Jecca’s House and the new Cancer Support Service was officially opened by David Brook, husband of the late Jecca Brook, who founded Campden Home Nursing 31 years ago.
We launched the new Cancer Support Service last year. Research revealed a need for more support for cancer patients, and those with a life limiting illness, throughout Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. However, due to Covid 19, we have not been able to welcome many patients due to government restrictions. But from September 2021 the doors of Jecca’s House are fully open to receive patients and their families.
The Cancer Support Service
The new Cancer Support Service offers a ‘home from home’ comfortable environment. Those with a cancer diagnosis or life limiting illness can come for help, support and a listening ear, should they need it. Campden Home Nursing will look after the patient, their carers and families and will be open to anyone in the local vicinity.
Helen Makaritis, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The development of the Cancer Support Service was a natural next step in the expansion of the charity, started by Jecca all those years ago. It provides the community with a much-needed service, and we hope that Jecca’s House will provide both a sanctuary and invaluable support for those going through the hardest times in their lives.”
The initial roll out of this new service went to three of the 12 surgeries already supported by Campden Home Nursing’s hospice at home service. This has recently expanded to cover 6 surgeries. This will be increased further as the centre grows.
Jecca’s House accommodates offices on the top floor, as well as a Bereavement Room for counselling. Downstairs, there is a large drop in kitchen for initial meetings and chats over tea and cake. A Resource Room is packed with literature and information on any cancer or other issue that a patient may need. An Activity Room is fully stocked with arts and crafts resources. It is a place where support groups can meet and participate in diversional therapies. The Relaxation Room will give carers a place to enjoy some respite.
Men (and ladies) in Sheds
Also at Jecca’s House is a ‘Men in Sheds’ facility. This is a new partnership with Cotswold Friends which provides a space where men (and ladies) can go to potter and build things such as bat and bird boxes to sell to the community, while meeting people in a similar situation whether that is bereaved, managing their own illness or caring for someone with a life-threatening illness.
Thank you to everyone who came along to support us…we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Below are a selection of photos taken on the day.
