The Primrose Bulletin - Issue 6 Autumn/Winter 23

It gives me great pleasure this latest edition of the Pr

My name is Angela and I Primrose Hospice volunte team in 2004.

The time has flown by and the one thing that has always remained constant is the care and compassion of all those who work and volunteer here Indeed, it is the core of what Primrose is all about – helping people at a time of their greatest need. And that is why I am still here after nearly 20 years!

Perhaps one of the biggest changes in my time at Primrose Hospice has been the building of the Coppice Family Support Centre. Dedicated to the emotional and practical needs of our patients and families it has gone from strength to strength throughout the years

As a receptionist I have met many people who have come through the Coppice doors, getting to know them and witnessing their various journeys. In this issue we will be getting to know more about our Family Support Centre and the excellent services we offer In particular we will be hearing from Sharon Workman as part of our Primrose People campaign. She will be telling us all about her role working with children and young people.

You will also hear about our fabulous fundraisers and you might even get some inspiration to upcycle and reuse what you have at home! So take five minutes, grab a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy this edition of The Primrose Bulletin

We provide all our services for free in North East Worcestershire to those who need us most; we can only continue to do this with your dedicated and valued support. Every pound raised really does make a difference to ensure Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre can continue supporting our community.

Thank you to all our trustees, volunteers, supporters and staff for their valued support and commitment

Angela Lovick VolunteerandSupporter PrimroseHospice&FamilySupportCentre

How we care

Data extracted from April 2022March 2023

The total number of individual people who received our care or support

1,415

The total number of people who received Family Support services

1,140

A warm welcome from Primrose Hospice

Meet our fantastic team at our next Open Day in November!

During our Open Day you will be able to chat to our patients and team as well as see the vital support Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre offers to our community.

There will be hospice tours, presentations and a warm drink waiting for you at the door!

Where?

Primrose Day Hospice, B60 3BW

When?

Tuesday 21st November 2023, 10am-3pm (Drop in)

A silver celebration

The first Primrose Hospice shop opened it’s doors on Alcester Street in Redditch in 1997 June Wormington was one of it's first 15 volunteers who joined the charity shop and were asked what they would like to spend time doing.

June decided her creative skills would be best suited dressing the shop window – fast forward 26 years and she is still doing what she does best! June now volunteers her time every week displaying our best donations in our Redditch and Kingfisher shop windows.

‘Why do you volunteer?’

We asked June She said: "That is easy. It’s definitely the artistic side of window dressing, which puts my creative skills to good use I have particularly enjoyed creating the ‘Special Windows’ to commemorate seasonal festivals, royal events and Primrose fundraising events throughout the years.

Volunteering keeps me physically active in mind and body, plus making great friendships along the way

Primrose Hospice creates the perfect environment for volunteers to develop confidence and a variety of social and life skills that they are able to take forward into the future. I love what I do and I wouldn't want to volunteer anywhere else!”

Volunteer, visit or donate to our shops:

Memory Tree

Positioned in the peaceful garden our new, hand sculpted Memory Tree allows people who have experienced the death of loved one to commemorate their life by placing an inscribed leaf on the tree. Visit our website to find out more: SCAN ME

Or call: 01527 889796

Primrose People

“Primrose Hospice isn't about dying. It's actually a place where the focus is living. It's about living your best life, being cared for and supported by the team at Primrose.”

At Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre we provide care and support to over 1,400 people in North East Worcestershire every single year. Our team of ‘Primrose People’ make this happen.

From every volunteer, patient, staff member and fundraiser, everyone plays a vital part in ensuring Primrose Hospice can continue to provide the free and vital support to our community in their time of need Today we have the pleasure of introducing you to Sharon who forms part of our Primrose Hospice Family Support Team.

Over to Sharon…

Hello, I'm Sharon Workman and I'm a member of the Primrose Hospice Family Support Children's Team I've been at Primrose Hospice & Family Support centre for five and a half years; during that time I’ve been a Children’s Practitioner and covered as the Children’s Team Lead.

My involvement at Primrose Hospice entails working as part of a dedicated and passionate team, to look after all the children and young people who access our support services.

Within our Children's Team, we have a wealth of skills and knowledge where we all have different backgrounds, which we need to be able to do this role, not only to help the families we support, but also to be able to care for ourselves.

Many people think Primrose Hospice is where children and young people can come when a family member has been supported at Primrose but that isn't always the case. As well as supporting families of patients, we support any children and young people following any bereavement as long as they are registered with a Bromsgrove or Redditch GP. That could be following any death of a loved one, whether it was expected or not

A favourite part of my role is meeting amazing families, being taken into people's trust and into their personal lives So for that, I feel very humbled and privileged, but also, it makes my job really rewarding. I love helping families from different cultures and backgrounds all in unique situations. I love coming to work every day and being part of the bigger Primrose family

Some days we do have tears, but our team will always talk and support each other.

Primrose People

I've collaborated with and supported some wonderful young people who have come to Primrose when a loved one has died and they have been at their lowest point. I've then observed the young person as they start to understand that grief is a normal process and their feelings are valid. Helping them realise that it's also ok to have fun and enjoy life is also reassuring.

It's like watching a flower opening up as they grow, develop and learn how to adjust to a new way of life. Building a trusting relationship in a safe and confidential environment is so important when working with children and young people. Helping them to explore health coping strategies and ways in which they can continue remembering their loved or special person can also be really positive and give hope that when they walk away from Primrose a bright and happy future awaits them

We support children and young people by offering a metaphorical blanket of support. This involves psychosocial support, counselling, group support and even complementary therapy We work as a community involving all those in the young person's life, family, carers, siblings and schools. Our aim is to approach support for young people in a safe and secure way and to ensure we do what is best for them.

Sharon with the Explorations

Sharon with the Explorations

"You have helped me to learn things I never would have learnt and helped me through the most difficult time of my life."

"I’m confident that through difficult feelings I will allow myself to feel them, express them and be okay.

Now is time for me to spread my wings and fly!"

Did you know a parent of children under 18 dies every 22 minutes in the UK?

At Primrose we know how important it intervention, which really is to help the academically, psychologically or emo want to intervene, and to provide our

Often people are misunderstood. Often, people think that grief has an expiry date, which it absolutely doesn't

Death is a topic that is hard to talk about, but it's massively important. I think Primrose is needed to help those people at crisis point and to help people understand that when they come here, Primrose isn't about dying

It's actually a place that's about living. It's about living your best life till the end.

Primrose Hospice at Home

In June 2023 we were pleased to expand our support into patients' homes.

Our Primrose Hospice at Home service supports patients who are living with life-limiting illnesses and their families The service is designed for patients attending our Day Hospice who may wish to be additionally supported by Primrose Hospice in their own home.

Our trained staff support patients in their own home by providing personal, social and emotional support, whilst maintaining a connection to other Primrose Hospice services.

"Caring for a loved one full-time is relentless and all consuming. The staff at Primrose Day Hospice spotted that I needed some time to myself for appointments, shopping or even just some vital headspace so they provided a stimulating and safe Hospice at Home service It is an essential lifeline for me during an extremely challenging time.

Once again, Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre have filled a huge void, becoming an integral part of our lives "

Ruth Al-Nakeeb - Carer of Primrose Hospice Patient

Please note this service is available for existing Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre patients only. There is no charge to access this service.

What it costs

£10 Could pay for petrol costs for our volunteer drivers to bring patients and families to Primrose Hospice

£32 Could pay for a two hour vital Primrose Hospice at Home visit

£1.95m

Is

it costs each year to fund our services, with only 13% being received via statutory routes

Let's hear it for our Fundraisers!

Mr Warwick's Wondrous Walk

In May 2023 Will Warwick, a Geography teacher at St John's C of E Middle School Academy in Bromsgrove, took on a 24 hour challenge walking around the school grounds to raise funds for Primrose Hospice

Will said:

"I decided I wanted to raise money for Primrose Hospice after hearing of the extremely tough times that a number of our pupils and their families had been through as a result of bereavement and loss of people close to them. I felt that I didn't want anyone to ever be in a position where they couldn't find support somewhere. Primrose Hospice can provide this and help to guide people through heartbreaking loss

The walk itself was an amazing experience and I was blown away by the support that all of the staff, pupils, parents and local community gave. It was a tough challenge and one that really tested me all the way to the finish. When I was feeling low or needing some motivation, I tried to think of the difference that the money raised would make to people who need the vital care of Primrose Hospice.”

Will walked a HUGE miles in over steps, raising

63 140,000 £3,643!

The sky's the limit!

Earlier in the year Lesley Dodd donned her jumpsuit and volunteered herself to be strapped to the top of a plane for an incredible Wing Walk in aid of Primrose Hospice.

A gig to remember

Lesley told us:

"A Wingwalk had been on my bucket list for decades and when I discovered that I could do it and raise money for Primrose Hospice it was a no brainer It was the most amazing experience, in fact I’m going back next year to ‘loop the loop’! If you think you might like it, go for it - you won’t regret it!"

£1,218!

When Catherine’s Mom died after a short battl cancer in 2022, she de she wanted to fundrai Primrose Hospice after support her family rece from our Family Suppo Team. Her Dad decide reform with his band and hold a rockin gig raising over £1,000 for Primrose Hospice!

Catherine said:

long with funeral donations, rthday donations and sales f beautiful jewellery Catherine as hand made, they’ve aised

“When we do the next gig, I want it to be a really big one, I want it to be a celebration for Mom. Celebrating all the things that she really enjoyed, which was music, dancing, a bit of gin, and having a good time with her friends. So we need to do it for her and raise as much money as possible.” £4,735!

After Nina was given the all clear from being diagnosed with cancer she wanted to give something back to her community, so she laced up her trainers and dedicated herself to run 5KM every day in June 2023!

Nina said:

“I think we as human beings take things for granted and we shouldn’t because we never know what might happen and never know when we might need support from somewhere like Primrose. So I think just go for it, because life is too short and you never know who you can help and save.”

Along with friends and family, including her friend Claire who was running in memory of her Mom and hero Julie Dyer, they went out in all weathers, completed their challenge and smashed their fundraising target! Together they raised

£3,023!

Thank you Andy!

When volunteer Andy joined us to support another Andy – our Facilities & Maintenance Manager, he very kindly offered his time to help our Fundraising team create some fantastic games that can be enjoyed by all ages at many events throughout the year

Pop along to one of our events to experience them for yourself!

Could you fundraise for us?

There are a huge variety of ways you could fundraise for Primrose Hospice, whether you prefer to do that solo or with a group of friends, we have something for everyone! Visit our website or contact our fundraising team to find out more!

How do I get in touch with the fundraising team?

Call us: 01527 889796

Email us: info@primrosehospice.org

www.primrosehospice.org

A special memorial game

In April 2023 a special game of rugby was played at Bromsgrove Rugby club in memory of former 1st XV coach Tim Hardwick, who died in 2022, after being supported by Primrose Hospice.

Dan Protherough from Bromsgrove Rugby Club said:

"Tim left an incredible mark on the club and that was why it was so important for us to put on a memorial game for him. We all feel very lucky to have known him and we know he would be so proud to see Tom, his son, as our current 1st XV Captain Hopefully the money raised can help Primrose support other families in similar situations to Tim's.

Throughout the day donations were made raising

£1,657.

Dates for your diary

Join Primrose Hospice for one of our fundraising events:

Lights of Love Remembrance Ev

Saturday 2nd December

Santa Fun Run: Sunday 3rd December

Treecycle: 7th-8th January 2024

Check our website for more info: primrosehospice org/support-us/events-calendar

A magnificent make over

Are you after that unique piece to add a finishing touch to your home?

We asked award winning DIY blogger and author Francesca Stone about how she upcycles pieces she's found in charity shops.

"Sometimes your tastes change or you just feel like making some little changes at home. You don’t need to spend lots of money to update your decor. This hack is a great way to update any old vase you have around the house I found this in one of the Primrose charity shops and decided to give it a quick makeover to make it feel more me You can also use this technique to update decorative trays, bowls and ornaments."

You’ll need:

Tester pot or leftover paint

Baking powder

Paint brush

Old vase

1. In a small pot mix a tablespoon of baking powder with about a tester pot or cup of water based paint I like to use emulsion paint testers as I usually have a lot of these around the house. You don’t have to be exact with your measurements. You’re looking for your paint to be thick and grainy.

2 Paint straight onto your vase using a large brush

The baking powder gives a textured finish and also allows you to paint onto a shiny surface without sanding or priming.

3 Paint 2 to 3 coats allowing each coat to fully dry between layers Once the final coat is dry your vase is ready! You don’t need to add any additional sealer or varnish unless you want a shiny finish.

Pop into one of our shops to see what you can find and upcycle! Don't forget to share what creations you've made by tagging us on social media @primrosehospice

Find more inspiration from Francesca on her Instagram @fallfordiy

What you've said

I have nothing but praise for the volunteers at Primrose Hospice who give selflessly to help others. They helped me and many like me. Keep up the good work Primrose Hospice!

I just can’t believe what a wonderful place it is. There is so much being done for me – allowing me to live a much better life than I was previously

I’m inspired also by how positive other people are. I find those days pretty encouraging I see people going through some really tough things but all pulling together to get through it.

I look forward to coming, because I can offload and say things I can’t say to anybody else. I can get the frustrations out of my head, just by talking.

SING WITH PRIMROSE!

Primrose Choir Singalongs

The Primrose Cho meet every Wed perform raising funds for Primrose Hospice.

"Belonging to the choir is like being in a family and when we all come together to sing, it's very uplifting and joyful."

Bernadette Bates, Choir member & volunteer

Would you like to join? Contact Anita on 07737 317493

The Singalongs are a small group of friends who enjoy singing together to raise money for Primrose Hospice.

They sing a mixture of modern and traditional songs and encourage the audience to 'sing along' with them

For more details contact Helen Eyre, 01527 877198 or helen.eyre2@btinternet.com

You’re not talking to the cancer or the wheelchair - you’re talking to me. I feel as though I’m the important one in the conversation.

YCLE!

7TH-8TH JANUARY 2024

Book your collection: 01527 889796

How to access support

There are several ways you can access our support services

If you would like to make a referral to Day Hospice support you can call 01527 871051 or make a referral online here: primrosehospice org/careand-support/patientreferral-form

How to stay in touch

From time to time we like to keep in touch with you to tell you about the exciting updates and fundraising events we have going on throughout the year.

You can now sign up to receive email updates on our website.

to donate online through our website here: www primrosehospice org

If you would like to donate by cheque please make it payable to:

‘Primrose Hospice Ltd’ and post to:

Fundraising Department, Primrose Hospice, St Godwalds Road, Bromsgrove B60 3BW. You can also donate over the phone by calling: 01527 889796 Thank you

You can also talk to your GP, Consultant, District Nurse or any other health care professional involved in your care.

If you would like to access our Family Support Centre you can call: 01527 889799. For more information on all of our services visit: primrosehospice.org

We want to keep our communications as cost effective and environmentally friendly as possible. If you would like to change the way we contact you, let us know what is the best way to contact you by getting in touch with our Fundraising Team: 01527 889796 or email: info@primrosehospice org

Thank you for your support