Anxiety, pain, sadness or loneliness caused by life-limiting illnesses don’t stop for Christmas. In fact, it can feel even harder at Christmas. GPs, pharmacies and other services are closed. Family and friends go away. But symptoms remain. Some have the heart-breaking knowledge that this Christmas will be their last. Others are facing their first Christmas with an important person missing. We want people to know we are here to make the festive period easier, calmer, happier.

We will remain open for patients and their families throughout Christmas and New Year so they are reassured that someone is looking out for them and they can access the specialist care they need. Patients can stay on our Inpatient Unit, home visits will be made, support in care homes will continue, emotional support will be available and our helpline will be staffed. There will be touches of magic too, because despite everything they are facing, we believe Christmas can still be special.