Over the last 30 years St Richard’s Hospice has touched the lives of many local families, and continues to offer compassionate care and support to those with life-threatening illnesses and their loved ones.
Families often express their thanks for the care they and their loved one received, and are keen to stay in touch and support the hospice’s work. One relative recently commented; “All my family and friends would like to thank everyone who helped Mum and made all our lives the richer for knowing you all. It was difficult at times, but you were always there for us.”
St Richard’s is able to offer free specialist palliative care to patients and their loved ones thanks to the generous support of the community, families, volunteers and business sponsors. Each year the hospice relies on voluntary income to fund the care of seven out of ten of the 2,500 patients and family members it supports across Worcestershire.
There are numerous ways of staying in touch and supporting St Richard’s – keeping up to date with news and events, volunteering or making a donation. To find out how to get involved, supporters can sign up to receive regular email newsletters or Heartbeat magazine, or can connect with the hospice on Facebook or Twitter.
Over 1,000 volunteers bring their life skills and experience to the hospice, supporting every aspect of hospice life from patient care and administration, to fundraising and shops in Worcestershire. Every volunteer offers valuable support to the hospice’s work, and in return receives all the training and support they need to ensure they find the experience rewarding.
Anyone with a few hours to spare each week who wishes to offer something positive to the hospice and to members of their own community is invited to discuss what St Richard’s could offer by contacting the Volunteer Services Coordinator on 01905 763963.
Many families supported by St Richard’s are keen to help the hospice raise money so that it can continue to offer care to other families during the illness of their loved one and through their bereavement.
There are lots of ways to help St Richard’s Hospice raise the money required to ensure that patients with life-threatening illnesses and their families can continue to receive the care and support they need, including making a one-off or regular donation, perhaps in memory of a loved one, leaving a gift in a Will, attending fundraising events or taking part in sponsored challenges.
The hospice organizes a wide range of events that cater for a variety of interests, including walking and cycling events, evening entertainments and lunches. The hospice website at www.strichards.org.uk includes a full event calendar and information on how to stay in touch, get involved or make a donation.