Support from diagnosis

Support from diagnosis

Although survival rates are dramatically improving, a cancer diagnosis remains a life-changing event.  Treatment regimes can be gruelling, and that stress, combined with the uncertainty of outcome, takes a profound physical and emotional toll. And cancer isn’t the only culprit. Motor neuron disease, metabolic disorders and Parkinson’s disease, to name just a few, can also significantly erode physical and emotional well-being over time.

At Rennie Grove Peace, we understand how hard it is to live with the worry of a progressive, life-limiting diagnosis.  We want to support people in this situation, and their families too, to live their best lives throughout the illness, whatever the future may bring.

With you from the beginning

Rennie Grove Peace is here for you from the day of diagnosis. For those well enough to be up and about, our  Outpatient Day Services provide a hub for symptom management, advice, peer support and emotional support. Here you will find access to clinical expertise such as palliative care nurses and occupational and physiotherapists, in addition to plenty of courses, classes and group sessions that provide safe opportunities to explore new horizons.

The services operate out of both Grove House day centre in St Albans and the Peace Hospice in Watford with some services available in patients’ homes or virtually. Our Outpatient services are available to any patient across our Herts and Bucks catchment area. In the event that any of our patients live too far to make full use of the resources available at Grove House or Peace Hospice, we can refer to equivalent support closer to their needs. 

Emotional and practical support for you and your family

Our Supportive Care services work hand in hand with our Day Services to provide emotional and practical support for patients and their families.  Experienced listeners or counsellors provide a sounding–board and our dedicated Compassionate Neighbours and Supporting Hands volunteers are on standby to provide companionship, help with transport, respite visits, and help with everyday tasks such as gardening, housework or shopping. 

The Complementary Therapies team, too, are ready to help with soothing treatments to help alleviate stress and lift the mood. For those with children, the Children and Young People’s support team are in easy reach to support with counselling, support groups and advice for parents, teachers and carers. 

Specialist palliative care at home if you need it

Some people living with a life-threatening diagnosis may go through phases of being too unwell to leave the home.  This might be because of the illness itself or the impacts of treatment. If this happens, our Community Hospice at Home team can step in to provide specialist palliative care support at home until things stabilise. 

With you all the way

Whatever course your illness may take, Rennie Grove Peace is there to support.  Those with the good fortune to progress to stability or recovery can access scar therapy and counselling to help them recover emotionally from the ordeal.  Those on a palliative path can rest assured that when the time is right, Rennie Grove Peace can put in place the most appropriate care to help them and their loved ones make every moment count.