Jan and her family's story

Jan Power, her husband and her sister all enjoyed the benefits of our Wellbeing Services, after they had found out how many different sessions we offer for the community.

We caught up with Jan and her sister after a complementary therapy session to hear about their experiences with our groups.

“I’d seen the leaflet for the Coffee and Chat Drop-in at Pontefract Hospital.” Jan told us “I persuaded my husband, Brendan to call by as I thought it might be useful for him. I’ve been going through chemotherapy for the last three years and have spent a lot of time at hospital appointments. It seemed like somewhere he could pass his time while I was at an appointment.”

“He attended the Coffee and Chat Drop-in and came home with all sorts of information about the groups and the full Hospice services. I had never realised there was so much on offer! Brendan then had to do the persuading to get me to call Jo (Wellbeing Lead) to book some classes. The range that is on offer is brilliant and they work well around my existing appointments.”

Jan attended a range of group sessions including Complementary Therapy with our Complementary Therapist, Martina, breathing and chair exercise groups with John, our Physiotherapist. “Often when I’ve attended some of these classes Brendan has been able to arrange an appointment with Jo. It’s lovely how the carer is just as welcome as the service user”.

Jan was a nurse at Pontefract Hospital but due to a back injury had to take early retirement. She then used her down time to become an advisor at Citizens Advice and an Epilepsy volunteer. Jan was also the chair of Wakefield link Health Watch and become Mayor of Featherstone. So she likes keeping herself busy, and our wellbeing groups are a great opportunity to do so.

It isn’t just Jan and Brendan who have benefited from our Wellbeing Services. They both thought Jan’s sister, Pam might be interested in the services too, so they all arranged to attend the Ducks in a Row session. “We found this very useful, it is about future planning and addresses things you don’t always want to think about but you should, in a relaxed way.”

Jan’s sister, Pam has also tried other classes and has also accessed our Bereavement Service. “I suffered a bereavement during lockdown and it wasn’t until I saw the Bereavement Service here that I thought it may be useful. It is 12 sessions and even after the first one I knew it would be helpful. I’ve also started attending a bereavement music group that was recommended by the counsellor.”

Jan added “It isn’t just what’s on offer in these groups but it’s the support from the team as well as the social aspect, too. We feel we could call Jo at any time and she would make the time for us even if it was just for a chat. It’s been great meeting new people too especially those in similar situations.”