For Barbara Smith, learning to live with a progressive lung condition felt like an overwhelming challenge. That was before she discovered the specialist, compassionate support available at the Being You Centre, run by Moya Cole Hospice.
A Lifeline for Managing Symptoms
Barbara lives with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a common but serious respiratory illness that gradually worsens and severely limits daily activities. While treatment can help control the condition, managing its day-to-day impact is a constant struggle.
After being referred to the centre, Barbara enrolled in several of its free courses specifically designed for patients like her. She took part in sessions focused on managing fatigue and techniques to cope with breathlessness, two of the most debilitating symptoms of COPD.
"They are wonderful. I’ve learned so much," Barbara says of the experience. "When you struggle with breathlessness, you struggle with fatigue as well. I’ve just found the whole experience very positive."
The Power of Shared Experience
The courses at the Being You Centre are conducted in group sessions, which Barbara found particularly beneficial. This format provided more than just clinical advice; it offered a community.
"I’ve also enjoyed the experience of coming in and listening to other people’s stories," she explains. "It’s all in group sessions, so you learn from other people as well. I found the courses related to my condition in every way."
The centre’s core mission is to help individuals facing life-limiting illnesses who are dealing with physical, psychological, emotional, or social issues that make them feel unlike themselves. Its goal is to guide them back to a sense of normality and self.
Comprehensive and Accessible Care
The Being You Centre operates from two locations: Heald Green in Stockport and Little Hulton in Salford. To ensure support is accessible to all, it delivers its services through multiple channels: face-to-face, online, and over the phone. Crucially, all services are completely free of charge for patients, their carers, and family members.
Moya Cole Hospice itself provides a full spectrum of holistic care. This includes inpatient units, day therapy, and supportive outpatient services from its sites in Heald Green and Little Hulton.
The hospice's outreach extends far beyond its buildings. Its teams deliver extensive community support, including:
- A Hospice at Home service in Salford and Trafford.
- A Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford.
- A dedicated palliative care service for people experiencing homelessness in Manchester.
- A 24-hour telephone advice line for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals across Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport.
For anyone interested in the support offered by the Being You Centre, more information can be found by visiting the official website: www.moyacole.org.uk/byc.
