A HOSPICE which has helped hundreds of families across the south west is to open its doors to help dispel the myths about it.

Dorothy House Hospice Care, at Winsley, is holding the open evening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on October 23.

Katrina Sudbury, of the hospice, said: "The annual open evening aims to show those interested in the work of Dorothy House, and health professionals, some of the recent developments in the care we offer.

"There will be tours of the assessment unit to show how different it is from many people's images of a hospice.

"We have tried to make it an interesting event for people to come and find out about the work of the hospice. We want to dispel the myth that a hospice is a dark dismal place where people go to die."

There will be displays about different aspects of the hospice's work and a chance to meet staff and volunteers.

The hospice's day care services will also be on show and patients can find out what to expect.

Mrs Sudbury said: "They will find a warm, friendly environment where they can make friends, learn a new hobby, share anxieties, have a cooked lunch and a laugh."

The hospice offers a range of activities as diversional therapy, and also organises theme days and trips out.