Ellenor's New Wellbeing Centre is Officially Opened - Barnes Construction

ellenor Hospice has welcomed the very first patients and visitors to its new Wellbeing Centre. 

Supported by the Mayors from Gravesham, Swanley and Dartford, Kent’s Lord-Lieutenant The Lady Colgrain, cut the ribbon to officially open the centre looked on by patients, carers, families, donors, volunteers, patrons, ambassadors, and local supporters.

The new wing of the hospice, which was built by Barnes Construction, is visible from Coldharbour Road and was designed to bring all of ellenor’s care and support back onto the Northfleet site.

Andy Lowden, Operational Lead for Wellbeing, has overseen what’s gone into the Wellbeing Centre – much of it in response to and inspired by what the community asked for.

He said:

“The face of hospice care is changing and ellenor recognises this – end of life care is not the only thing people need from a hospice. Everything here is aimed at giving people a better quality of life for as long as possible. A life-limiting illness doesn’t mean life stops – it takes a different path and we have so much on offer to make life enjoyable and full.”

Rooms large and small in the new two-storey building will be used by patients, carers, families, staff and the community. Offices and meeting rooms occupy the top floor and In-patients and out-patients can enjoy a range of activities in a safe environment where medical needs are catered for. There’s also a sensory room for children, a fitness studio and even a small cinema.

International singer/songwriter Don Mescall, who has collaborated and written music with a range of stars, wrote and performed a song especially for the opening ceremony; guests joined in with him singing The Last Song, with the beautiful line: ‘Let love be the last song you sing’.

Declaring the Wellbeing Centre open, devoted ellenor supporter The Lady Colgrain, said:

“I am delighted to be opening the new Wellbeing Centre today. It’s been carefully designed to provide a holistic approach to care – psychological, environmental and physical.”

ellenor CEO Michelle Kabia said:

“We are stronger together and this centre will make a real difference to wellbeing. it’s been built for our local community.”

Chair of Trustees Mac Cheema, said:

“This project has involved meticulous planning to create a sanctuary for life’s toughest chapters. We’re grateful for the contributions that turned dreams into reality.”

Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director of Barnes Construction, said:

“This is a remarkable day – this building is beyond bricks and mortar. The design was led by the insight from the leadership team to give us fine details to bring the blueprint to reality. What’s here will improve quality of life and become a haven, a place for peace and strength.”

Patron Charlotte Hawkins, said:

“I’m thrilled to be here on such a special occasion. It will make a huge difference to the people who need it. Ellenor was the very first hospice I ever went into, and I arrived with trepidation of it being a sad place, but at ellenor, there’s this sense of positivity, love and care – like walking into a big hug.”