Craig has been using services in The Orangery at Barnsley Hospice since early 2022 and explains just how his perception of hospice care has changed in that time.
“About two years ago I had a mental breakdown with my tablets, illness and how life was. I couldn’t see a future. Things had got bad. I’d seen Chris (Complementary Wellbeing Therapist) and he got Karen (Counsellor) to come and see me.
“She asked me if I’d like to make an appointment but I didn’t know what she could do for me as I’d already had counselling. She said let me see what she could do for me.
“I came to see Karen and it was friendly, relaxed and we talked about different things in life and in general. She managed to get me to open up in a way I’ve never been. I was so relaxed and we managed to talk about things that were affecting me. Over a period of weeks and months, she got me there. She let me go at my own pace.
“I used to attend the Wednesday chat groups but I took 12 months away from The Orangery because I was anxious and, in the meantime, Karen and Chris were seeing me to give me that confidence. Because of my illness, because I don’t have a physical disability so to speak, mine are hidden away and I felt as though everyone was looking at me and asking questions behind my back.
“I started coming back to The Orangery in 2025 and I’ve got that buzz back. On a Wednesday morning it’s like a hop, skip and a jump. I’ve started coming to the Men’s Shed group too every month. I’ve got that buzz about life. They’ve helped me so much and I’ve got my character and personality back. The group has got bigger and I’ve made so many friends, we have our own WhatsApp group. We are always talking to one another and all supporting one another. I call it the ‘Wednesday social club’ it’s just so amazing to be part of with amazing people and friends.”
Craig says it takes some explaining to friends and family at first, and is now a proud advocate of hospice care – keen to change people’s perceptions.
“I do have a lot of explaining to do. My brothers-in-law come to visit me on a Monday and my partner gets a rest, and when I tried to explain to them at first I was coming to the hospice there was dread on their face. I explained that they must come with me sometime. I told them they wouldn’t meet a better bunch of people in their lives. You’re treated like a normal human with feelings and it’s fantastic.
“‘Oh, you’re going there to die’” is the sort of response I’ve had. But, to be fair, this is what I initially thought when I was referred. I now tell people hospice doesn’t mean you have to die, it’s somewhere to go and meet people like me with a life-limiting illness who just want some enjoyment out of life and maybe talk to somebody who understands. Me coming here, it gives my partner a break, too! But she knows I’m safe for a few hours and she doesn’t worry about me.
“The hospice – I can’t do enough for it. Amazing staff, amazing friends. There’s Sarah smiling on reception, then meeting the volunteers and the orangery team Chris, Diane and Dawn. I’d recommend to anybody if they’re not sure, please come. We’re a really friendly bunch. We want everybody to feel at ease.
“This place has given me mental and physical support and helped me filling in various forms for things. I’m forever grateful to them all. I try and support the hospice now with everything that it does. I’ve said to all my friends and family when it’s my birthday or Christmas, I don’t want anything, just give it to the hospice instead.”
We are really grateful that Craig has shared his story. Thank you, Craig!
