Grant-Making Trusts play a very important role for Hospice in the Weald.  We have been fortunate to receive great support from various trusts over the years for which we are very grateful.

During 2010 we have a number of projects we will be fundraising for on an ongoing basis.  We have highlighted a few below:

Respite Care
Respite care can offer both patient and their carer a much-needed break and a change of environment for the patient which is safe, secure and supportive.  It enables the carer to take a break from their caring responsibilities which can be both physically and emotionally draining.  Planned respite ensures that both patient and carer can benefit.  Those assessed as needing respite care will have access to four weeks of planned respite over the course of a year.  Our plan is to run respite care continually and we estimate that approximately 40 patients and their families per year would benefit from the service.

Lymphoedema Clinic
Lymphoedema is a swelling that develops as a result of an impaired lymphatic system, often related to cancer and its treatment.  Lymphoedema can cause discomfort and can be debilitating for the patient.  If the condition remains untreated, the affected area, often a limb, can become increasingly swollen which can reduce mobility and impede daily routines and activities.  It can also lead to cellulitis, an infection which may require an acute admission into hospital.  We set up a regular clinic at the Hospice at the end of 2006 and since that time, we have seen approximately 650 new referrals.  On average, we expect to treat 200 new referrals per year as well as the ongoing case load.  We are this year extending our service to include a clinic on Saturdays to offer greater flexibility for patients who are not able to make weekday appointments.

Memory Books
Hospice in the Weald's Day Therapy Centre provides a welcoming place for people with life-limiting illness to come and be supported by a multi-disciplinary team of palliative care professionals and volunteers.  Everyone has a story to tell and those facing the end of their lives may feel compelled to tell their life sotries and explore their experiences.  Hugh Harwood is our resident Creative Therapy Artist and he works with a small team of volunteers.  Even for patients who are not intrinsically artistic, or have no experience of computers, Hugh will explore a medium that will suit them.  Hugh will spend between 3-12 hours with the patient to compile their story.  He then will spend 1-6 days to put the final piece together, depending on its complexity.
We estimate that we will work with about 60-70 patients this year to produce their life stories.  The completion of the stories will bring a great sense of achievement and fulfilment to the patients, who in turn can pass their stories on to their families.

For further information, please contact our Trusts and Individual Donor Fundraiser, Camilla Slattery on 01892 820528 or email: camilla.slattery@hospiceintheweald.org.uk