1980                 The beginning

Initiated by a local resident, Hospice at Home set up as a Charitable Trust to care for patients in their own homes, with a staff of three nurses and a doctor.

1985                  New ways of raising money

The first Hospice shop (complementing our existing mobile shop) opened in Tunbridge Wells. Our first social worker/counsellor was appointed

1989                  Developing the service 

A bereavement service was developed using volunteer bereavement counsellors and home volunteers, working with patients and their relatives.

1991                  The next phase

Plans were started for building a 17-bed hospice and a site in Pembury purchased.

1994                  Preparing for change

Hospice at Home moved to Allen Gardiner House in Pembury Road in preparation for our future expansion.

1995                  A new name

Hospice at Home became Hospice in the Weald.  A new education department started and a Development Campaign fund was launched.

1997                  Building work begins

Building work started on the Hospice building in Pembury.

1998                  A new home

The Team moved into the new Hospice on 25^th August.  The goodwill and support of the local community ensured that the fundraising target of £4.3 million was reached and the National Lottery granted £145,000 towards furnishings and equipment.  The first patients were admitted with 8 beds open.

2005                  Our 25^th anniversary

In its 25^th year the Hospice in the Weald had 12 beds open, 700 volunteers, 11 shops and 20 community fundraising link groups.

2006                  A new clinic established

The Hospice opened a much needed Lymphoedema Clinic staffed by nurses with specialist training in the assessment and management of this disease.

2007                  Our expansion continues

We embark on a major extension to our Day Therapy Centre to increase patient facilities and include more clinics including a new Music Therapy room.  Building work is on time and on budget and will be completed by July 2008.

2008                  Building work completed!

Everything finished - on time and on budget.  14 In-Patient beds open.

2010                 We celebrate our 30^th Anniversary

All facilities fully open including 17 beds on the In-Patient Unit and up to 20 patients received daily in the Day Therapy Centre.

2011                 Hospice in the Home is launched

Our aim is to expand and develop our community team to enable patients to be fully supported at home, and to die at home if that is their preference.