Work to create a centre that provides family support through grief and bereavement has been completed at a Lancashire hospice. 

The Forget Me Not centre at St John’s Hospice has been designed by architecture, design, and masterplanning practice, Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP). 

The specialist centre in the grounds of the hospice will be a place that offers whole family support: the most-effective type of therapy and one that was previously not available free of charge in the area.

FWP was commissioned to deliver a place that would offer a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for families and individuals to access support in a space away from home and the main hospice building.

Wyre-based, Huck Construction, carried out the building work. 

A ‘lodge’ building in Slyne Road was removed to make way for the modern, purpose-built, facility which features striking larch cladding. 

The centre has quiet rooms, breakout spaces, open spaces for group and family activities, mixed-use areas, a kitchen, and offices. 

Two special gardens are also included in the scheme, including a sensory garden providing reflective spaces where young children and teenagers can be immersed in the scents, textures, and colours of plants and related elements.  

Neil Ainsworth, FWP partner and architect on the project, said: “The Forget Me Not centre will allow the hospice to provide a wide range of support services for the community.  

“It is a very-special building, a beacon of hope that will make a real difference to people’s lives. 

“Within the design we have used natural lighting wherever possible and have worked to create calm and friendly spaces throughout.

“The result is a homely feel, with strong interplay between the inside and outside spaces.”

The project began last year, following a donation from Nick and Barbara Scholes, who have been supporting the charity for many years.