Dove Cottage is thrilled to be reopening its hospice doors to guests on Tuesday June 1!

The charity has two hospices – one in Stathern, in the Vale of Belvoir, and one in Rutland, which will be accommodated at a new home in Oakham, as recently reported by Nub News.

The hospices closed in March 2020 because of the first Covid lockdown, but they are now ready to welcome those living with life-limiting illnesses back into their care.

They are both busy gearing up for the guests' long-awaited return by putting extra safety measures and social distancing in place.

Chris Gatfield, Dove Cottage's chief executive, said: "It has been extremely quiet over the past 14 months and we can't wait to see our guests again. We have missed everyone very much and it will be lovely to hear the sound of chatting and laughing coming from our lounges again."

Dove's services have been continuing online and over the phone during lockdown.

Dove's Rutland branch is delighted to be teaming up with Oakham Grange, who has kindly offered temporary accommodation for its day care in their amazing new home at Barleythorpe.

The hospice has linked in with the family-run care home, where its nursing services and wellbeing activities will take place for the next three months.

Chris Gatfield, Dove Cottage's CEO, said: "We are extremely excited that Oakham Grange will be our new temporary home, and want to say a very big thank you. It is a lovely place with a homely atmosphere and creates the perfect environment for us to be able to offer the high standard of care that everyone knows us for. We can't wait to work in partnership with Oakham Grange."

Catherine Ferguson, Oakham Grange's general manager, said: "We know how important it is to the people of Rutland to keep care services such as Dove Cottage Day Hospice local. It is great that the timing is right for us to offer the Oakham Grange Annex on a temporary basis, so no one living with a life-limiting condition has to travel out of the county."

Dove Cottage offers high quality day care to people living with life-limiting illnesses.

Guests can enjoy a regular 'Dove day', which includes nursing advice and support, friendship, activities such as crafts and quizzes, relaxation, complementary therapies and a home-cooked lunch.

The Stathern day care centre also accepts referrals from those struggling with frailty and people who are suffering from loneliness through isolation. It runs friendly and informative Dementia Support Groups, a telephone befriending service, and offers support to carers and those suffering with bereavement.