"Overgate is already feeling the impact"

All Day Hospice services are closed until further notice. This includes the Traditional Day Hospice sessions on Tuesdays, the drop-in Service, Time to Think, A Breath of Fresh Air, Time for Me, Time to Talk, Carers’ Group and What Happens Next? Group.

Support is still available via telephone Monday – Friday between 10am and 4pm on 01422 387172.

The Inpatient Unit will be continuing as usual, however visitors are being asked to “seriously consider if they could potentially cause a risk to our vulnerable patients.”

Medical Director, Rachel Sheils said: “Overgate is already beginning to feel the impact, and we’re observing the latest Government advice.

It is really important that we take steps to protect those using our services as well as those working and volunteering for us.

“We know that many of you will be facing uncertainty and worry in your own lives.

“We ask that you do not to forget about your hospice and the members of your community who still require our care.”

Laura Golding, Director of Income Generation siad: “I have worked at Overgate Hospice for 14 years and I have never known a week like this one.

“We have had to make difficult decisions about our services in order to keep our vulnerable patients safe.

“We have already begun to feel the impact on our income as our shops fell quiet and we postponed many of our upcoming events.

“Despite this, we must look forward and work out how we can work through these challenges to continue to give the amazing care we give and generate income in the extraordinary ways we do.

“This week has been yet another reminder of why I am so proud to work at Overgate and why I am so proud to be a part of the incredible Calderdale community.

“I know that we have dark days ahead but the acts of kindness I witness every day from you, our wonderful supporters, will certainly make them a little bit easier."

If you would like to donate to the hospice click here.Alternatively, you can donate by emailing [email protected] or calling 01422 387121.

In other news, Overgate Hospice has closed the doors of all its charity shops.

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that all shops, apart from essential shops like food stores and chemists, must close in order to slow the spreading of the Coronavirus.

The Covid-19 lockdown is the toughest in the UK since wartime and will last three weeks.

Tracey Broadbent, Head of Retail at the Elland hospice, said: “We have made the sad but sensible decision to close all 14 of our charity shops across Calderdale.

"As the Government reiterates it’s advice that everyone should stay at home unless absolutely necessary, we feel this is the best course of action to support our colleagues working in the NHS and help to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Our shops are an essential part of our hospice and raise a huge amount of money to keep our nursing team caring for local people and their families.

"Closing our shops will have a huge impact on our income for the weeks to come and we ask that you continue to support us in any way you can from your homes.

"Whether you hold your own virtual event, sign up to our lottery or make a donation towards our care.

"These donations will be the thing that keep our doors open and keep our patients and their families together in a safe and calm place.”