MAKE YOUR WILL FORTNIGHT

The Raphaelite

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DR STEVEN MOLYNEUX

CLINICAL LEAD & HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

As a Psychotherapist in palliative care, I know that end of life can have a profound impact on the individual experiencing it and those that support them. We are a small team with a big impact. As the Clinical Lead and Head of Department, I lead and work closely with a team that includes a fellow Psychotherapist, a specialist Palliative Care Social Worker, eight skilled counselling trainees and volunteers, four bereavement volunteers as well as our Pastoral Care Lead, Sister Ann. It’s our job to offer comprehensive, holistic support to all patients in need as well as their loved ones, through any stage required. how to use different platforms in the best ways and reaching out to everyone who needed us. We responded so brilliantly throughout the Covid-19 crisis. It was hugely important to us to remain a constant support. This time in history has been distressing for our patients and their families, with most of our current work focusing on trauma to support them appropriately through their experiences.

What key words would best describe St Raphael’s?

Tell us a bit about your working day?

In truth, I start my day the evening before by checking emails for any urgent referrals or requests, such as a request for a patient who may require more pressing support. I attend numerous team meetings throughout the week, including our Community Multidisciplinary Team meeting (MDT) joined by Doctors, Consultants, Nurses and Healthcare Assistants. We formulate our plans of approach during these meetings, with each of us bringing valued skills and different perspectives to help us plan the best way to support each individual patient and their families. I also have an internal meeting each week with my core team. It’s important as a Head of Department to ensure the wellbeing of my team and that our waiting list of patients and relatives is manageable. I then conduct clinical assessments and allocate them to our exceptional trainee and volunteer therapists who are on clinical placement with us. Additionally, I have my own case load of patients and relatives who I meet face-to-face, via Zoom or over the phone. Home visits are my favourite!

What type of counselling do you offer to the community?

Humanity, Humility and Grace. I see these three traits every single day. I have learnt what it means to live by working here.

What would surprise people about St Raphael’s?

I don’t think people realise how much valuable life is truly lived with hospice care. People often associate hospices with sadness, when in fact they are filled with a happy energy to make the most of each moment. We know everyone here and there is a real closeness. Some days are particularly moving and exceptionally hard. However, through all of the challenges, it is an honour to offer support during these sacred moments. Our patients mean so much to us. It’s something you can feel through the care of each team member.

St Raphael’s Hospice is a very special place in which to work. Even after a holiday I look forward to returning. It is a hugely rewarding role and it’s all about relationships. We all work together with a great love for what we do.

We offer 1:1 therapy to patients and pre and post bereavement counselling to people connected to them, creating a space for support and understanding, and helping them to face the impact of terminal illness and loss. Therapy is the process of change and it’s never too late to make use of it.

May 9th-22nd

I meet with families throughout the day, providing care for the patient and/or their loved ones. We continue to connect with patient's next of kin after they have died, reaching out to share our support if needed. As therapists, we feel it is the greatest privilege to work with people approaching end of life, as they offer a unique perspective as to the meaning and purpose of our lives. It is a hugely rewarding role that extends beyond a job.

How did Covid-19 impact your service?

At the start of the pandemic, I remember being told on a Tuesday that we were going into lockdown and we had to head home until further notice. It was earth-shaking for us all. By Wednesday morning we were online, learning

Secure the future of your loved ones now!

Make Your Will Fortnight 2022

Local solicitors are offering their will-writing expertise in exchange for a donation to your local hospice. Get your affairs in order. Make or update your Will this May.

For the list of participating solicitors, please contact us on: 020 8254 2450; www.straphaels.org.uk/makeyourwill22

SHARING OUR KNOWLEDGE THROUGH

ST RAPHAEL’S GP MASTERCLASS

Health Professional Course held in the newly refreshed St Bede's Centre

We are proud to be able to offer professional development to the medical community. We value our relationships with local GPs and other health professionals, who play a vital part in a patient’s care pathway – from referral and diagnosis to supporting patients throughout their treatment and end of life care. This ensures that members of the community are provided with the very best care, tailored to their individual needs.

We launched the GP Masterclass in January 2021. This educational programme of workshops enables us to contribute to the professional development of GPs, sharing specialised expertise and knowledge. This benefits all patients within the community at large.

Despite the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, the masterclass series has been a success, with more than 100 GPs attending virtual events since its launch. With restrictions easing, we have recently resumed face-to-face full-day workshops. The GP Masterclass platform focuses on palliative care topics of interest such as pain management, issues of breathlessness and/or agitation, conversations with patients and their loved ones, the referral process, to name but a few. Experienced Hospice Consultants host each workshop and provide attendees with an interactive Q&A post-session. Face-to-face workshops offer a breath of fresh air, after countless zoom classes and online learning throughout the pandemic. Attendees have the opportunity to connect and network with other GPs during the session and over lunch which is included in the course fee.

“We greatly value our relationships with our local GPs and fellow medical professionals across Merton and Sutton and beyond. The GP Masterclass is an opportunity to keep GPs up-to-speed on the latest developments in palliative care”, explains Dr Gaby Tamura-Rose, who has spoken at a number of sessions at the GP Masterclass Workshops. Dr Tamura-Rose adds that “during the course of each workshop, GPs are encouraged to ask questions and offer their professional opinions. It is a wonderful way to connect and share our expertise and experience within the local medical community.”

The next GP Masterclass is taking place 14 September 2022, inviting all GPs, GP Trainees and Junior Doctors to attend. www.straphaels.org.uk/events for more information or to book your seat

SOUTH COAST TRIATHLON CONQUERED

Adam Cresswell took part in the South Coast Triathlon on 21 August 2021 for St Raphael’s Hospice, in memory of his Grandad, William “Bill” Clack. He hoped to raise a target of £1,500 for the Hospice, yet raised an outstanding amount of £2,283 and an additional £387 in Gift Aid!

“My grandfather was cared for in the last few months of his life by St Raphael’s Community Team. In addition to receiving the very best specialised care, my entire family were supported and cared for by St Raphael’s.

That is why I wanted to race for them, it was my way of showing appreciation and saying thank you. I don’t think people realise that this expert care is offered to the community completely for free. This was my way of giving back to my local hospice. It was also a very special way to be a part of something great in memory of my wonderful Grandad.”

A STARRY NIGHT

St Raphael’s reflects on “A Night Full of Stars 2021” – the Charity’s first Corporate Awards Ceremony

We were delighted to host our first Corporate Awards on 17th September 2021, creating a Night Full of Stars to honour the local business community who continue to support us. The event welcomed over 50 attendees, with five categories of awards being presented during the evening.

The Award Categories, Nominees and Winners for 2021:

Corporate Award Winners 2021

1. HOSPICE HERO

AWARD

Going above and beyond in support of the Hospice on different platforms

Nominees:

Bob Watson - RWW Plumbing & Heating Lula Zacaria – Adam’s Fish Bar Debbie Hayhurst – Surrey Ceilings Neil Wadsworth – Neil Wadsworth Electrical Ltd

2. HEART OF THE

COMMUNITY AWARD

Recognising the impact that a business has on our wider community

Nominees:

DCL Insurance Hudson Lodge Retirement Home W A Truelove and Son Funeral Directors Mayfield Lavender Farm

Winner:

Hudson Lodge Retirement Home

3. LONGSTANDING

CHARITY

PARTNER

Appreciation of a longterm and unparalleled commitment to supporting St Raphael’s Hospice

Winner:

O’Halloran & O’Brien

4. NURSES AWARD

Exemplary responses by companies and individuals to our calls to action, always helping where they can

Nominees:

Sainsbury’s (North Cheam) AJ Building The Lodge Brothers

Winner:

The Lodge Brothers

5. BEST ENTERPRISING

BUSINESS

Innovation and creative thinking, turning business opportunities into fundraising ideas

Nominees:

Wendy Richard - The Nappy Lady Paul Bailey – Bailey Ahmad Business Recovery Kingston Estates

Judged by Dragon's Den star, Theo Paphitis

Winner: Wendy Richard, The Nappy Lady

Winner:

Neil Wadsworth Electrical Ltd “As the local Hospice for Merton and Sutton, it gives us great pleasure to be able to recognise and thank the local businesses which have continued to support us, despite the challenges we have all faced. Our aim is to be at the heart of our community and their generous support and engagement with the Hospice helps us to achieve this. Congratulations to all 2021 nominees and award winners, your contributions help us put the exceptional into every day. We hope to continue this award ceremony year on year, shining a light on all of the stars who continue to make St Raphael’s possible.”

- Nick and Gail, Joint CEOs

A big thank you to Bella Blue Events for adding extra magic to the evening! Kayleigh from Bella Blue brought the venue to life with her incredible balloon displays. We are hugely

thankful for her dedicated support.

A SPECIAL TIME TO LIGHT UP A LIFE

As we put together this Spring issue of The Raphaelite, we look back on the special Light Up A Life appeal hosted online over Christmas 2021. With the challenges and uncertainty brought by the pandemic, our community certainly came together to raise a remarkable £88,795 for the Hospice.

The candlelit service was opened by the Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band, with a recital of “Once in Royal David's City.” This was followed by a warm welcome from Joint CEOs Nick and Gail, sharing a message of togetherness and support to the communities of Merton and Sutton.

The programme followed with a moving message from Dr Steven Molyneux, Clinical Lead & Head of Department of Psychological Services at St Raphael’s. The Epsom Male Voice Choir performed “Away in a Manger” which opened for Reverend Donna Williams’ message of hope for us all.

St Raphael’s Healthcare Assistant, Ruby Osei, recited a beautiful poem before lighting a tribute candle on behalf of the Hospice. St Raphael’s ceremonial Christmas Tree was then illuminated for all viewers to see, in honour of all loved ones who have passed. The memorial candle flickered throughout the festive season. This light continues to shine year on year through the immense support shared.

With special thanks to WA Truelove and Sons Ltd, The Rev. Donna Williams, Epsom Male Voice Choir and Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band.

LOWER MORDEN LANE LIGHTS UP FOR ST RAPHAEL’S

The Lower Morden Lane community have become renowned for their festive Christmas light displays over the last 20 years! Each year, their street becomes illuminated in aid of St Raphael’s Hospice, bringing the entire community together over the Christmas period. We are thrilled to share that the Lower Morden Lane community raised an incredible £17,172 over three evenings for the Hospice. A huge thank you to each community resident and volunteer who continue to keep the lights shining bright for us, our patients and their families.

MERVIN KELCHURE SKYDIVES FOR ST RAPHAEL’S

St Raphael’s team member tells us why he’s excited to join the upcoming Skydive Day for International Nurses Day

“It’s not about being brave” Mervin explains. “It’s about enjoying the moments of your life by doing what you really want to do.

I have been gifted with today and I have always wanted to skydive, so why not sign up!”

Mervin was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in November 2021, temporarily leaving his Facilities Team to begin his path of recovery. After intensive cancer treatment, Mervin recently returned to the workplace. Upon his return, he was immediately excited to hear about the upcoming Skydive Day for International Nurses' Day and enquired about signing up. Mervin enlisted his youngest son, Denzel, to help put together his JustGiving page. “If I can fundraise a bit of money through this skydive for St Raphael’s and our amazing nurses, it’s well worth it” says Mervin. “This way I get to give back outside of my everyday job, for such a great cause, while skydiving for the very first time.”

A few colleagues share their thoughts on their friend’s upcoming skydive

“Mervin’s known for his big smile which we’ve all missed. It’s good to have him back at St Raphael's. We may think he’s a bit crazy to be jumping out of a plane but we’ll definitely be on the side-lines cheering him on, with our feet firmly on the ground!” – Pete Morris, Facilities

“An experience of a lifetime for a great cause. We’re rooting for you, Mervin!” – Steve Cresswell, Facilities Manager “We’re delighted Mervin signed up to join the team and we love seeing his enthusiasm for the upcoming skydive! He’ll be in good company jumping alongside our Joint CEO, Gail, some of our amazing nurses as well as our wonderful supporters!” – Samantha Bourne, Events Fundraiser

Mervin Kelchure, Facilities Team Member at St Raphael's At the time of going to print, Mervin exceeded his target by raising £575 for St Raphael’s Hospice, and counting! To support Mervin, visit www.justgiving.

com/fundraising/merv-kel22

If you would like to join our team of skydivers and experience a free-fall from over 10,000 ft reaching speeds of 125 mph, register at

www.straphaels.org.uk/skydiveday22