure from me or my husband. It just felt like a sigh of relief that somebody’s listened to us.”
Jai and Balu attended the Hospice’s wellbeing sessions together and accessed therapies separately.
“While my husband was having physio, I could have a massage or Reiki or reflexology which was really nice because it just reassured me that Balu was safe, being looked after and I could have some time out which was important as well. We also received regular phone calls from the team checking on how we were doing.”
Jai receiving Reiki from Colin.
‘Comforting to know people care and want to help’
Following Balu’s death, Jai continued to receive therapies, as well as counselling through our Family Support team.
“It doesn’t solve anything,” she said, “but it’s good to talk to get things off your shoulders and it’s nice to hear that someone’s listening too. They help you see things in a different way from a different aspect. On the whole, it’s just been really comforting to know there are people out there who actually care and want to help.”
Like many people, Jai had once thought hospices only provided end-of-life care.
“I was pleasantly surprised when I first came. I thought it was going to be all doom and gloom and not very nice but it was totally the opposite of what I expected. I’ve met different people on Reception and they’re always very welcoming, which is really nice.”
Now, Jai is determined to spread the word about the help and support Willow Wood offers, especially within the Asian community in Tameside.
“I have been talking about the services here to everybody. One of my uncles runs a local Asian group and I keep pushing him about the importance of people knowing what help is out there. The Asian community is quite a close community and they are quite private people as well. People can almost feel shameful about asking for help but there’s no shame at all.”
She even encouraged her uncle-in-law, Chandrakant Mistry, who has a rare form of motor neurone disease (MND), to access the Hospice’s services and attend our recently-launched MND Support Group.
“People’s mentality can be that something has happened and they have to just get on with it, but they can reach out for support that’s there without being afraid to ask for it. You need people who understand what you’re going through – you think you can deal with it on your own but you can’t.”
Jai and Balu
‘You never know when you might need Willow Wood’
Jai’s experience caring for loved ones spans several years – she and Balu had previously cared for his mother at home for almost three years after she suffered a stroke, before she died in 2019.
When Balu began showing symptoms in 2020, Jai initially thought he may have had a mini stroke. After visiting their GP and being referred to a neurologist, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and later PSP.
“I had never heard of PSP but I’d compare it very much to MND. It’s neurological and affects your muscles, eyesight and everything – it’s quite debilitating. After that, I noticed he was progressively getting worse, especially after I finished work and was seeing him more often. He deteriorated quite quickly which I was shocked at and he couldn’t do anything for himself, which was hard to see.”
Jai also says she was surprised to learn how much the Hospice relies on volunteers and would love to give the gift of her time in the future.
“The groups like the ones at the Hospice are so important for people from a social, mental and physical point of view. I think I could help in that capacity as someone who has been through a similar experience and support those who come along.
“It’s a wonderful place, including the lovely gardens which are nice and peaceful. I don’t think anyone should be nervous about coming here. You’ll come through the doors and be pleasantly surprised – it won’t be what you expect.
“There’s definitely a need for the hospice to be here – it’s helped me and so many other people. If you can support Willow Wood in any way, please do and just spread the word. You never know when you or someone you know might need it one day.”
Julie Moran, Wellbeing Team Lead, reflected: “Reading this account of Jai and Balu’s story reflects what the heart of Willow Wood is all about. Our Community Services aim to deliver the support that improves daily life, extends quality of life, and ensures dignity.
“In Tameside and Glossop, we have diverse communities and integrated health and social care. We will continue to collaborate and build robust partnerships with these external organisations to ensure we reach out to all our residents and give them the right support at the right time.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit the ‘Our Services’ section of the website or call 0161 330 1100 to speak to our team.
When Mark Oliver first walked through the doors of Willow Wood Hospice, it was during one of the most difficult times of his life.
His wife Adele had been diagnosed with lung cancer and, by the time it was discovered, the disease had already spread to her brain, spine and bones.
“We were told there was no treatment for her – it had gone too far,” Mark explained.
“We were looking for palliative care and was told about Willow Wood Hospice. Adele spent three days on the Inpatient Unit in the Hospice before she died on 27th March 2025 – she was 55 years old.”
‘I was really happy that her final days were spent here’
Mark, 53, from Denton, had been with Adele for 26 years and married for 20, raising two children – Daniel, 18, and Rosie, 14.
Mark described Adele as “funny and very loving” and recalled how her illness came as a shock to the family.
What initially seemed like sciatica later led to further complications and, after having a seizure, she went to hospital for scans and tests, which eventually led to her receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Having seen the Hospice’s fundraising events in the local media, Mark was already aware of Willow Wood. But when he arrived with Adele, he was moved by the care and atmosphere.
“Adele was in a room on her own and although she was only in there a short time, the level of care she received was brilliant. I know hospitals try their best but it’s very different here. I was really happy that her final days were spent here. The volunteers on Reception also get to know who you are, which makes you feel welcome.”
Following Adele’s death, Mark was offered bereavement counselling through our Family Support team and, after taking up the opportunity, found it helpful.
“I thought talking to someone would help so I took it up,” he said. “You probably need more help than you think you do and you want to speak to people outside the family. It was great. Obviously it doesn’t cure anything but it really helps you to look at things in a different perspective. I can honestly say it has helped.”
Mark and Adele on their wedding day.
‘Don’t be afraid’
Through his sessions, Mark found that the support he received not only helped him, but also gave him insight into how his children might be coping.
“You can get a bit wrapped up in how you feel and might not understand how other people might actually look at it. My thinking was to try to protect them but they are more resilient than I thought and they’ve made their own mind up about things. It’s difficult but, on the whole, we’re doing okay.”
Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead, commented: “It was a pleasure to work with Mark and his two children. Although I never got to meet Adele, I was able to learn about her love, light and personality through how she and Mark had been throughout their marriage and also in raising their children. It can be hard for parents to realise that there is support for them and to understand there is space for them too alongside their children being supported in the grief process, but once Mark did so, he was able to spend time exploring his feelings, needs and grief.”
Wanting to give back, Mark and his family asked for donations to Willow Wood instead of flowers at Adele’s funeral – raising £500 – and he wants to support the Hospice in the future too by getting involved in our fundraising walk with Rosie.
Although returning to Willow Wood for the first time after Adele’s death was hard, Mark shared words of encouragement for anyone else facing the same fears.
“I found it hard just walking through the door but to be honest you’re not going to be judged in any sort of way. It’s a very welcoming and safe environment. Just don’t be afraid – the staff here are brilliant and will help you.
“It’s important that people are aware of the services available at the Hospice. Obviously my main focus has been the kids but I can imagine if the kids were older, they would probably have struggled a lot more with everything so that’s when I think somewhere like Willow Wood will become invaluable.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.
Willow Wood Hospice has welcomed the government’s renewed commitment to palliative and end-of-life care, while also calling for fairer and more sustainable funding for hospices.
The response follows a statement made by Care Minister Stephen Kinnock at Hospice UK’s recent annual conference in Liverpool.
Writing on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in a letter to Hospice UK, the Minister addressed Hospice UK’s four-point plan for fair hospice funding and recognised the vital role hospices play, as well as the serious financial pressures many are facing. These pressures have already led to staff and service cuts in some areas at hospices across the country.
The government has confirmed that Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) must commission palliative and end-of-life care services. This is supported by national guidance to help ensure local people can access the care they need. However, the Minister said difficult financial conditions and high national debt mean the government cannot provide funding beyond the existing £180 million support package.
This funding includes £100 million for buildings and facilities for adult and children’s hospices, and £80 million in running costs for children’s hospices over three years. The Minister explained that extra funding requested by Hospice UK would cost several hundred million pounds each year and is not possible at this time.
The government also highlighted NHS England’s Medium Term Planning Framework, which aims to improve care for people at the end of life by reducing avoidable hospital stays. A new Palliative and End of Life Care Modern Service Framework is also planned for spring 2026, with a focus on improving quality, fairness and long-term planning of services. There is an aim to move away from short-term grants towards more stable, long-term funding arrangements.
Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice
Willow Wood Hospice’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tracy Minshull, said: “We are grateful for the support we receive and we welcome the government’s recognition of how important hospices are for patients and families at the most difficult times. Our services help relieve pressure on local provision and fill gaps in the care system.
“However, our ICB funding position remains a real concern. Willow Wood currently receives just 24 per cent of its annual funding from the government, which is well below the national average of 33 per cent. This puts ongoing pressure on our services and workforce. We haven’t had to cut vital services yet but, should this continue, it is inevitable that services and support will be affected.”
She added: “Now more than ever, the hospice sector needs a major change in how it is funded, so it was deeply concerning that the recent Budget did not address the wider funding crisis.
“We remain committed to working together with our ICB colleagues and partners across health and social care to make sure hospices like ours are funded properly. This will help us continue to provide the specialist care people need, now and in the future.”
The impact of hospice care can be seen through people like Jai Mistry, who first came to Willow Wood Hospice while caring for her husband, Balu, who had a rare neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Jai Mistry
Jai left her job to care for Balu full-time. Together, they accessed wellbeing sessions and therapies at the Hospice, which helped ease both physical and emotional pressures.
Jai said Willow Wood was “totally the opposite of what I expected” and gave her “a sigh of relief”, explaining that the reassurance, regular check-ins and compassionate care made an overwhelming situation more manageable.
After Balu died in May 2025, Jai – who had once thought hospices only provided end-of-life care – continued to receive counselling and support through the Hospice’s Family Support team.
Her story shows how hospices provide care free of charge for patients and families before, during and after death, and help people with any life-limiting illness to live as well as possible, for as long as possible.
Jai and Balu
CEO Tracy Minshull added: “We are privileged to support patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives, and we simply could not do this without the generosity of our supporters. Every donation helps us to provide compassionate, specialist and dignified care.
“We are continually inspired by the kindness of our local communities and the extraordinary commitment they show to Willow Wood. Their support plays a vital role in ensuring we can continue to deliver the very best services at the point of need, now and in the future.”
Willow Wood Hospice is a charity and relies on fundraising, donations, volunteers and Gifts in Wills to raise around three quarters of the money needed each year to stay open in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The Hospice remains committed to working with the NHS and government to help create a fairer, more sustainable future for hospice care in Tameside and Glossop.
When people arrive on the Inpatient Unit at Willow Wood Hospice, they can feel uncertain, emotional, and unsure of what to expect.
Being greeted by a friendly, reassuring face can make all the difference. That’s where the essential role of our Visitor Liaison Volunteers come in.
Hilary Platt, from Hyde, has been volunteering on the Inpatient Unit since November 2025, working once a week and combining it with her current job. Her role is simple, but incredibly meaningful.
As a Visitor Liaison Volunteer, Hilary is one of the first people patients and families meet when they come onto the unit.
Duties include being a friendly, familiar face; answering the phone, taking messages and directing enquiries to the appropriate hospice team; meeting and greeting visitors and guiding them to where they need to go; and replenishing refreshments in the family lounge.
The role does not involve using a computer, and no previous admin or medical experience is required.
Hilary has worked in a bank and other public-facing customer service roles, which helped her feel confident interacting with people – but she’s clear that formal experience isn’t essential.
“You don’t need to have any particular skills – you just need to be a people’s person and have discretion and empathy. Empathy is very important.”
Although Visitor Liaison Volunteers work independently at their own desk, they are never alone. Hilary is supported by Julie, our Clinical Administrator, as well as the wider Inpatient Unit team.
“You are well supported by Julie and the team who are amazing – they are just down the corridor or a phone call away. The team on the main reception are also very supportive, so you are not alone.”
Volunteers can choose from flexible shifts, either 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm, making it easier to fit volunteering around work, family or other commitments.
For Hilary, the role is also deeply personal. Having had both her mum and uncle cared for at Willow Wood, volunteering felt like a natural way to give something back.
“Most people have not been to a hospice before so it’s good to put people at ease. I know how that feels because my mum and uncle were both here.
“Since then, I’ve always wanted to do something like this as a way of giving back. I can give my time and hopefully make a difference to other people at what is a difficult time in their lives.”
She describes the role as varied, rewarding, and emotionally fulfilling.
“You feel like you are appreciated and your heart’s full of love that you’re doing something really, really special.”
Visitor Liaison Volunteers play a key role in sensing what families need – whether that’s practical help, a familiar face, or simply space.
“If you think a family member needs help, don’t be afraid to approach. But if you feel like they want to be on their own, it’s alright to leave them on their own.
“Sometimes just saying hello or being there as a familiar face can mean the world to someone.”
If you enjoy working with people, can offer kindness and empathy, and want to make a real difference, the Visitor Liaison Volunteer role could be perfect for you.
The Temple Project is an initiative aimed at providing nursing students with valuable exposure to different health settings, including hospice care.
Through this project, students undertake one-day placements at Willow Wood Hospice, allowing them to observe and participate in the multidisciplinary approach to palliative care.
This hands-on experience is designed to enhance their understanding of holistic, patient-centred care in a real-world setting.
Willow Wood Hospice has been actively supporting the Temple Project by welcoming a select number of students for these placements. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the educational value and the compassionate environment at the Hospice.
The Hospice is committed to continuing its support for this initiative, aiming to inspire and educate future healthcare professionals in the field of palliative care.
Nicole Williams, a first-year Adult Nursing student at the University of Salford, recently completed her one-day placement at Willow Wood Hospice as part of the project. The experience exceeded her expectations and left a lasting impression.
Nicole, from Oldham, had never stepped inside a hospice before and understandably felt nervous.
Her only previous connection was through a friend whose mother had died at a different hospice. “I thought it would be a sad and heavy place,” she admitted. “But I was so wrong.”
From the moment she arrived, Nicole was struck by the calm, welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of the team.
Shadowing ward sister, Lauren, she took part in medication rounds, attended a doctors’ meeting, and observed the changing of a syringe driver – all under compassionate guidance. A workbook helped her explore the many services offered at Willow Wood, from patient support to The Sanctuary room.
What stood out most was the environment itself. “It’s so different from a hospital,” she reflected. “Every member of staff greeted me, the pace was calmer, and the care was deeply personal.”
She also noticed how the team interacted with patients and families: always speaking directly to them – even when a patient was unconscious – and keeping clinical paperwork unobtrusive to preserve a homely, respectful atmosphere.
Nicole’s understanding of hospice and palliative care transformed throughout the day. She learned the important distinction between palliative and end-of-life care and saw first-hand how hospices support quality of life, not just its end. “I used to think nothing could beat being at home at the end of life – but Willow Wood felt like home.”
Describing her day as awe-inspiring, serene, and stimulating, Nicole says the experience has sparked a strong interest in hospice care. “I’d love to return for a longer placement. It just felt right for me.”
To anyone who thinks hospices are just sad places, Nicole offers a different view: “It’s not a place of sadness – it’s a place of love, respect, and dignity.”
She’s already recommended Willow Wood to her peers – and will continue to do so. “Even if hospice care isn’t your chosen path, it’s an invaluable learning experience.”
Tony Elliott was 30 years old when he first discovered a lump on his face.
What seemed like something small turned out to be the beginning of a journey that would change his life.
“I went through about five years of trying to persuade the doctors that there was something there,” he said.
“They finally decided there was and did a scan. I went back for the results and they asked me to come in the following week for an operation. I was in surgery for eight hours and they found it was bigger than they anticipated.
“They took it out and then I was alright as I would go for a scan every year, get the results and they said I was fine.”
For nearly two decades, Tony carried on with life as normal – working, raising his family, and enjoying his hobbies. But then another shock came.
“We found a lesion on my lung which they operated on by keyhole surgery and got rid of that. Then nearly five years ago, I went for scan results and the doctor said my cancer is back in both lungs and it was too much to operate on. I was really well at this time and on that day, I’d just run my 5k on the Couch to 5k – I was healthier than I’ve ever been. It was quite a shock.
“My wife Catherine and I both took some time out from work because we needed to get our heads around it – we went from having years where everything was fine to suddenly it wasn’t.”
Tony, who is now 58, was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma – a rare, slow-growing cancer that forms in glandular tissues, most often in the head and neck.
“I went to see a consultant at the Christie who specialises in my cancer. I promised that if he could get me to live for five more years, I’d buy him a bottle of champagne so he’s getting closer to that!”
Catherine and Tony
‘I’m taking each day as it comes’
Despite the diagnosis, Tony says he has felt “really quite well” for most of the time. It has only been since the start of 2025 that things have changed.
“It’s very slow growing most of the time and then it can suddenly just have a spurt. It starts in my face then spores out into the body. It can just sit there quietly and then suddenly strike – it can come back in different places and all the doctors can do really is cut it out. It’s not like a normal cancer where it all mutates.
“I feel that I am lucky, though, because some people who are told they have an incurable cancer only have months to live and I’ve had over four years.”
Tony lives in Denton and spent 18 years working at Cormar Carpets in Bury, first as a Customer Service Manager and then as Merchandising Manager. Away from work, he is a huge Manchester United fan, and loves reading both fantasy and historical novels – a passion that stems from his days studying history at university.
Tony describes his health now as “a bit up and down”.
“I’m trying to get used to some new tablets so I’m taking each day as it comes and I’m not feeling as great as I was. If I’m having a good day, Catherine and I will go out somewhere – we recently went to the National Portrait Gallery and the Titanic exhibition in Manchester.
“If I’m having a bad day, we will just stay at home and chill out.”
Tony’s wife Catherine, aged 56, has been by his side throughout. The couple have two daughters and recently became grandparents to an 18-month-old grandson.
It was through his Specialist Palliative Care Nurse that Tony first heard about Willow Wood Hospice.
“Genine thought it would be good for me if I used the services here and asked if I’d be interested, so I thought I’d give it a try. I came in and the first thing I tried was some counselling, which was really helpful.
“I’ve been to the Be Active group run by the Wellbeing team which is fantastic. Catherine and I have also had complementary therapy with Sharon which is so relaxing.
“I don’t like to think of not having something at Willow Wood to come to because it’s just really comforting. I told the Wellbeing team that coming here is like having a great big hug.
“No matter how you feel when you come in, you always feel better when you leave.”
Catherine and Tony with their grandson
‘Everything disappears for an hour’
Catherine has also seen the difference the Hospice has made to both of their lives. Working locally in adult social care, she already knew of Willow Wood but didn’t realise just how much the Hospice offered.
“It’s good having the support mechanism that Willow Wood provides and to talk to people who may be suffering with the same sort of pain,” she said.
“I’ve known about Willow Wood through my role in adult social care at Tameside Council and I have referred people to the Hospice but I didn’t know the full extent of the services it provides until now – I was surprised about how much there is to do.
“Julie suggested I come in and have some art therapy along with other carers, so that’s when I started to come to the Hospice with Tony and I really enjoyed it. I’ve kept in touch with the other carers and we are informally supporting each other.
“I agree with Tony that you always feel lighter or in a different place when you leave compared to how you arrive at Willow Wood. It’s a really positive thing for us and means a lot. Sometimes we just come and sit in the gardens, which are massive and really lovely.
“I’ve really liked the reiki and reflexology – which has been good for helping me to switch off, as I often struggle with that when lots of things are going on. Everything disappears for an hour.
“Willow Wood has always been here for us. It’s that fluidity and consistency of care that we find really good. It’s good that we both can come together at times for the Be Together session but equally it’s good that we can both come separately too.”
Sharon Herod, Complementary Therapy Co-ordinator, commented: “Tony finds a new level of relaxation and leaves feeling more refreshed and calmer. Those effects can last for several days and Tony sleeps a lot better as a result.”
Julie Moran, our Wellbeing Team Lead, said: “Our Wellbeing service is here for all Tameside and Glossop patients and carers by providing a safe, compassionate space where they can connect with others facing life-limiting illnesses. These shared experiences help reduce isolation, offer emotional support, and foster a sense of community.
“The service is designed to be flexible and responsive, adapting to the unique needs, preferences, and circumstances of each individual. Whether through group sessions, one-to-one support, or tailored activities, the aim is always to provide comfort, empowerment and holistic care at every stage of the journey.
“By reading Tony’s and Catherine’s stories, I hope that it encourages other patients and their families to get in touch and let us support you to live well with life-limiting illnesses.”
Tony having a session of Reiki with Sharon
‘I’d be completely lost without Willow Wood’
Tony and Catherine describe the care they have received at Willow Wood as excellent and faultless. They find it reassuring that support is always at hand.
“The team do care about you and I think that’s a great thing,” explained Tony. “If I wasn’t here for one of my sessions, someone would be ringing me up to find out if I was okay – that’s brilliant.
“The Wellbeing team helped by fitting my sessions around my work and treatment initially, so having that flexibility was important.”
Like many of the patients and families who come to Willow Wood, Tony and Catherine were surprised to learn that it costs around £10,000 a day to keep the Hospice running – and that only 24 per cent of this comes from government funding.
Tony said: “The services at Willow Wood are so important. Just being around people with a similar illness or diagnosis to you who understand where you’re at is so important – I don’t think you’d get that anywhere else.
“The counselling, the complementary therapies, the wellbeing sessions – all of them are so vital. It’s wrong that the government don’t fund it more and it relies on people to raise money to keep it going. We’ve made donations and follow the Hospice on social media.
“I’d be completely lost without Willow Wood Hospice. I sleep so much better once I’ve been here and it makes the world of difference. I always look forward to coming in.”
Tony says his perception of a hospice has changed massively since arriving at Willow Wood and he has one final message to anyone who may be nervous about coming.
“Come and give it a go because you’ll be amazed at what’s on offer and it will do you the world of good. They’re always thinking about you, always caring about you. Don’t be worried – you’ll be amazed at how much it will help you.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.
Our teams have been reaching out to the local community to spread the word about the wide range of services and support we can offer.
Our Wellbeing Team Lead, Julie Moran, has been out sharing information about the Hospice, answering questions, and connecting with people who may not otherwise be aware of the help available.
Julie recently paid a visit to the Shree Ram Mandir, an Indian temple in Ashton-under-Lyne. Every Thursday, the temple runs a session called Krupa Mandal, where people come together for hymns, prayer, talks, games, and lunch.
Julie was warmly welcomed by around 35 people, many of whom spoke about their own positive experiences of Willow Wood.
Julie (right), our Wellbeing Team Lead, visited the Shree Ram Mandir temple in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Among them was Pravina Mistry, one of the temple’s secretaries, who also supported as a translator for those whose first language is Gujarati and aren’t as fluent in English.
Pravina shared: “I think Willow Wood is becoming more familiar to people who come here. I know some whose partners were looked after at the Hospice. My mother-in-law received care there when she was diagnosed with cancer.
“I think everyone was really engaged and has taken a lot from Julie’s talk about how they can access the services at Willow Wood. I don’t think it’s a taboo anymore – having a life-limiting illness can be talked about openly. I had ovarian cancer 14 years ago and I’m still here. It’s beneficial having people from Willow Wood coming into the temple to make that connection and raise awareness.”
Julie’s visit is part of our Community Services team’s engagement strategy – aiming to increase referrals, build new relationships, increase our profile and identify opportunities for community partnerships.
She has also been to the Shree Bharatiya Mandal Indian Temple in Ashton, and The Together Centre in Dukinfield for an event hosted by the Advanced Cancer Team. As a direct result of these visits, we’ve already received new referrals, meaning more local people are now receiving the care and support they need from us.
Julie told those in attendance about Willow Wood Hospice services
“Our Wellbeing team are keen to actively visit community faith groups to introduce our services and ensure they are accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all cultural and spiritual needs,” said Julie.
“By engaging directly with diverse communities, our aim is to build trust, listen to their perspectives, and raise awareness about the support we offer. It was a privilege to be welcomed into the Shree Bharatiya Mandal temple and enjoy fellowship with such lovely people.
“This outreach helps bridge gaps in understanding, fosters meaningful relationships, and ensures our care is truly person-centred and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds.”
By meeting people in a familiar environment, we’re able to provide vital education, break down barriers, and show how our Hospice can support not only patients but also their families.
We are so grateful to everyone who has welcomed us into their communities – and we look forward to continuing these important conversations across Tameside and Glossop.
If you’re part of a community group that would benefit from hearing from our Hospice team, give us a call on 0161 330 1100 and ask for Callie Harrop, our Head of Community Services.
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