Staff and volunteers are busy preparing for the open day at Mansfield Rosehaven Hospice this Saturday, 18 October, and the relocation of its fundraising shop to the other side of the street.

“This is our first ever Open Day and we are all very excited,” said Rosehaven Hospice manager Donna Deery.

“There will be guided tours of the facilities and the beautiful surroundings, a stall run by the garden supervisor, and a raffle drawn on the day. The display of cars from the Mansfield Car Club is a treat,” she said.

Since opening its doors, Rosehaven has proved to be a caring and comforting haven for community members facing life-limiting illness and for their families, Donna explained.

“Rosehaven has grown with community needs, focusing on loving, person-centred respite care, grief and bereavement support, assistive equipment loans, support in the home, and more recently, transport assistance.”

“Our staff and volunteers are hand-picked and bring a wide variety of skills and personalities to Rosehaven,” she said.

“All are required to understand holistic approaches and possess a passion for person-centred care that is led with the heart.”

"Rosehaven could not operate as successfully as we do without the generous input of love and time from our volunteers."

Volunteer coordinator Toni will answer questions, take tours, and accept potential expressions of interest and sign-ups.

Rosehaven offers roles from gardening to service support and guest care, each one a chance to give back to the community in a loving and caring family environment.

Generous sponsors, partners, and local businesses – with their financial support – help to continue and grow Rosehaven's needs-based services with a high level of quality and safety.

Potential guests and clients are encouraged to plan early for the end-of-life outcomes they desire through Advance Care Planning, which can be initiated at Rosehaven and involve other local health providers.

Rosehaven’s services include activities targeted at carer wellbeing, especially valuable for full-time carers who would not normally have access to breaks from care.

“Rosehaven has been specifically set up to feel like a home, and we operate like an extension of your own home," Donna said.

"The difference is that the rooms, while still looking and feeling like household bedrooms, are equipped with adjustable beds, and ensuites with shower chairs, over-the-toilet chairs, and anything else required to make the stay comfortable and safe, while providing high quality personal care."

Guests are also able to bring their pets and receive help to look after them if needed.

“The fact we can offer respite where the guest doesn’t have to be separated from their most treasured pal is so meaningful and worthwhile, especially if time is limited,” Donna said.

Before admission to Rosehaven, essential information about guests is collected – not only medical but also the real ‘get to know you’ details such as favourite foods, hobbies, and important people.

“It’s one of my favourite parts of the job, getting to know the person and family in a truly meaningful way,” Donna said.

The Rosehaven Shop – a curated upcycle and quality recycle boutique in the main street – is opening its doors at new premises this week to continue its important fundraising efforts.

Excited by this latest move is manager Cathie Smith, who has been in charge since the shop opened more than six years ago.

“We are moving to a bigger shop with more foot traffic outside,” said Cathie.

“There will be a bit more repurposing of items and the addition of homewares such as cushions."

Volunteer merchandiser Gundi Melzner, who does an incredible job, will have more scope to decorate the new windowfront, said Cathie.

There are currently 25 to 30 shop volunteers rostered on, with more always welcomed.

The Rosehaven Shop opened its doors from this Wednesday in the former Greenvale Lane premises, operating with the same hours as before.