This is a time of year I love, seeing beautiful flowers bring colour back into our communities. Things feel more energetic.
It certainly feels that way here at the Hospice, as we’ve been busy working on a new strategy to guide our work. You can find out more about our exciting plans on pages 4 and 5.
Whilst we have a new focus, we’re still St Peter’s, and our existing services will continue to run as normal. But over the next few years we’ll be adapting how we work to allow more people to access our support sooner.
We’ve also made changes to how we look. Research showed us that many people don’t know who we are or what we do. These barriers prevent people accessing our care and reduce our ability to raise funds. Our new look and messaging will help us overcome these barriers.
Our new strapline says it all. We provide end of life care for all, for free, forever.
Thank you for supporting the Hospice in our mission to do this.
Susan Hamilton CEO
The Hospice over the years
We’ve been serving the community across the wider Bristol area since 1978. Since then, we’ve opened a new Inpatient Unit in Brentry, hosted countless fundraising events, opened shops all over our region and supported hundreds of thousands of patients.
Over the years, our look has changed but our values remain the same. Take a look back at our history.
St Peter’s Hospice was born, and plans were formed to open an Inpatient Unit. We were named after St Peter’s Hospital that had once stood in the Castle Park area of Bristol until it was destroyed during the Blitz in 1940.
St Peter's Lodge (our first Inpatient Unit) took in its first patient, with beds for a further six patients.
Our fundraising office was set up and we started producing our hospice newsletter and many other patient materials.
We raised £2.6m through fundraising, which meant we could build a new state of the art Inpatient Unit.
We opened a new patient building in Knowle and our strapline ‘Sharing the Caring’ helped us to reach local people.
A new purpose-built hospice in Brentry was opened by John Pool MBE.
We celebrated 30 years of caring.
We committed to doubling our reach within five years, and launched a new look and feel to help better communicate who we are and what we do.
Our first shop opened on Wells Road in Knowle.
Reaching further - Improving end of life care for everyone
We want to double the number of people we support by 2030.
The past few years have been challenging and we focused on doing the best we could. Now, we want to look to the future and drive forward with an ambitious plan to support more people in different ways so they can make the most of their time.
What’s driving the need for change?
• We currently support around a third of people who need end of life care – we want to reach more.
• Our community is growing and ageing and more people will need our help.
• Our community is culturally diverse and has many different health conditions that lead to people needing end of life care. We need to ensure we reach people in ways that are appropriate for them.
• Listening to communities and asking for their support in designing services, so what we do has the most impact for them.
• Taking our services further into communities, providing support and an expert voice in local neighbourhoods.
• Supporting everyone who plays a role in end of life care, including carers, nursing homes and professionals who provide health & social care in our communities.
The Weaver’s Story
Lez was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2020. We spoke to his daughter Rachel about her family’s experience of supporting a family member with a cancer diagnosis, and how the Hospice helped.
“Mum and Dad had always been very open with each other when it came to their health so when Dad told Mum he’d been needing to go to the bathroom more regularly, they went to the Doctor’s together. When Dad got the prostate cancer diagnosis, he had a very positive outlook and reassured us that he wasn’t going anywhere.” says Rachel.
The Doctors were optimistic about Lez’s diagnosis and started him on hormone replacement medication to help manage the cancer. Lez was 80 at the time, and due to his age, he couldn’t have his prostate removed completely, but this medication remained effective for three years.
“Dad had regular checkups over the years and during this time he lived life to the full. He went away on holidays with Mum, day trips with the whole family and carried on gardening which he had always loved.”
After a holiday to Canada in July 2023, a routine blood test showed some irregular results. Lez was told that the medication had stopped working and that the cancer had spread to his
“We really appreciated the Nurses being honest with us about Dad’s condition. They cared for him and treated him with respect and dignity right up until his last moments.”
liver. The family were informed that the cancer was now terminal, but chemotherapy would help to prolong his life.
“Dad had 11 rounds of chemotherapy and luckily had very few side effects which meant that he could carry on with life as normally as possible. In September 2024, Mum and Dad celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. It was a huge milestone and will always be a treasured memory.”
Shortly after their anniversary, the chemotherapy became ineffective, and Lez’s health began to deteriorate. Doctors let Lez and his family know that St Peter’s would be there to support them when they needed it.
Rachel says, “When we first contacted St Peter’s through the Advice Line, we would ask questions about Dad’s health and the Nurses on the other end of the phone would always be there to reassure us. They were friendly voices to talk to and we loved how they would refer to our Dad simply as Dad. Small
touches like this made us feel as if they knew him and it was really comforting during a difficult time. We never felt stupid for calling and asking questions, especially as at times we felt so lonely and scared.”
After a fall on Christmas Eve, Lez’s wife Wendy and her family felt they needed some support for Lez and alongside Sirona care, our Hospice at Home Nurses stepped in to provide support for Lez and his family. Lez had always wished to be cared for at home and with thanks to the care teams, they were able to make it possible.
“The Nurses from St Peter’s not only made sure that Dad was as comfortable as possible, but they also provided emotional support for Mum, my sister Charlotte and me. It was as if they were a part of our family.”
“We really appreciated the Nurses being honest with us about Dad’s condition. They cared for him and treated him with respect and dignity right up until his last moments and we will forever be grateful for the support they gave us as a family.”
Advice 24/7
We’re here for you as early as you need us to be. Anyone living with a progressive, life-limiting illness (or their carer) can call our Advice Line, even if the patient is not currently under our care. Specialist Nurses are on hand to answer your questions in a friendly, non-judgemental way and can suggest next steps.
Call: 0117 915 9430
Fundraisers trek the Sahara for hospice patients
Our team of trekkers started their journey in M’Hamid, Morocco, the gateway of the desert, before spending four days winding through the ever-changing landscape of the Sahara, accompanied by local guides and camels. Many of the team were walking in memory of a loved one, others wanted to achieve their own personal goal. The team tackled sand dunes, slept in tents under the stars, walked on achy legs and encouraged one another to complete the amazing experience.
Amy took part in memory of her father-in-law, Rob. She said: “I heard about St Peter’s Sahara Desert trek not long after experiencing first-hand the
In February, an amazing group of fundraisers took on the challenge of a lifetime trekking 60km through the Sahara Desert, raising an incredible £62,000 to support patients and their families across the local community.
exceptional care the Hospice provided for my late father-in-law, Rob, and my family. As well as wanting to do something to give back to the Hospice, I thought this would be a huge personal challenge for me, so I very quickly signed up!
“Four days of trekking and three nights camping in the desert was physically and mentally demanding, but great friendships were formed, and we raised a huge amount of money for the Hospice.
“As well as wanting to do something to give back to the Hospice, I thought this would be a huge personal challenge for me.”
Our year in numbers
A huge THANK YOU to all our incredible fundraising heroes.
Last year we raised an amazing £6.2 million and that’s all down to you, our wonderful supporters!
• 1,420 people gave us a regular gift every month raising £260,000.
• 5,206 people played our lottery every week.
• 2,068 of you took part in one of our events.
• 1,388 people cycled a combined total of 132,480km at our Tour de Bristol and Bristol to Paris events. That’s the equivalent of cycling 3.3 times around the world!
• We received almost £3.5 million from Gifts in Wills ranging from £200 to £565,000.
• Over £295,000 was raised out in the community through countless activities from marathons to bake sales.
Which meant we could:
Care for 3,237 patients
Make 13,227 home visits to patients, carers and families
Support 283 people with spiritual care
Care for 264 patients on our Inpatient Unit
Make 2,500 visits and calls from our Social Work team
Answer 5,553 calls on our 24/7 Advice Line
Hold 3,482 therapy sessions for adults and children
Welcome 217 people to Day Services for our Living Well courses, Craft & Painting groups
Feeling inspired? Find out all the ways you can support us this year by visiting stpetershospice.org/supportus
Figures from 2024/2025
Making your donations count
Do you know what makes a great donation?
Items that are dirty, broken or well worn cost us money to dispose of. Here are our tips to ensure you’re making your donations count:
1 Wash your item
2 Make sure your item has a lot of wear left in it
3 Always check for stains and holes
4 Check electrical items are in full working condition
5 Are there any missing parts?
6 Visit our website to make sure we accept the item – stpetershospice.org/donations
7 Head to your nearest St Peter’s shop – find yours at stpetershospice.org/shopfinder
8 Drop your items off at one of our Donation Stations in store, or speak to a member of staff.
Bringing patients closer to loved ones
We’re leading, learning and innovating by using an evidence-base to improve end of life care for patients and their loved ones. Research has steered our decision to implement new ‘Cuddle Beds’ on our Inpatient Unit.
Imagine the feeling of cuddling up to a loved one to read, watch TV, or simply be together. The significance of being close to another person can’t be underestimated, particularly for those going through a challenging time.
Cuddle Beds are generously sized hospital beds that are extendable, allowing patients to sit or lay next to their loved ones whilst receiving care on our Inpatient Unit. This physical closeness can offer much needed comfort to someone nearing the end of their life, and these precious moments create lasting memories that could support families through their bereavement.
Research into the power of touch shows there are many benefits to using them in hospices.
Research Nurse, Amy, says: “The power of touch and closeness is well documented, it has biochemical and physiological benefits which can contribute to things like improved sleep quality, reduced pain perception and a greater sense of contentment.
“The emotional strain of an incurable illness can leave patients feeling isolated from family and friends, but physical touch offers both a mental and physical assurance that you’re present and holding someone can offer comfort that words cannot always convey. There’s no greater example than the warmth and love a cuddle provides. Visitors often spend much of their time holding one another’s hands to feel closer, but
these beds give an opportunity to lay next to their loved one.”
One Cuddle Bed costs £15,000 and we currently have two on our Inpatient Unit, which have been funded by generous donors. Our first bed was funded by The Bristol Masons, who were moved by its potential impact. In April, they kindly provided funding for a second bed. Alongside support from individual donors, three incredible families are currently fundraising for more beds after experiencing first hand the difference it makes.
Amy adds: “It’s not just for couples. One of the first people to use the new bed at the Hospice was a dad holding his adult son.
“Cuddle Beds have a lasting impact and could benefit countless families for years to come. They are designed to be shared; whether that’s an entire family gathering around a grandparent for a beautiful farewell, a spouse comforting their partner or a parent sitting close to their child, without the barrier of bed rails. The beds are for anyone to use, in whatever way brings them connection and comfort.”
Virtual Reality Headsets
Another exciting area of research we’re exploring is the use of virtual reality (VR).
Virtual reality is a simulated experience which allows users to immerse themselves in a 3D computer generated environment. It’s already embedded in clinical areas for things like psychiatry and rehabilitation.
VR headsets can be imported with 360 0 views of different locations, such as a patient’s home or a favourite holiday location. These immersive sceneries can help a patient to feel removed from their illness, helping them to escape reality for a short period of time.
There can be physical benefits to using VR headsets in this way, including lowered blood pressure and a sense of relaxation. As VR can offer a distraction from physical symptoms, the headsets can also help manage pain and discomfort.
We’re incredibly grateful to have been gifted a VR headset, and we’re excited to explore its potential with our patients at the Hospice. We truly believe this will enhance the care and experiences we can offer to those we support.
Becoming a Hospice Neighbour
Our Hospice Neighbour volunteers provide neighbourly, at-home support to local patients in the community. Whether they lend a friendly ear over a cup of tea or help out with grocery shopping, our volunteers make a big impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones.
Rob is a Hospice Neighbour and has been volunteering with us for just over a year. We spoke to him about his motivations for the role.
Tell us about your role as a Hospice Neighbour and the patients you support.
The main service I provide is what I like to call a sitting service. This simply involves going to a patient’s house, making them a cup of tea and having a chat. In our time together we talk, share experiences and occasionally discuss the patient’s health. There’s no typical Hospice Neighbour in the same way there’s no typical patient but there’s always a common interest you can share. For me it’s music. Everyone I speak to likes music and we can usually find a genre that we both like. Patients may have family and friends, but I also feel there’s a space for a volunteer to come and listen to things that maybe the patient wouldn’t speak to family about. A patient once asked me to take some notes during my visit and I later found out it was for their own obituary. I feel very privileged to be able to give support in this way.
How easy was it to apply to be a Hospice Neighbour?
I applied online and the application process was very easy. I then came to the Hospice for some training and to learn more about the Hospice Neighbour service. After I received my first patient referral, I arranged a call to discuss a good time to meet. The whole process was very comfortable and the initial contact with the patient felt natural. If you ever have any questions, the Hospice are always there to support you.
How easy is it to fit the role around your other commitments?
There’s a great deal of flexibility, and because of this I fit it in alongside my work commitments. It’s just like meeting a friend so we usually arrange from one session to the next and drop each other a message if we need to rearrange. Patients often have hospital appointments and other commitments,
“The benefit you see within that household is worth everything. You couldn’t pay me for that feeling.”
so we work around each other’s schedules.
How would your patients describe you and the impact you have on their lives?
When a patient says ‘thank you for your friendship’ or tells you that they look forward to your visits, this means everything to me, and I realise how powerful this role is. Spending time with a patient also has a positive impact on the whole household. When the main caregiver has some time for themselves, they come back a different person as they’ve had an opportunity to get out and do something for themselves.
Why should other people apply to be a Hospice Neighbour?
Ultimately, it’s really rewarding. For people to give you their time and allow you to build a relationship with them when they know their time is limited, that’s a precious thing. It’s a privilege to spend time with people in their own home and the benefit you see within that household is worth everything. You couldn’t pay me for that feeling.
Interested in becoming a Hospice Neighbour?
Find out more or sign up via stpetershospice.org/ hospiceneighbours
Lemon and Courgette Cake
Hospice Chef, Louise, and Assistant Chef, Gerrie, are always looking to get creative in the kitchen, so when a volunteer donated a huge box of courgettes from her garden, they knew just how to use them.
This tangy and nutritious Lemon and Courgette Cake is the perfect treat for a summer garden party.
You can view the recipe by scanning the QR code, visiting the link above or calling 01275 391 400.
