A Somerset CARE charity is hosting a coffee morning to encourage people to join their 'Friends' group.

The charity that provides care to people affected by life-limiting illnesses, hopes to launch a 'Friends' group for Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge in the coming months, is inviting anyone who is interested in learning more about the hospice, the care it provides and how to support it to come along for a chat and some tea and cake.

There are several Friends groups in Somerset and North Somerset who raise funds and awareness of the hospice. Each year, the Friends Groups (which presently operate across the area in Blagdon, Congresbury, Hutton, Kewstoke, Wrington, Worlebury and Wedmore) raise thousands of pounds for the hospice via fayres, breakfasts, coffee mornings, afternoon teas, fashion shows and more.

Weston Hospicecare Community and Events Manager Sally Davis said: "Some of our Friends Groups have been running since the hospice was first started, and we are so very fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to help support the care our hospice provides.

"‘We are keen to support the develop of these new groups, and we welcome new members to join in."

Local couple Sue and Phil Thorne are both dedicated volunteers for the hospice who will likely be involved with the Friends Group activities. They said they were motivated to support the hospice after their families received care from them.

Phil said: “Both our families were helped by the hospice, which provided respite and day hospice care for my dad and looked after Sue’s dad in his own home, enabling him to die with dignity."

Sue said: "We would like to encourage everyone to help support Weston Hospicecare – it is very rewarding and good to help a local charity,’

"Everyone is welcome to come enjoy a hot beverage and learn more about the hospice.

"We want more people to know that hospices are not dismal and gloomy – but happy places.”

In the past year, Weston Hospicecare has provided care and support to more than 150 people in the Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge area and has provided support to their loved ones, too.

At the moment, Weston Hospicecare Hospice Community Nurse Specialist Sue Caddy has 43 patients she’s looking after.

"We do a lot of work, linking up with an incredibly supportive network of GPs, district nurses, nursing homes and community hospitals in the area."

"Many people in the Burnham-on-Sea area are fortunate enough to have families and friends who help support them, too, so we also try to do what we can to make sure they’re being looked after and given the advice they need.

"We’re so thankful to have the support of the lovely people around Burnham on Sea, and we’d very much appreciate the support of a Friends group in the area."

For more details about supporting the hospice or joining one of the Friends Groups, please telephone 01934 423926.