The Vital Role of St David’s Hospice Care: A Lifeline for Families in Need
4th October 2024
By GS Verde Group
At the heart of South East Wales lies a beacon of hope and compassion: St David’s Hospice Care. For over 40 years, it has been a lifeline for families during the most challenging times of their lives, offering specialist palliative and end of life care to patients and their loved ones. This care, provided entirely free of charge, is made possible thanks to the support of the local community, fundraisers, and businesses. Together, we ensure that every patient has access to the care they need when it matters most.
Compassion at the Core of Care
For many, the thought of a hospice conjures feelings of fear and uncertainty. But at St David’s, the experience is one of peace, understanding, and dignity. We believe that end-of-life care is not just about managing physical symptoms but also providing emotional, social, and spiritual support for patients and their families. This holistic approach has made St David’s Hospice Care an invaluable resource for the communities of Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, and Torfaen, as well as parts of South and Mid Powys.
Our Hospice at Home service is central to this care model, allowing patients to remain in their homes, surrounded by loved ones. Whether at home or within our in-patient unit, patients can rest assured that they will be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity.
Hospice at Home Service: Care in the Comfort of Your Own Home
The Hospice at Home service is designed to allow patients to spend their final days in the place they feel most comfortable: home. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that patients and families have access to care whenever they need it. Last year, over 38,000 hours of care were provided through the Hospice at Home service, enabling 99% of patients to pass away peacefully in their own homes or usual places of residence.
This service is a lifeline for families, providing both physical care and emotional support. One family member shared,
“The Hospice at Home service was absolutely amazing. The level of understanding, care, and support was beyond all of our expectations.”
For many, the ability to receive care in the comfort of their own home is invaluable. Our Hospice at Home service ensures that patients are surrounded by their loved ones, creating a peaceful environment during a deeply emotional time.
Supporting the Whole Family
At St David’s Hospice Care, we understand that illness affects not just the patient, but the entire family. That’s why we offer comprehensive support through services like the Family Support Team and the Unicorn Service for children. Last year, more than 340 families were referred to the Unicorn Service, which provides specialised care for children coping with the illness or loss of a loved one.
This emotional support is a crucial part of what makes the Hospice at Home service so valuable. Families can lean on our team for help, whether it’s through counselling, practical advice, or simply providing a comforting presence during difficult moments.
Community Fundraisers: The Heart of St David’s Hospice Care
The care provided by St David’s Hospice Care is only possible because of the unwavering support of the local community. It costs £15,000 every day to maintain all of the services provided by St David’s Hospice Care, and while we receive funding from the Welsh Government and NHS, much of our work is made possible by fundraisers and donations.
Every year, individuals and businesses come together to raise money for the hospice, from sponsored events like the Bubble Dash to charity runs like St Davids 2 St Davids. The impact of these fundraisers is immeasurable, helping to provide thousands of hours of care for those in need.
One of our inspirational fundraisers, Luke, ran over 115 miles and raised £11,000 in memory of his mum and aunty. Stories like Luke’s highlight the community’s incredible dedication to supporting St David’s and our Hospice at Home service.
The Role of Corporate Sponsorship
Local businesses are also essential in helping us continue our work. Corporate sponsorship provides vital funds for events that raise awareness and money for the Hospice at Home service. By sponsoring events like our Festive Fun Run or Golf Day, businesses not only give back to the community but also align themselves with a respected charity.
Sponsoring the Hospice at Home service is an opportunity for businesses to make a real difference. Laura Harvey from Monmouthshire Building Society, a long-time sponsor, said, “The Society has a long history of supporting St David’s Hospice, and we are delighted to support the Festive Fun Run.”
Partnering with St David’s Hospice Care can elevate your business’s profile while directly contributing to the life-changing work we do.
The Future of St David’s Hospice Care
As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding our Hospice at Home service to reach more families. With the demand for palliative care expected to grow, our Hospice at Home service will play an even more critical role in providing care where it’s needed most.
Our Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 outlines our mission to extend care to under-represented communities and ensure that every patient in need has access to the Hospice at Home service.
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 simply wants to donate, your contribution makes a tangible difference.
Fundraisers can organise their own events or join existing ones like the Big Welsh Brew or Jolly Jumper Day. Every pound raised helps provide free, compassionate care to those who need it most.
Businesses can also partner with us to sponsor the Hospice at Home service or support one of our community events. Your support will not only help us provide care but will also show your commitment to the local community.
Download Our Full Annual Review
For more detailed insights into the vital work we do, the services we provide, and how you can get involved, download our Annual Review 2023/2024. This document outlines the financials, achievements, and goals of St David’s Hospice Care and highlights the incredible difference your support makes every day.
St David’s Hospice Care is more than just a palliative care provider. Through services like the Hospice at Home service, we are a lifeline for families when they need us most.
With the continued support of our local community, fundraisers, and businesses, we can ensure that St David’s Hospice Care continues to provide vital services for many years to come. Together, we can make a difference.
