MANORLANDS Hospice and Carers’ Resource have joined forces to launch a new service to support families and patients when a loved one is nearing the end of their life.

Two palliative care link workers, Kim Reddyhoff and Vanessa French, who both have health and social care backgrounds, will work with people across Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale.

The one-to-one service will help people to access and manage benefits and finances; secure specialist equipment; give support during assessments; and, most importantly, a listening ear and ongoing support for as long as it is needed.

The service will be officially launched during Dying Matters Awareness Week, which starts on Monday.

Initially, the link workers will be based at the Carers’ Resource offices in Skipton and Shipley, and the Sue Ryder charity shop in Cavendish Street, Keighley, but, in time, people will be able to access the service in other locations.

Anne Smyth, director of Carers’ Resource, said: “The new palliative care link workers will be supporting patients, including where there is no carer, as well as the whole family where necessary, to give them the bespoke support they need to achieve the best quality of life.

“Looking after someone with a terminal illness or progressive condition where there is no cure, or being faced with end of life as an individual, is a traumatic and extremely difficult time.

“Our link workers will be there to accompany people every step of the way, helping to make sure everyone involved gets the full support they need."

Lizzie Procter, hospice director at Manorlands, added: “Caring for a loved one can be a very challenging role. People can often feel isolated and at times vulnerable and emotionally distressed.

“It is important to have someone they can talk to. Sometimes people are so busy with their role as carers that they simply don’t have the time to look at what services they can access or what is available for them in their area.

“Our aim is to ensure we can support people before they reach a crisis point.”

For more information about the new service, contact Sarah Bottomley, head of clinical services, at Sue Ryder on 01535 642308 or email sarah.bottomley@sueryder.org or contact Carers’ Resource team on 01756 700888.