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Day therapy centres

Support, therapies and connections in Llandudno, Bangor and Holyhead to help you live as independently and comfortably as possible.

Day therapy
at St David’s Hospice

Our day therapy centres offer regular planned sessions rather than overnight stays. You come in for a few hours at a time to see members of the team, take part in activities and therapies, and then return home the same day. The focus is on helping you manage your symptoms, stay as independent as possible and enjoy the best quality of life you can.

Day therapy is suitable for adults with a life-limiting illness at any stage, it is not just for the very end of life. Some people come for a short programme to help with specific issues like fatigue, breathlessness or low mood, while others attend over a longer period for ongoing support, rehabilitation and connection with others in a similar situation.

What we offer

Our day therapy centres provide a wide range of support,
tailored to what matters most to you:

Symptom management

Time with our medical team to help you manage issues such as pain, breathlessness, fatigue, nausea or anxiety.

Physiotherapy and exercise

Personalised exercise programmes designed with our physiotherapist, with access to a fully equipped therapy gym to help you stay as strong and mobile as possible.

Occupational therapy

Practical support and advice to make everyday activities easier, including suggestions for equipment and techniques to help you stay independent at home.

FAB group (Fatigue, Anxiety & Breathlessness)

small group sessions led by our occupational therapist to build skills and confidence in managing fatigue, worry and breathlessness.

Complementary therapies

Massage, aromatherapy and reflexology to promote relaxation, ease tension and support your overall sense of wellbeing.

Art therapy and creative activities

A safe space to express feelings and try new or familiar creative activities; you do not need any art experience to take part.

Social work support

Help with practical and financial issues, including benefits, social care support and planning for the future.

Counselling and carer support

One-to-one, family and group counselling, including pre-bereavement support for patients and those close to them.

Chaplaincy and spiritual support

A listening ear for people of any faith or none, with support around spiritual, religious or existential questions.

Who can attend

Day therapy is for any adult with a life-limiting diagnosis who would benefit from extra support with symptoms, rehabilitation, confidence or emotional wellbeing. You can come at any stage of your illness and we will work with you to agree what you would like to focus on.

Most people join us for a structured programme of around eight weeks, with regular sessions at one of our centres. The exact length and content of your programme will be personalised, and based on what matters most to you.

How it works

Most people come to day therapy after being referred by a healthcare professional such as their GP, hospital consultant, specialist nurse or community palliative care nurse. Once we receive your referral, a member of the team will contact you to arrange an initial assessment.

At your first visit we will talk with you about your health, symptoms and what you would like to achieve, and may carry out some simple checks such as blood pressure, pulse and breathing. We will explain the different therapies on offer, answer any questions and agree a plan together. You will usually be offered a taster session so you can try the centre and meet the team before starting a regular programme.

A typical day at the centre includes arriving in the morning, being welcomed with a drink and settling in, then taking part in a mix of one-to-one sessions and small groups such as physiotherapy, FAB group, art or relaxation. There is time for rest, a light meal and chats with other patients, and staff are on hand throughout the day to support you before you go home.

Locations

Our day therapy centres

We offer day therapy at three local centres.
You can choose the one that’s easiest for you to get to.

Llandudno

St David’s Hospice, Abbey Road, Llandudno, Conwy,
LL30 2EN

Bangor

Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, Gwynedd,
LL57 2DH

Support for families and carers

Families and carers are very welcome at our day therapy centres. In some cases you may be able to attend certain sessions together, such as art or complementary therapies, or join carer support groups where you can talk, share experiences and get advice.

We can also offer counselling, pre-bereavement support and practical guidance to help you look after your own wellbeing while you care for someone else.

How to be
referred

Most people come to day therapy after being referred by a healthcare professional such as their GP, hospital consultant or specialist nurse. If you think you or someone you care for might benefit, please speak to your healthcare team and ask them about a referral to St David’s Hospice.