news For supporters and friends of North Devon Hospice
Spring 2011
Issue 35
look inside for
a new leaf
hands on
something special
encounters
‘A Cracking Big Breakfast’
Nigel, one of our volunteers, joins over a hundred patients, staff, volunteers and family members for a ‘Big Breakfast’ at Deer Park take two
being there for all the family
Dear friend, Thank you for taking the time to read our Spring/Summer newsletter. It is an exciting time as we welcome two new teams to the hospice who have joined us from the local NHS Trust; the Community Palliative Care Service that provides assistance to patients and their families at home and the hospital based Specialist Palliative Care Service. We are also pleased to work with the Trust and NHS Devon to provide an extensive education programme. This will help in our overall aim of providing seamless care and is only possible thanks to the growing partnerships we have with not only the Trust but also with other healthcare providers in the area too.
The Education programme is a fundamental part of our work. It allows us to further develop the skills of our staff and volunteers, as well as jointly share knowledge and expertise with other professionals. The desired aim is to improve care for patients and their families. One of the most exciting elements of our 2011 Education programme is a 4 part taster course in End of Life Care, which is followed by a course of 6 study days. This year the Education programme is delivering 144 short sessions at various venues across North Devon, from Holsworthy to Ilfracombe. This will enable those who provide care in any environment, to share ideas about how best to support people with life-limiting illness.
education
improving care through
All of our sessions and courses, whether long or short, are provided completely free of charge. The courses are sponsored by NHS Devon and delivered in partnership with the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust.
Looking at the year ahead, we are pleased to present a taster of events that help us fund this care. By embracing the diverse interests of you all we hope to continue to offer something for everyone. We are also pleased to introduce you to Memory Leaf, a unique keepsake to remember a loved one, which was inspired by the Beech and Oak trees growing in the hospice grounds. With your continued generosity, we will endeavour to carry on developing and improving the care and comfort we offer to the people of North Devon. Thank you again for your support.
Gordon Lester, Chief Executive
Annie Hogg, one of our Community Nurse Specialists, leads discussion with other professionals at a taster session in Holsworthy.
The Community Palliative Care service works primarily in patients’ homes at night during the final week or so of their lives. They also have access to support from Marie Curie nurses, who tend to work with patients in the last six months of life. The team comprises of five palliative care support workers, who are on standby to go and provide holistic care for patients and support to families and carers. They are supported and co-ordinated by Wendy Quick and office assistant Beverley Ward. The service is managed by Lesley Calcutt who was previously a District Nurse.
In December 2010 we opened our doors to the Community Palliative Care team who have been seconded to us for 5 years by the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust. This gives us exciting opportunities to develop and improve services for palliative care across North Devon.
The service’s aim is to make sure as many people as possible can die in their place of choice.This calls for integrated working with district nurses, GPs and out-of-hours services to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, particularly if someone lives alone.
welcoming Lesley, Wendy and Bev and their support workers
Before her day of home visits begins, nurse Keely Dempsey tells us more about the roles of the two teams. ‘I joined the hospice as a staff nurse when the Bedded Unit opened in 2005. In the unit we offer specialist palliative care and support to people 24/7. What is surprising to many people is that lots of our patients will visit the Bedded Unit for symptom management, and then will be able to return home again. Spending time in the Unit gives patients and their loved ones reassurance that they are in a safe place, with specialist round the clock care and support for that specific moment in their journey.’ After two years on the Bedded Unit, Keely joined the Community Clinical Nurse Specialist team. ‘In essence, we bring the hospice out into people’s homes, providing advice, emotional support and medical interventions. Working closely with GP practices and other healthcare providers, our aim is to provide the best possible care for patients and their families across North Devon.’
two teams one goal
The Community Clinical Nurse Specialist team is the familiar face of the hospice, working from Holsworthy to Lynton and every town and village in between. In addition to this community team, there is another medical team at work on the Bedded Unit at North Devon Hospice.
‘We can have a laugh’ ‘Everybody is friendly and it helps my nerves’ ‘It gives me a sense of belonging. The people who come are in the same boat even though they all have different illnesses’ ‘It’s a place to unwind. We share together problems and joys’ ‘We have great coffee and large slices of cake too. It’s such a lovely get together with carers and patients and the crew of the hospice’ ‘We can forget some of our troubles for a while’ ‘It’s a great atmosphere, everybody is so very friendly’ ‘I can relax (I can’t at home)’ ‘It’s a good supportive and social time’ ‘It is good to see friendly faces’ ‘It makes such a difference to our lives at this time’ ‘The staff are very special and willing to chat through any concerns we have’ ‘When we come, we have no worries about each other and can fully relax together’
So why not drop-in....
It’s a good social time It’s a place to unwind It’s a great atmosphere
It’s Friday! Every Friday 10.30 -12.30 at Deer Park
for patients, carers and their families
As the driver of our minibus, Chris is often the first and the last point of contact during a patient’s day at the hospice. ‘When I pick people up in the morning, I often find that they might not be feeling great, but usually when I take them home again, having spent the day at Deer Park, their mood is lifted, as they’ve had an enjoyable day and it has raised their spirits.’ During the journeys, Chris often finds himself lending an ear as patients will talk to him about anything and everything. ‘We certainly have plenty of chat on the bus’ he said. ‘There is a lot of joking around and many serious conversations too.’ Chris has worked for the charity for seven years, in a number of different departments, and has also had first-hand experience of the care provided. ‘Not long after arriving here,’ Chris said, ‘my wife Sandra became ill and needed the support of the hospice. It was clearly a very sad time for us, and although we miss her every day, we all take solace in the fact that the hospice was there for her and for the whole family. Now I am proud to play my part by taking patients to and from the hospice every day, helping to make them feel safe and reassured, and lending a friendly ear when they need it.’
driving for the hospice
I come to It’s Friday because:
‘The care provided by the hospice has been vital for so many families throughout North Devon, including mine...’ Chris Allwood
Fantastic fundraising events coming to a place near you. Here are just a few....
2 Sports & Classic Ca r Run
6th June Bring your classic car (whether o encompass ld or new) ing great s to this wo cenery and nd hidden tre asures of N erful run, orth Devo n.
3 bridges fun run
North Devonthon AONB Mara
15th May
run, Enjoy this sponsored fun three taking in Barnstaple’s w. bridges over the river Ta
nt inaugural event we Places at last year’s this r fo you sign up soon fast, so make sure n. and Half Maratho stunning Marathon
pics UK farm olymth June
Nightwalk
19
or Forget the 100m urself a javelin. Earn yo y bale gold medal in ha anging! -w tossing or welly am event This is a fun, te Sheep. held at The Big
21st May
The popular ladiesonly moonlit walk along the Tarka Trail returns for an other year.
Devon
26th June
National Sandcastle Competition UK
Dust off your bucket and spade for a day of digging, sculpting and team-building.
ast Coast-to-Co
Challenge
5th June
e for or 100mile rout m 0k 10 a er th Choose ei e of Devon’s e through som cl cy y it ar ch is ery. th challenging scen d an l fu ti au be most
Devon Wal
ks
24th and 25
A range of b
th Septembe
eautiful walk
24th - 26th June
A grand ball, last night of the Proms and a summer fete will feature in this amazing weekend of activity at Hartland Abbey. Proms tickets £35: phone Su 01271 247233
3rd July
s for all the
r
family.
December
Light up a Life
Remember someone close to you at one of our many special services held across the area.
The Gr eat De von Da 10th an ngle d 11th S Tackle the e of Hart immense 180 ptember land in t ft his spon sheer cliffs sored a bseil.
Floating Bye
31st July
Remember someone you love with a flower, placed on a raft on an outgoing tide at Instow beach. A moving and memorable event.
Shanghai Jazz 28th and 29th June
The Fullam restaurant hosts a weekend of fine oriental dining with accompanying jazz.
Santa Fun Run 11th December
Be part of the spectacle! Hundreds of Santas take to the streets of Barnstaple in this fantastic fundraiser. To find out more about any of our events, please visit our website www.northdevonhospice.org.uk or call our fundraising team on 01271 344248 or email fundraising@northdevonhospice.org.uk
2 e k ta remarkable women
sheila and Kelly
The Mid Summer Charity Weekend at Hartland Abbey promises to be spectacular, thanks to a dedicated committee which includes the inspirational Sheila and her daughter Kelly. Kelly’s speech opened the ball last year where she told the room, ‘I certainly never thought I would be the one standing here tonight, in front of you all, doing this year’s welcome speech. In November 2007 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 29 and 7 months pregnant with my first child, William.’ Just 3 weeks after her son’s arrival, Kelly began extensive treatment in her battle against cancer. Then, just a year later, her mother Sheila also received a breast cancer diagnosis. Over the coming years this was followed by stomach cancer and a secondary breast cancer. Sheila is still undergoing chemotherapy. Underlining the great appreciation and affection for the charities they support, Sheila and Kelly commented: ‘The hospice is an amazing place; from the moment you walk through the door there is an overwhelming feeling of warmth and friendliness. The hospice provides excellent specialist care and support to people, and importantly also, to their families and friends.’ Considered as two of the most remarkable women you could ever meet, Sheila and Kelly are focused on making the 2011 weekend the most successful yet. For more information or to donate to this event please visit: www.abbeymidsummer.com
Photo: courtesy of North Devon Journal
Just before Christmas, patients, carers, volunteers and staff enjoyed a morning of carol singing at St. John’s Garden Centre, Barnstaple. A very big thank you to all who were involved, including the owners of St John’s who kindly provided refreshments for all the thirsty singers.
Thanks to the arrival of Debbie Body, the hospice has been alive with the sound of music! Debbie has been on a six month placement as a music therapist, and so patients, carers and their family members have had (as Debbie describes) the opportunity ‘for personal and meaningful musical encounters, which often uncover and explore important feelings’.
Musical
‘After my first few visits, I was struck by how many people were telling me about the importance of music in their lives, whether as relaxation, inspiration or social interaction. I am grateful for the encouragement that everyone has shown me so far – there is such a spirit of generosity in this place’.
e n c o U n t e r s
Music brings people together. Singing is uplifting and lifegiving.’ Debbie Body
relaxing encouraging inspiring
e n c o U n t e r s
A day in the life of Deer Park volunteers
Volunteers are an essential part of the life of North Devon Hospice, from running our shops and helping with fundraising events, to caring for patients and providing admin support. Here we see what a typical day might look like for those who volunteer at Deer Park itself…
09.00 Driver Tom is off to collect patients who are attending Day Hospice. 09.30 Several collection tins have been brought in today, so Michael counts the money ready for banking. Stuart is involved with an IT project, whilst Ann sorts through some overdue books in the library. 10.30 As Pat prepares food, Maurizio welcomes Day Hospice patients from the bus and then serves tea and coffee, with suitably dunkable biscuits! 11.00 Margaret takes charge of the reception desk, allowing Jen time for a coffee break, whilst Penny prepares the tables for Day Hospice lunch. 13.30 Early afternoon, and Ken, who is also a trustee, offers rides in our Chatterbug golf buggy to patients who would like to enjoy an afternoon in the garden. 14.30 In the fundraising office, Una, having sorted out the collection boxes, turns her attention to the hundreds of application packs for ‘Nightwalk.’ Meanwhile, Barry 15.30 and his team of garden volunteers are enjoying a well-earned tea break! 16.00 After spending time talking to Christine, one of our skilled bereavement volunteers, driver Alistair is on hand to take the gentleman home again. 16.30 Meanwhile Lyn, another driver, waits to collect a carer who has just finished a session with Lisa, our experienced volunteer aromatherapist. 17.00 Now that most of the patients and staff have gone home, volunteer Pete can finish painting a hallway. 20.00 Mike’s evening stint on the bedded unit is now over. He has been serving supper to patients and their visitors.
remembered forever
hands on hands on
treasure the memory of a loved one with our new Memory Leaves
The Oak or Beech leaf designs are available in solid copper or brass. Each leaf has a hole in its stem so that it can be hung on a plant, tree or in a window. The leaf could even travel with you in your handbag, pocket or on a keyring. This is a beautiful way to remember someone close to you, for a birthday, anniversary or a special day. You can obtain your own Memory Leaf by making a donation to help sustain the work of our hospice. For more information please contact Su Massey on 01271 247233 or email susanmassey@northdevonhospice.org.uk.
something special for everyone Enjoy a unique shopping experience
Do you have a wedding coming up? Or even a party or school prom? Finding the perfect outfit is not easy, but at North Devon Hospice’s new Occasion Wear Boutique you could pick up a real bargain. open 6 days a week l open 6 days a week
Wa y s
Our events calendar in the centre pages of this newsletter shows just a few ways people can have fun whilst raising money for the hospice. Whether
it is cycling, running, building sandcastles or even dining out, there is always something for everyone. The new shop, located on the first floor of our furniture centre in St George’s Road, Barnstaple, is dedicated to wonderful wedding dresses, frilly frocks, smart suits and great accessories for all occasions. From popular high street fashion to designer outfits, there is something for everyone at a fraction of the normal price.
We are always looking for quality donations for our Occasion Wear Boutique. If you have any formal wear that you would like to donate, from shoes and handbags to tuxedos and dresses, we would be most grateful. You can drop them in to any one of North Devon Hospice’s 11 shops throughout the area. Call 01271 342792 for more information about our collection service.
something special
something special for everyone
Following requests from some of our adventurous fundraisers, this year we have launched a new series of extreme events. Now you can skydive, bungee jump or even swim with sharks to raise much needed funds for the hospice! To lead the way, Rebecca Worth from our fundraising team is taking part in all three. She said, ‘I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone who craves that adrenalin rush! You will have a great sense of achievement and also raise vital funds for charity.’ It’s an exciting time as our extreme fundraisers start to book their places for 2011.
o
f
i n i g v g Rebecca explains… ‘Supporting your local hospice doesn’t necessarily have to be about taking on madcap challenges! For example, we have just produced a home collection box, which you can pop your loose change into and send back to us when it’s full. You’d be surprised how much it adds up to! Leaving a gift in your will is also a popular way to support the hospice. You can leave a sum of money, a share of your estate, or even a specific item. A lot of people also choose to give a small, regular gift via standing order. Regular giving is hugely important to the hospice because it means we can plan for the future with real confidence.
If any of this sounds appealing to you, or you can think of any If extreme sport isn’t your other way in which you might cup of tea, there are literally be able to support the hospice, hundreds of other ways I would love to hear from you for you to get involved and to help make it a reality. No idea is too big or too small!’ support the work we do. Please call Rebecca on 01271 347204 Email: rebeccaworth@northdevonhospice.org.uk
2010 Draw s r e n n wi
Mike Penny asks....in for a £1 ? ‘Our Annual Draw is a way your £1 can make a difference to the hospice, whilst also giving you that little bit of hope for a winning return. The top prize this year is a fantastic £5,000 cash. Buy a ticket for just £1. Also, we are so grateful to you, our dedicated Lottery Club members, as your regular contributions of just £1 per week add up to over £300,000 for the hospice every year. This amazing amount makes a significant difference to the lives of the patients and families for whom we care, and means that we can continue to provide the help and support needed during such difficult times.’
If you would like to support the hospice Lottery Club or the Draw, please contact Mike Penny on 01271 347217 or email: lottery@northdevonhospice.org.uk
thank you on behalf of us all
contact us at:
North Devon Hospice Deer Park Barnstaple North Devon EX32 0HU
T: 01271 344248 info@northdevonhospice.org.uk www.northdevonhospice.org.uk
Printed by: ToPTowN PriNTErs LTD. This newsletter is printed on paper which is: registered Charity Number: 286554