“I cannot thank you all enough for the wonderful care and attention you gave me over the last few months. Margaret, who is my carer, also benefitted from the support Shalom gave us.

Jenny gave us invaluable help finding equipment to enable me to remain as active as possible and we now have a bath hoist and a trolley to reduce the gradual decline in our crockery.

Sitting in the beautiful conservatory one day I suddenly realised that I not longer felt depressed. A revelation and one which I am indebted to you all. “

“When I walked in the door I felt the peace. It was good. I felt spoilt. I could talk to people with the same point of view, people who had had similar experiences – some things didn’t need saying. I went to a relaxation session. I felt absolutely lovely, quite relaxed.

I stay for lunch and Julie cooks lovely stuff. I don’t like cheese and she always finds a way to give me tasty lunch.

Shalom has come to mean to me security – back up. It’s a place to talk. I can pick up the phone and someone will know me. It gives my husband a break. He knows I’m safe here and he can really take time off.”

“As my wife’s health deteriorated, the kindness, compassion and professionalism of the staff at Shalom were very important to her.

The staff performed a crucial part of her package of support as she moved into her final months. She was always grateful for the care that she received at Shalom House.

As her husband, I could see what a positive effect the visits were having on her general well-being. Similarly, for me, in those last weeks, I was able to undertake the usual round of important domestic tasks whilst she was away from home.”

“Since the moment I came to Shalom, it was the welcome. That to me is surely half of the benefit to you. If you have been through hospital times – the welcome really helps.

When I come to Shalom I talk with the others here, we talk about all sorts of stuff, not just our problems but all sorts. We have fun and good chats. That has been wonderful. I come for the company and one day off from everyday life and work.

Coming here relaxes you, helps you do what you can do better the rest of the week. I have also had help with some of the side effects of chemotherapy – my toenails were a problem. I have a therapy bath while I’m here – I prefer a bath to a shower so that’s good. We have a splendid lunch – Julie’s a good cook.”