A FREE counselling service has been introduced at the South Bucks Hospice for people suffering life-limiting illnesses.

Counsellor Sharon Fairclough proposed the idea of a service at the hospice in Amersham Hill, High Wycombe, last year, and in February two qualified counsellors, Karen Young and Ann Lightfoot, joined the team. The service is available for people suffering with illness and also for their family members.

Mrs Fairclough said: "As I worked with the staff at the South Bucks Hospice I became more and more aware of the desperate need many people have for an opportunity to talk in confidence about how their illness has affected them. The counselling service offers the time and opportunity to anyone finding themselves in this kind of situation to come and talk in confidence to a trained and qualified counsellor about anything that might be upsetting or worrying them."

The hospice has more than ten years experience of caring for people with chronic or terminal illness. The team recognises that not all patients are bed-bound and that treatment can be controlled by them or their carers.

Helen Duckworth, day care services manager, said: "We support people living at home, who are unable to cope with the trauma that illness brings. We also offer support and help to carers who may need respite from constant care."

Patients can enjoy complimentary therapies and can attend activities such as music, art and yoga classes. The hospice also offers physiotherapy, a lymphoedema clinic and meals. Patients can either stay for the day or attend one or more of the services available.

Ms Duckworth added: "All services to our patients are free but special care like ours is not cheap. We rely on voluntary donations and the generosity of people to continue our caring work."

The hospice is holding an open day on Wednesday, July 5, from 10am to 3pm. The team will be on hand to answer questions on any of the services they provide.

For more information about the hospice, contact Helen Duckworth on 01494 463198