January saw the Angels’ first meeting at their new temporary home of St Thomas’s Church Pendleton. We’ll be here for 6 months while Oldfield Road is closed for roadworks.

We all gathered together out of the wind and rain to enjoy a warming cup of tea while hearing an inspiring talk from the ladies of St Ann’s Hospice.

Ollwyn has 40 years experience as a nurse and manages the day care and therapy services. St Ann’s Hospice offers a range of care for people with life limiting illnesses. I think a lot of people assumed that hospice care was only for people diagnosed with cancer but Ollwyn told us that St Ann’s ensures that people who have illnesses ranging from respiratory disease, heart disease, motor neurone disease, and others can benefit from the care they offer the community.

Maybe, like me, you thought that ‘Hospice’ was a rather frightening word, which evoked sad images of tears and a sombre attitude. Ollwyn assured us this couldn’t be further from the truth at St Ann’s – its all about, ‘Life Affirming’ – ensuring that people who have received a diagnosis and those who are caring for them can access fantastic positive activities and support in a way that works for them.

They offer day care at their centre for up to three days a week where people can take part in a range of therapies such as painting, scarf making, creating a memory box or making jewellery. These can be precious gifts to family members. There is also help with managing your condition. This can be breathlessness, pain, fatigue, nausea management or complimentary therapies such as reiki and counselling.

St Ann’s also recognise that carers need support too. There is a 6 session programme, run fortnightly to enable carers to get together and talk, access practical information and even enjoy a complimentary therapy day.

Rachel then spoke about the in patient unit which has 18 beds for people who need them. Again, things are changing in hospices and Rachel told us that they are mostly used for symptom management. Patients who are referred to this unit access the same support as day care patients. Rachel spoke passionately about what an honour it is to be part of a family’s life at this time.

It takes an incredible £16,000 PER DAY to keep St. Ann’s running so fundraising vital. There is the annual Midnight Walk, Summer fair and charity shop, along with a group of committed volunteers who always make sure that people are greeted with a smile and a cup of tea when they visit. To find out more or donate see www.sah.org.uk.

Salford Angels WI meet on the third Thursday of the month at St Thomas’s Church at 7pm.