Lewis-Manning Hospice Care opened the doors to its brand-new therapies centre, Sunflower House, today, Thursday 23rd October 2025.
The new hub, which is based on Longfleet Road Poole, was opened by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset and the Mayor of Poole. The space comprises five therapy suites and supports Lewis-Manning’s ongoing commitment to patient care and meeting the needs of the community today.
Sunflower House complement’s the charity’s existing spaces by providing a youthful and vibrant space for patients at the start of their hospice journey. The charity is dedicated to supporting people to live well with illness, not only at the very end of life, across its complete roster of patients aged 11 to 97.
Lewis-Manning’s multidisciplinary, anticipatory approach ensures that every person gets the support they need by creating individual support plans. The model, delivered to people of all ages and conditions, focuses on early intervention, encouraging independence, and prioritising wellbeing. Patients can access the charity’s lymphoedema clinic, breathlessness service, 12-week programme of support, complementary therapy and treatments and more depending on their symptoms and stage of life.
Clare Gallie, Chief Executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “When someone is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, they shouldn’t feel that they’re immediately restricted by end-of-life care. Anticipatory palliative care empowers our patients to live well through their illness, adding life to years, when they may not be able to add years to life.
“Sunflower House is a place where people can access support, such as counselling, from day one. Every patient we work with should feel empowered to take control of their wellbeing, and live life to the fullest for as long as possible. We want people in Dorset to know that Lewis-Manning is here for them not just at the very end, but at every step of the journey. Sunflower House is the embodiment of that promise.”
Lewis-Manning would like to thank all its supporters and the local community who has pulled together to make Sunflower House a reality. All those involved played a key part in achieving the successful project for Dorset residents.
Laura Adams, Director of Clinical Services, added: “Our work with patients is always personal as we understand that every individual responds to challenges and treatment in a different way. We seek to promote positivity, living well, and happiness across everything we do. From wellbeing activities and the lymphoedema clinic that helps those suffering with side effects from cancer treatment, to supporting patients living with breathlessness to manage their symptoms.”
In the last year alone, Lewis-Manning has supported almost 20% more patients than the year prior. Over the last three months, the charity has provided counselling to nearly 600 people dealing with the impact of a diagnosis. Lewis-Manning Hospice Care now supports over 1,200 local residents every year.