How Community Support Helps St David’s Hospice Care Provide Free, Comprehensive Services
15th October 2024
By GS Verde Group
For over four decades, St David’s Hospice Care has been a lifeline for patients and families during the most difficult times of their lives.
For over four decades, St David’s Hospice Care has been a lifeline for patients and families during the most difficult times of their lives. Offering free, compassionate care, the hospice provides vital support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. What makes this care possible? The answer lies in the power of community support.
From local fundraisers and volunteers to corporate sponsors, the generosity of the community plays an essential role in maintaining St David’s Hospice Care’s services, especially its renowned Hospice at Home service. This community-driven approach ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, regardless of their financial circumstances.
A Community of Compassion
The care provided by St David’s Hospice Care extends far beyond medical attention. It is holistic, considering the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This unique approach is what sets St David’s apart, making it a haven for those in need of palliative care.
However, such comprehensive care comes with significant costs. Every day, St David’s Hospice Care must raise £15,000 to maintain all its free services. While the hospice receives vital support from the Welsh Government and NHS, much of its funding is driven by the generosity of individuals, community fundraisers, and corporate sponsors.
Hospice at Home Service: Community Funded, Free for Families
One of the most significant services provided by St David’s Hospice Care is the Hospice at Home service. This allows patients to spend their final days in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones. The demand for this service continues to grow, with over 38,000 hours of care provided last year alone.
As with all the services provided by St David’s, thanks to community donations and fundraising events, the Hospice at Home service remains entirely free for families. This service is available 24/7, ensuring that patients and families receive the support they need at any time of the day or night. For many, this level of care is invaluable.
One family shared their experience with the Hospice at Home service: “The support we received was beyond our expectations. Knowing that our loved one could remain at home, in familiar surroundings, made all the difference.”
This type of feedback is a testament to the dedication of St David’s Hospice Care and the impact of community support. It demonstrates how the generosity of individuals and businesses allows the hospice to continue providing these essential services.
How Fundraisers Make a Difference
Every year, thousands of individuals from across South East Wales take part in fundraising events to support St David’s Hospice Care. From marathons and skydives to bake sales and community fun runs, there are endless ways that people raise money for the hospice.
One of the most popular fundraising events is the Festive Fun Run, where over 400 participants dress as Santas, elves, and Christmas trees for a fun 5-mile run around Newport. Sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society, this event raises significant funds for the hospice, ensuring that services like the Hospice at Home service can continue.
Luke, one of the hospice’s most dedicated fundraisers, took on an immense personal challenge last year. He ran over 115 miles and raised £11,000 in memory of his mum and aunty. Luke’s incredible feat, alongside countless other fundraisers, highlights the importance of community involvement in keeping St David’s Hospice Care running smoothly.
For those interested in getting involved, the hospice encourages people to organise their own fundraising events. Whether it’s a coffee morning, a bake sale, or a sponsored walk, every contribution helps make a difference in the lives of patients and families.
Corporate Sponsorship: A Vital Source of Support
While individual fundraisers make up a large portion of donations, corporate sponsorship also plays a crucial role in supporting St David’s Hospice Care. Local businesses across South East Wales have shown unwavering support, helping to fund events and provide direct contributions to hospice services.
For businesses, sponsoring an event like the Golf Day or the Bubble Dash not only provides financial support to the hospice but also offers an opportunity to give back to the local community. Many businesses view this as a way to align their brand with a cause that has a tangible impact on the lives of families in the area.
Laura Harvey, Senior Marketing Manager at Monmouthshire Building Society, spoke about the company’s involvement in sponsoring the Festive Fun Run: “The Society has a long history of supporting St David’s Hospice, and we are delighted to sponsor the Festive Fun Run. We believe in the work St David’s does, and it’s our way of giving back to the community.”
Corporate sponsorship ensures that events are well-funded and can reach a wider audience, raising both awareness and donations for the hospice. Businesses that sponsor St David’s Hospice Care often find that their involvement resonates with their customers, strengthening their brand’s reputation as a socially responsible organisation.
Volunteering: Giving the Gift of Time
In addition to financial support, volunteers are the backbone of St David’s Hospice Care. From helping in the hospice’s charity shops to providing essential support at fundraising events, volunteers play a critical role in the hospice’s day-to-day operations.
Volunteering offers individuals a way to contribute to the community and be a part of something meaningful. Many volunteers find their experience at St David’s deeply rewarding, as they know they’re making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and families.
One volunteer, Ceri, who has been working as a complementary therapist for St David’s Hospice since 2017, shared, “I love volunteering here. I can’t imagine not being part of this incredible place. Seeing the impact we have on patients and their families makes it all worthwhile.”
Every volunteer hour helps keep costs down and ensures that more funds go directly to patient care.
The Unicorn Service: Supporting Families Through Grief
St David’s Hospice Care recognises that terminal illness doesn’t just affect the patient. It touches the entire family, particularly children. The hospice’s Unicorn Service provides specialist support for children who are coping with the illness or loss of a loved one.
Last year, over 340 families were referred to the Unicorn Service. This invaluable programme helps children navigate their emotions, offering them a safe space to express their feelings and learn how to cope with loss. The service is free of charge, thanks to the ongoing generosity of the community.
Fundraising events and corporate sponsorship play a significant role in funding the Unicorn Service, ensuring that families receive the support they need during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Building the Future: The St David’s Hospice Care Strategic Plan
Looking ahead, St David’s Hospice Care is committed to expanding its services and reaching even more people in need. The Hospice at Home service will continue to be a central part of the hospice’s care model, and plans are in place to extend its reach to more communities, particularly underrepresented groups.
The hospice’s Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 outlines several key goals, including working with community leaders to ensure that more people have access to palliative care. With the demand for hospice services expected to grow in the coming years, community support will be more important than ever.
St David’s is also focused on improving its volunteer programme, ensuring that volunteers receive the support and training they need to continue providing high-quality care. Additionally, the hospice plans to further develop its fundraising initiatives, with a focus on encouraging more community-driven events.
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can support St David’s Hospice Care. Whether you’re an individual looking to fundraise, a business interested in sponsorship, or someone who wants to donate, your contribution makes a tangible difference.
Here’s how you can get involved:
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Fundraising: Organise your own event or join one of St David’s annual campaigns, such as Jolly Jumper Day or the Big Welsh Brew.
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Corporate Sponsorship: Partner with St David’s to sponsor an event or support a specific service, like the Hospice at Home service or Unicorn Service.
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Volunteering: Give the gift of your time by volunteering at one of the hospice’s charity shops or helping at a fundraising event.
Your support helps ensure that St David’s Hospice Care can continue providing free, comprehensive services to those who need it most.
Download Our Full Annual Review
For more information about St David’s Hospice Care and how community support is making a difference, download our Annual Review 2023/2024. This document outlines our financials, achievements, and goals, providing an in-depth look at the work we do and the lives we touch every day.
St David’s Hospice Care is a shining example of what can be achieved through the power of community support. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or corporate sponsorship, the generosity of individuals and businesses across South East Wales enables the hospice to continue providing free, compassionate care to patients and their families.
With the ongoing support of the community, St David’s Hospice Care can continue its vital work for many years to come. Together, we are making a difference.
