A NEW drop-in centre has been launched to help people suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

It is based in the Rosewood Centre at Dewsbury District Hospital.

The free service is available to patients and carers from the North Kirklees area every Monday from 1pm to 4pm.

Visitors can talk to members of the palliative care and therapy team, including professionals in nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, aromatherapy and creative therapy.

The service also offers advice and support in areas such as psychology, chaplaincy, and relaxation techniques. No appointment is needed and light refreshments are provided.

Catherine Hill, creative artist, said: “The drop-in service is in addition to our day support and therapy and is for people who may not want to attend regularly and only want to access some of our services for a short period.

“As well as coping with their illness, we know that living with cancer or another life threatening condition is very stressful. What we want to do is provide a service to offer the right advice and support to improve people’s quality of life.”

The Rosewood Centre opened in 2000 and was funded entirely by the Millennium Appeal, a fundraising initiative in Dewsbury.