Lewis-Manning joins Wellbeing Swanage to offer palliative care advice to the community

Lewis-Manning joins Wellbeing Swanage to offer palliative care advice to the community Dorset’s independent charity, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, has partnered with the Swanage & Purbeck Development Trust to provide palliative care advice at The Focus Centre. The Welcome Lounge at the Focus Centre in Swanage opened in April 2025 and offers the local community access to confidential drop-in support, and signposting for health and wellbeing services. Lewis-Manning has joined the initiative to provide monthly complimentary advice on palliative care and receive referrals to its related services. Ellie Suthers, Senior Nurse at Lewis-Manning, said: “Our slot at The Focus Centre each month provides a place where people can come, without the need to wait for an appointment, and ask questions about their diagnosis and our services. “Being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness can be incredibly daunting and scary. When someone is told that they are dying, they often don’t know what comes next, or what they can expect life to look like. We’re here to help people live well through their illness by empowering them with understanding, information, and the tools to remain independent in their life choices.” Lewis-Manning operates several free-to-the-patient services including occupational therapy, counselling, and complementary therapy. The charity’s services enable those with life-limiting illnesses to have the best quality of life throughout their palliative care journey. It also operates a range of services support to families and those facing a bereavement. In Purbeck, the charity offers anticipatory Hospice at Home care, enabling people to access its services at home, as well as its Day Hospice from Swanage Cricket Club every Friday. Lewis-Manning’s expert nurses operate the drop-in clinic at The Focus Centre in Swanage from 10am to 2pm on the first Tuesday of every month. No appointment or referral is required. Visit www.wellbeingswanage.org/the-focus-centre to find out more about The Focus Centre, or www.lewis-manning.org.uk to learn more about Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s services.