Autumn 2019
Your support changes lives Read Neasan’s story – page 4
Also in this issue The chair that changed a life
Trek the Sahara for Martlets
Small gestures, big smiles
page 7
page 3
page 10
Registered Charity No. 802145
A warm welcome Welcome to the new-look Martlets Mail, packed full of news, features and ways to get involved. Earlier this year, Martlets conducted research into brand recognition which revealed that we dominate the local charity landscape, achieving the highest level of awareness and familiarity. We were delighted to hear that 87% of respondents believe Martlets provides an essential service. While this is great news, less than half of those surveyed knew about the broad range of specialist services we offer, such as symptom management and pain control, bereavement support, rehabilitation, welfare support and group classes and social events. In this edition, we highlight some of these key services and explore the positive difference they make to the 2
lives of patients and their families. Please join us in spreading the word – together, we can change perceptions of hospice care and help those in need access all that Martlets has to offer. I hope you enjoy the latest edition of our magazine and, on behalf of everyone at Martlets, I’d like to thank you for your ongoing support. I would also really like to know what you think of the new layout – you can get in touch via communications@martlets.org.uk. Best wishes
Imelda Glackin Chief Executive Officer
Sahara Trek
16–21 April 2020
Why not take on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure while helping to support patients and families? Trek the Sahara Desert for Martlets! Sleep under the stars and the clearest of skies, wonder at the beauty of the Sahara and immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the nomadic Berber people. The sponsorship you raise through taking part will help transform the lives of patients and families affected by lifelimiting illness, here in Brighton and Hove. This is an amazing opportunity to experience an awe-inspiring landscape and challenge yourself along the way. Perhaps walk in memory of a loved one, trek with friends, or take part as an
adventurous individual. We’ll be there every step of the way to offer our support. Included Flights (including taxes), full board, first-aid trained staff, all accommodation. Price A £335 registration fee is payable at the time of booking then you are asked to fundraise at least £1,400 for Martlets. Closing date for applications is 31 October.
d formation an For further in se contact to book plea lton: Charlotte Bo 82 k t: 01273 7187 martlets.org.u @ n o lt o .b e tt e: charlo lets.org.uk www.themart
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Your support changes lives... Neasan Daly, 25, is an outpatient living with cancer. He has accessed a range of Martlets services from counselling to complementary therapies and physio. “I was diagnosed in 2017 with cancer of unknown origin – it appeared in my liver, my lungs and my bile duct. I came to Martlets in August 2018, after the first of two bouts of chemo. I’ve been receiving palliative care as an outpatient; the doctors look after my pain management and medication and make sure I’m as comfortable as possible. Most people with an illness like mine would probably go to hospital for 4
the medical side of things, but having that more personal support through a hospice like Martlets is really important. I don’t think people realise that Martlets offer a lot of services as well as the medical side, and it’s all free to access and makes a real difference. I’ve had back pain from the chemo and had massage therapy which has been really relieving. Reflexology also helps me with swelling in my feet – it has really brought down the swelling. One-to-one therapy has been extremely helpful – working things out in my brain and understanding how I display emotions. It’s also helped
me learn how to put myself in a positive frame of mind which is useful especially as it can be so isolating. It’s important to get on with what you’re doing – living in the now is the best way to put it. I also use the hospice physio service to strengthen my core and my balance and the team are making sure my muscles are working as best they can. I’ve been doing aerobic stretches with the balance bar, repetitions with the elastic bands and also a little bit of light cycling on the cycle machine
here. It helps me maintain a good quality of life so that I can get out and about when I can. The experience I’ve been through has brought me closer to the people I care about. I’m so much closer to my family now and my girlfriend. They have been offered complementary therapies as well. That’s one of the great things the hospice provides – they don’t just care for you, they care for your whole family and the people close to you.”
“I’d say to anyone thinking about accessing hospice services, don’t mistake it for where you just go at the very end.. Go in and learn more about what’s on offer. All of Martlets’ services are free of charge to patients – make use of what’s there and get all the support you can.”
Make a regular donation
Help us support more people like Neasan and his family Setting up a regular donation is a great way to offer your support – a regular gift provides a steady income stream that Martlets can rely on and helps us plan ahead.
Donate online at www.martlets.org.uk/donate, call 01273 747455, or fill out the donation form attached. 5
Special thanks to you, our fundraisers As a charity, we are only partially funded by the NHS and rely on the generosity of you, our local community, to keep our hospice services running.
ways you are making a difference.
From donating goods to our shops, to playing our lottery, or taking part in one of our fun-filled events there are many
On behalf of everyone at Martlets, a heartfelt thank you for all your fundraising efforts. When time is precious,
it’s the small things that make a big difference and any contribution, small or large, can help brighten up someone’s day. Your support changes lives.
Organise your own event
Congratulations to Jade for organising a Hell’s Kitchen event at Brighton Metropolitan College (MET) and raising £610 Jade organised the event because of all the help given by Martlets to her grandmother and the rest of her family. “The highlight for me was announcing how much was raised from this event alone. My advice for anyone looking to run a fundraising event would be to always allow enough time, enjoy yourself, and remember even if you only raise a little bit of money, it all helps!” 6
Many people in our local community have organised events ranging from coffee mornings to golf days, quiz nights and head shaves. Whatever you decide to do, we’re here to support you. We can provide you with balloons, banners, branded t-shirts or collection pots and buckets depending on your needs. Tell us all about your event or find inspiration at: www.themartlets.org. uk/fundraise-for-us/
Living independently in the community…
Richard, 38, has Huntington’s disease. His flat was not accommodating his changing needs and he was falling over frequently. Martlets helped adapt his home, fulfilling his wish to live independently for longer. Heidi, senior occupational therapist on our rehabilitation team, met with Richard and his family to assess his needs and then provided solutions to improve his mobility and daily functioning. Richard received a specialised riser-recliner chair that helps restrict movement, as the uncontrollable muscular movements associated with the disease were zapping his energy and depriving him of sleep. “It provides increased independence and safety with sit-to-stand transfers,”
”My chair has changed my life, I can now sleep and rest more.” explains Heidi. “A bespoke chair can enhance functions such as swallowing, breathing and communicating, and with good postural support, pain can be better managed and in Richard’s case ease muscular aches and cramps.” The chair has enabled Richard to rest and sleep for more prolonged periods of time, meaning he has more energy for the things he enjoys doing. 7
A safe haven Rebekah talks to us about the support her mum Elaine received during her illness.
“Mum didn’t want to go into a hospice, but once she discovered it was much more than just end-of-life care she was no longer scared and Martlets became her safe haven. It was so important for us as a family to know that Mum was happy and comfortable. The people, the love, the passion, the care, the understanding, the patience made the last few years, months and weeks bearable and manageable. Martlets helped Mum no end, but there were specific points in her illness that that were especially valuable to us as a family. When she was in a lot of pain and couldn’t sleep, life was becoming unbearable. She went into Martlets and they transformed her life – the pain relief, the support, the care, the one8
to-one attention on her mentally and physically, meant she came home after that almost like a new woman. The most positive things from the care that Martlets gave were the opportunities for Mum to come away with us. We had some incredible family holidays in the last year of her life and this wouldn’t have been possible without Martlets. It gave Mum the confidence to leave the house and have the support she needed to be away from home.”
“The staff made it feel like it was a home from home, and when it was my nieces birthday they set up a family area to celebrate. With a birthday cake and candles, we were able to sing happy birthday and make it a special family occasion which I know really helped the children. We would often bring a picnic and go and sit outside in the garden with Mum. Nothing was ever too much trouble for any of the staff. My daughters were so inspired by Martlets that they were determined to raise more money for people like
“Nothing was ever too much and we felt very supported as a family.”
“Together my family have raised over £5000 for Martlets so far.” my Mum so they set up a cake stall that travelled around Sussex while my husband was doing a fundraising run and did nine park runs in one day.” “I encourage you all to keep fundraising and keep donating. The money you donate will be spent on caring for people like my Mum and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
1 in 3 of our patients are cared for thanks to gifts in wills You can change lives in the future by making a gift in your will to Martlets today. We know that you may want to make provision for your family and friends first but hope that you will remember us too. You might want to leave a gift because you have been personally touched by our care or because you want to give to a local charity. Whatever the reason, you will make a real difference to the lives of Brighton and Hove families as they face some of their toughest times. For more information visit www.themartlets.org.uk/give-in-your-will/ or email gary.moyle@martlets.org.uk Request a copy of our new making a will booklet from gary.moyle@martlets.org.uk
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Services with a smile... Patrick Barclay-Ball, our Day Services Manager, talks about the essential services you fund that transform the lives of patients and their families.
We are looking at the whole person, not the illness and each patient is on an individual and personalised journey with us.
“When patients and carers come into the hospice for the first time they are often vulnerable, lonely, frightened and socially isolated.
Our services are growing all the time and we are adapting to the needs and wishes of our patients.”
Once they’ve visited us we see such a transformation. We see people smile, we hear laughter and we offer hope, purpose and possibility to give them the opportunity to live life to the full. It’s not what people often think a hospice is all about.
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Complementary Therapies Complementary therapies including acupuncture help with pain and symptom management. “I’ve had about six sessions of acupuncture and I really noticed the difference between appointments. I’ve got acupuncture studs in my chest that you massage four times a day for four weeks and as you massage them they help with your breathing. It really works for me”. Di Baxter, patient
Coffee mornings
Sow and Grow Our coffee mornings bring our community together, with regular speakers and lots of engaging activities. “Since Ian’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s it can be quite isolating so the coffee mornings at Martlets have been great for both of us. It was such a joy to be able to come along and meet the lovely people here and be part of this experience.” Jackie Dennie, carer
Our horticultural gardening group Sow and Grow helps to nurture a sense of wellbeing and connection with nature. “I enjoy going to Sow and Grow as it’s such a friendly group of regulars. We planted seeds and now we’re getting the seedlings and transplanting them. It’s good to see the seedlings growing and to feel connected to the cycle of life. We talk about all sorts and forget why we are at Martlets in the first place.” Catherine, patient 11
Have you thought about volunteering with us? You can change lives at the heart of Brighton and Hove. Paul Quigley has been a volunteer at Martlets for the past two years. As a ‘van driver’s mate’, he helps collect and deliver donations for shops. “I go out in a Martlets van to pick up furniture and all sorts of stuff that’s being donated. I don’t drive, so I’m the ‘wing man’, giving the driver directions and so on. The traffic can be awful at times so I’m glad I’m in the passenger seat, but we have so much fun, even when we’re stuck in a jam.” 12
“We meet so many people and pick up such a variety of stuff. The other day we were literally ‘in the doghouse’ when we picked up a dog kennel from a back garden, and the other week someone donated a rather unusual piece of alternative ‘fancy dress’ to one of our charity shops. Only in Brighton.”
Volunteer with us You can volunteer for Martlets in a variety of interesting roles, for just a few hours each week or take on a bigger commitment. Whatever time you have, regardless of your experience and skills, we’ll help you find a role that you will love. Our volunteers help in all areas of the organisation so you could choose whether you would like to help at the hospice itself, fundraise in the community or work in our shops or distribution centre. People volunteer for all sorts of reasons in all sorts of ways. To find out more about volunteering please go to www.themartlets.org.uk/ volunteer-with-us/
n Make a shop donatio Paul was a lift engineer for 20 years but stopped working due to ill health. Volunteering has helped him interact with different types of people and make the transition back into work. “I’d encourage other people to give volunteering a go. It’s a great way to earn yourself a reference if you haven’t been working for a while and to build your confidence. If you’re down, volunteering just lifts you up. That’s what Martlets has done for me.”
Having a clear out? Drop off pre-loved clothes, homewares or accessories at your local Martlets shop. We’re happy to collect furniture or larger items free of charge and house clearances are available on request if you, or a family member, have been cared for by Martlets. Find a shop near you: www.themartlets.org.uk/find-a-shop/ Alternatively, email trading@martlets.org.uk or call 01273 721188 to arrange a pick-up. 13
Events for your diary! Get involved!
Santa Bus 25 November– 20 December 2019 Keep a keen eye out for the adored Santa Bus doing its rounds this festive season. Coming to a street near you soon! Light up a Life 1 and 8 December 2019 Join us for a beautiful remembrance service to celebrate and reflect on special memories and loved ones. City Charity Christmas Concert 5 December 2019 This annual concert never disappoints! The perfect way to start feeling all Christmassy.
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Art of Life 5–15 March 2020 We will be celebrating some of the incredible artists in our city, ending with an exhibition and a chance to purchase the pieces at auction. Zumbathon 27 March 2020 That’s right a Zumba-
marathon! This popular three-hour UV Zumba rave is not one to miss! Sahara Trek 16–21 April 2020 Martlets’ first overseas trek… a Moroccan adventure for those who love a challenge and are looking for a once-in-alifetime trip.
Nothing in the calendar that tickles your fancy? Do your own #TeamMartlets fundraising Whatever you’re passionate about, whether its dancing, baking or synchronised swimming, we will support you all the way! Involve a select few, or your whole community to make memories and raise funds your way. t visit ation and suppor For more inform ise-for-us ts.org.uk/fundra www.themartle email 01273 747455 or Get in touch on tlets.org.uk. fundraising@mar
Here are some more ways you can make a difference... Make a regular donation An easy way to support Martlets is by making a regular donation. A gift of any size will ensure that local people and their loved ones receive the very best care and support when they need it the most. A regular gift provides a steady income stream that Martlets can rely on and helps us plan ahead.
Donate online at www.martlets.org.uk/donate, call 01273 747455 or fill out the donation form attached.
Play Martlets’ weekly lottery
to k for the chance Pay just £2 a wee g in ud cl in s, sh prize win one of 44 ca , ar ye st ,500! La our top prize of £1 ributed more than nt co lottery players tlets. £400,000 to Mar
Join today at ts.org.uk/ www.themartle join-our-lottery
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Do you have a birthday coming up? You can change lives with a birthday fundraiser. You may have noticed friends on Facebook running these fundraisers for their favourite charities. Why not consider making Martlets your birthday charity of choice? We would love to send you a thank you, so please drop us a line with your email address so we can celebrate your contribution.
1 Make it personal Include why you’re supporting us along with any connection you have to Martlets.
2 Remind your friends to donate Let them know why your fundraiser is extra special to you with a quick reminder.
Set up a birthday fu going to www.fa ndraiser by cebook.com
3 Say thank you Don’t forget to thank your friends and let them know what a difference their support has made to patients and families.
