A resource centre which brings information and support closer to home for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families is set to reopen next week.

Having temporarily closed its doors amid the coronavirus crisis, the Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth will reopen to anyone from north east Suffolk or south Norfolk on Monday, August 10, initially on an appointment-only basis.

When the centre reopens, visitors will be asked to sanitise their hands when they arrive and before they leave, and will need to wear a face mask or covering. They will also need to follow social distancing guidance.

The support available will include advice on finance and benefits, as well as help understanding a diagnosis, coping with bereavement, family services and complementary therapies.

A counselling room, small library and landscaped garden is also available at the centre.

Seva Newrick, Pear Tree Centre manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we are now in a position to safely reopen the centre following our enforced closure.

“Although we have continued to provide help and advice over the phone to around 100 people during the lockdown, we still feel that face-to-face contact is incredibly important.

“Reopening the centre will allow us to offer that personal touch once more, while anyone who feels more comfortable accessing our support remotely will still be able to contact us by phone.

“Our staff will be following all of the latest government guidance to keep everyone safe, including wearing PPE where necessary, maintaining social distancing and regularly washing their hands.

“We have also introduced enhanced cleaning at the centre so that anyone who needs our support can be reassured that it is safe to visit us.

“As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, we have unfortunately had to cancel all of our summer fundraising events, which means the charity will suffer a considerable loss of income.

“We are appealing for the public’s support to help us through this difficult time by donating to us or supporting us in other ways so that we can continue to deliver vital services for the benefit of our community.”

To find out more about the centre or to make a donation, visit www.peartreefund.org

To book an appointment or get advice over the phone, call 01986 899655.