"Painting, baking and scarf making at John Eastwood Hospice"

Coming to the "long term conditions" sessions at the hospice is the best thing I have ever done. I am so glad I came. Prior to coming, I felt lonely, left out and inadequate. I now feel like a new person again. Friends outside of the hospice have noticed the new change in me - more vibrant, chatty, optimistic and independant.

I am registered blind and can see very little. Coming to the hospice has helped me maximise on the capabilities that I do have.

My husband was apprehensive of me coming to the hospice sessions at the beginning, feeling that I may not cope and that my impaired sight may disadvantage me. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have come on enormously.

Coming here has enabled me to do things I thought I would never do - like paint, pot plants, bake, make scarves. I have learnt to laugh again and found "me". My social life has expanded now that I have made so many wonderful friends here. We have exchanged telephone numbers and will be making contact again. I will also continue my painting and card making at home.