INITIATIVES to provide more support for people in the community are planned by Manorlands.

The Sue Ryder charity which runs the Oxenhope hospice has revealed that schemes to expand provision will be developed in the next few months.

The range of services available to support people in their own homes, including rehabilitation and complimentary therapy, is being extended.

And a befriending scheme, with trained volunteers offering companionship and emotional and practical support, will be introduced.

Manorlands already provides care in people's own homes through a team of specialist community nurses – last year they made more than 2,795 home visits and took over 9,000 phone calls.

"We are committed to developing our current and new services to meet the needs of local people and appreciate the amazing amount of time and energy the community gives to raise the monies required for this to happen," said hospice director, Lizzie Procter.

It costs Manorlands – which has provided specialist hospice care to people living with life-limiting conditions for over four decades – £2.7 million a year just to maintain its services, with at least £1.6m having to be found through donations and voluntary income.

All care services are provided free.

News of the latest initiatives was unveiled as Manorlands welcomed a VIP visitor to the hospice.

Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, was given a tour of the building and met staff and patients.

She learned more about the services available to the community and the planned developments.

Mrs Procter said: "We were delighted to welcome Dr Roscoe to Manorlands.

"Her insight and compassion was very much appreciated by patients in our day services as well as the in-patient unit."

Visit sueryder.org/Manorlands for further information about the work of the hospice.

There is also a Facebook page, Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, and a Twitter account – @SRManorlands.

To donate £3 to Manorlands, text MANOR to 70123.

If you are staging a fundraising event in aid of the hospice, e-mail alistair.shand@keighleynews.co.uk or call 01535 606611 (option 3) to publicise it.