HEARTBEAT 2020
exercise sessions such as adapted tai chi, to courses in nature art or managing breathlessness and understanding pain.
Doors open to Living Well Centre
We’re thrilled to let you know Stage 1 of our Build 2020 project has been completed – thanks to fantastic support in our community – and we have now launched our Living Well Centre. Since the start of the year we have been able to welcome patients, their carers, loved ones and families to the beautiful and spacious new rooms. We have more space for a wide range of activities from group
At the Living Well Centre we aim to help people from earlier on in their illness by learning new skills, strategies and techniques to manage symptoms through education, exercise, therapies, creativity and group support.
Reg. Charity No. 515668 Reg. Company No. 01850502
wonderful garden for everyone to enjoy. See inside the changes thanks to 40 apprentices from Western Power Distribution and donated plants and expertise from Webbs Garden Centres. There’s still plenty of work left to do and this month will see the start of Stage 2 of Build 2020, adding even more specialist rooms to grow our care. An exercise studio, art studio and horticultural therapy space are just a few of the new areas to be created this year. We hope to be able to report exciting news on the success of the Build 2020 Appeal very shortly!
It’s not just inside that has been transformed, our courtyard space has been turned into a
A patient who attends our therapeutic day in the Living Well Centre said: “I have spent six weeks with the most kindest people I have ever met. They treat me with so much care. I always thought of St Richard’s as a place where you passed away but how wrong was I?”
If you’d like to make a donation to help us over the finish line, please visit strichards.org.uk/build2020
Claire Gijselhart, Head of Living Well Services
What happens at the Living Well Centre? Our Living Well Centre hosts a variety of sessions, groups and activities in a relaxed and supportive environment. Patients can join us for the day, at outpatient clinics, for Living Well courses and for social groups and information sessions. These services are free and open to patients living with serious, progressive illnesses who are registered with a south Worcestershire GP.
Patients have access to a specialist consultant, a consultant in palliative medicine, nurse specialists, a physiotherapist, a social worker and spiritual care. These clinics are a one-stop-shop for patients and their carers, offering a chance for them to meet others in a similar situation and to share their experiences.
Tony Putnam has recently finished a Living Well course on coping with fatigue, which is a symptom of his condition. Referral: Patients can be referred by a health care professional by contacting our Gateway Team on 01905 763963. Or, the individual can contact the team with any questions.
Social groups and information sessions Our free social and information groups offer people with a serious, progressive illness and their carers a chance to learn, relax, meet others and have fun.
Attending for the day Our four to 12-week therapeutic programme is designed to support physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Patients attend once a week and can access services such as: medical advice; nursing services – including symptom management; psychological and spiritual support; physio, occupational, creative and complementary therapies; a jacuzzi bath and more.
Living Well with St Richard’s
Out-patient clinics We host specialist, palliative joint supportive clinics for people affected by Parkinson’s, respiratory conditions, heart failure and renal failure.
Referral: Patients can be referred by their consultant, GP or the hospice’s Community Nursing Team.
Social groups include knit and natter and a book group, while information sessions include making your life easier with technology and understanding pain and its management.
Referral: Patients must be referred by a health care professional contacting our Gateway Team on 01905 763963.
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Towards the end of last year, the 60-year-old began attending our fatigue management course designed to help people cope with extreme physical or mental tiredness. “I have been able to counteract the fatigue to a degree by using the advice I have got through this course,” said Tony. “I have
gained more knowledge and how to live with it. It has given me a different outlook. I always felt I had to be on the go, but I have been made to understand you need the rest to slow your body down.” The course saw Tony attend St Richard’s
once a week for four weeks. “It’s like going to a friend’s house for a coffee and a chat - with a lot of support behind it and knowledge. This building is a bit like a favourite coat - it’s comfortable. You feel relaxed.”
Apprentices transform courtyard garden Many hands made light work of transforming our cour tyard into a glorious garden in less than a week. The Western Power Distribution Apprentice Challenge saw volunteers build raised beds and seats in the garden to create a peaceful haven for patients, families, staff and volunteers to enjoy. Webbs Garden Centres completed the transformation by planting a white themed display of plants for allyear-round interest.
Living Well courses These courses help patients learn new skills, strategies and techniques through education, exercise, therapies, creativity, relaxation, and group support. Courses include fatigue management, managing breathlessness, arts and crafts, horticultural therapy and more. With many courses, participants are encouraged to practice techniques to manage symptoms at home, developing confidence to continue once the sessions have finished.
The dad-of-three from Badsey was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012 and cancer of the lymphatic system in 2018.
Referral: A referral is not needed but individuals are asked to pre-book over the phone 01905 958257. Find out more information and dates online at strichards.org.uk/live-well Living Well
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Care News
Milestone amount raised for patients
“St Richard’s is the rock; they guide you through that journey that is still in front of you.”
Patient group helps inspire play A mask theatre company, based in Worcester, is set to tour a production partly inspired by conversations with our Men’s Space patient support group. Dead Good, by Vamos Theatre, is an adventure story featuring two characters, Bob and Bernard, who are both dying. The show explores the theme of death to help tackle taboos and start conversations on the subject. Recently, Vamos Theatre visited the hospice to deliver a mask workshop with Men’s Space.
We’re celebrating our brilliant Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) adviser service, which has helped to raise an astonishing £1.5 million for hospice patients and loved ones since 2009!
After previews at The Swan Theatre, Worcester, in January the show premieres as part of the London International Mime Festival before touring the UK.
We were proud to take part and represent hospice care to raise awareness of our services among the LGBT+ community.
Our CAB service extends across all clinical areas of the hospice to help secure impor tant, financial suppor t for patients and their families. This ranges from advising on benefits, to offering guidance on housing, debt, employment and family matters too. Colin and Safia, our CAB advisers, are pictured above. The team is suppor ted by Citizens Advice Worcester to offer specialist advice.
Birmingham Pride saw us join forces with six other hospices from across the West Midlands to host a float in the vibrant parade.
Learn more on our website: strichards.org.uk/ supporting-the-family
Find out more online at vamostheatre.co.uk We had a fantastic time attending both Birmingham and Worcestershire Pride celebrations last year.
Moving stories captured on film
Watch a shor t film where patients and their loved ones speak openly and honestly about the impact of our care. The gentle but thoughtful film por trays the huge
difference the services of St Richard’s can make at a very difficult time in their lives. Visit our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/hospicesrh
“It has allowed me to understand I am not alone” Our Family Suppor t Team suppor ts children and young people both before and after losing a loved one. Par t of this involves the team arranging bespoke suppor t and activity days for bereaved teenagers. One such activity day saw a group of teens take par t in a workshop, talking through the symptoms of grief and coping strategies, before a theme park visit in the afternoon. We’ve found children and teenagers can often feel isolated and that the people around them don’t understand what they’re going through. They also find it hard to allow themselves to have fun. The activity day enabled the group to meet others who are going through a similar experience, to talk about their feelings and enjoy themselves too.
Animal magic brings smiles to hospice A host of furry friends have visited the hospice in recent months, bringing smiles to all who meet them. MooMoo the miniature therapy pony has been to see us, Simba the fluffy rabbit popped in to meet a patient and we have enjoyed cuddles with Pets as Therapy dogs too! Thank you to everyone involved in making these special visits happen.
Beautiful moments like this encompass so much of the heart of St Richard’s.
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Challenges & events
Bath Half Marathon Sunday, 15th March
Malvern Hills Walk
Saturday, 8th February
Saturday, 16th May
Wales End to End 13th - 16th August
Sunday, 21st June
For full details of all events and challenges, visit strichards.org.uk/events or call the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.
Lantern Walk
Vélo Birmingham & Midlands 2020 An epic, 100-mile, closed road circular route taking thousands of riders on an amazing journey through the West Midlands.
Pedalling from the northernmost point of Wales down to the vibrant capital of Cardiff, you will experience diverse, beautiful landscapes of majestic woodlands, rural lanes and mountain ranges. A tough but rewarding challenge.
London to Paris 15th - 19th July Take on this incredible challenge spanning four days, two capitals and 311 miles before finishing the trip watching the finale of the Tour de France 2020. This is a very popular challenge, so secure your spot today.
Join us at dusk to walk a beautiful 1.5-mile route around the grounds of the National Trust’s Croome and help us light up the night sky in memory or celebration of a loved one. Kindly sponsored by E Hill & Son Funeral Directors.
Fire Walk Saturday, 28th March
Join our popular annual walk across the beautiful hills on either an 11-mile route or a new five-mile mini-challenge across the ridges from Black Hill to The Wyche and back.
Worcestershire Way Walk Friday, 3rd July
A barefoot walk over red-hot wood embers at around 800 degrees. No tricks, no special effects – just you and the fire. At St Richard’s Hospice.
A 10-mile guided walk around the stunning waterfalls of the Ystradfellte area in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. Kindly supported by JT Expeditions.
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Sunday, 5th April
Six-mile and two-mile routes available
Worcester Full & Half Marathon Sunday, 17th May
Sponsored by Hewett Recruitment
Worcester City 10K and Half Marathon
Waterfalls Walk Saturday, 28th March
Scenic Six
Get together with a team or go it alone to trek 31 hilly miles in a day. Stride out from Bewdley across spectacular countryside before finishing on the slopes of the Malvern Hills. Lunch provided at The Talbot, Knightwick.
Skydive for St Richard’s Messy Madness
Paddle, Plod & Pedal
7th June and 5th September
Saturday, 20th June
Sunday, 28th June
Join one of our group skydiving days at Hinton Airfield, Northamptonshire, and experience a free-fall from 10,000ft at speeds up to 120mph before being expertly steered to the ground.
Our Messy Madness event is returning to Churchfields Farm, Droitwich and will be messier than ever! Get ready for a 5K route of powdered paint, foam and lots of gunge. On finishing you’ll be rewarded with a medal and a scrumptious ice cream.
A circular 35-mile route through beautiful Worcestershire countryside along the rivers Avon and Severn and quiet country lanes. This is an all-day challenge for teams of 8-10 to complete at their own pace – it is not a race.
Sunday, 6th September
Cupcake Chase Sunday, 20th September 10k or 5k course. Cupcake and medal for all participants. Sponsored by Pulse Events. Supported by Norton Parish Hall.
If you would like to raise money for us, please contact fundraising@strichards.org.uk or call 01905 958262 and we will support you all the way!
Coming for autumn 2021... Peru Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu!
Take on the adventure of a lifetime with this incredible, 10-day trip in support of St Richard’s. Includes a four-day trek and two days helping with a community project. Contact our Fundraising Team to find out more.
Shops news
Volunteer news Award for dedicated Colum
We were thrilled to see volunteer Colum MacCourt awarded a Badge of the Order of Mercy for his work at St Richard’s Hospice.
“Why I volunteer”
Retired nurse Sue Perry volunteers with the hospitality team at St Richard’s – serving meals to people receiving care on the In-patient Unit. Her typical day involves meeting patients, taking their food orders from the menu, relaying their choices to the kitchen team and serving the meals. “The thing I like most is being able to give patients the time they need to make their meal choices and to eat their starter, main course and dessert at their own pace without being rushed,” said the 68-year-old.
The award recognises volunteers who have spent at least seven years supporting others, including those living with a serious, progressive illness. Colum has volunteered with us since 2007 in roles such as driving patients and supporting them in the community with companionship. In 2008, he joined a group of chaplaincy volunteers offering spiritual care to patients and their loved ones. More recently, he has been involved with running a course as part of our Living Well service and supporting the Men’s Space patient group. We are very grateful to Colum, and all our wonderful volunteers, for their work in support of our care.
Sue usually works one or two shifts a week and says she enjoys the social aspect of volunteering. “I enjoy the friendship of the other volunteers and communicating with the patients, their friends and relatives,” she explained. “I feel we can make a difference by being friendly and approachable.”
Here at St Richard’s Hospice, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously. That’s why from October we stopped using plastic bags in our hospice shops. Please bring your own bags, or purchase one of our reusable bags in store.
How you could help make a difference
We hope this small change will help make a difference to the environment. Thank you for your understanding.
Are you buying this?
Volunteers support every aspect of hospice life – from patient care to administration; helping at fundraising events, gardening, working in our shops and warehouse and more.
We are always in need of goodquality donations to sell in our shops and are so grateful for the goods we receive.
In 2018/19 our amazing volunteers gave more than 130,000 hours of their time – an incredible amount.
Without this support, we couldn’t have raised the £700,431 net towards overall running costs of St Richard’s Hospice in 2018/19.
For Volunteers Week, we asked patients, visitors and staff to share what they would like to thank our volunteers for. Here are just a few of the messages: I’d like to thank volunteers for… • The smiles. The laughter. The Love. Thank you. • Making us so welcome and looking after us. • Their fantastic support across all hospice departments and sharing their life skills Aside from the incredible gift of giving time to help others, volunteering offers many benefits for the individual too – from gaining new skills, to making friends and building confidence. There are so many ways you can get involved with volunteering. Just visit our website, or call us on 01905 763963, to learn more about the opportunities available. strichards.org.uk/volunteering
But, we are facing a significant and growing problem affecting the whole charity shop sector – disposing of unsaleable donations such as torn, dirty and worn-out items. In 2018/19, more than 980,000 donated items could not be sold in our shops. This equates to more than twice the number of quality items sold. We recycle as much as possible, to minimise the amount going to landfill. But – for those items we cannot recycle or sell to rag merchants, we must foot the bill.
Take a virtual tour of our shops You can now take a look inside all 19 of our shops by visiting our website and choosing a location to explore. Details of where to find our shops and warehouse are also available, along with opening times. strichards.org.uk/our-shops
Get involved with shop volunteering
You can help make a difference by ensuring you only donate quality items to our shops. For guidance on your donations, please speak to a member of staff at any of our shops across Worcestershire, or visit strichards.org.uk/our-shops.
husband was cared for by St Richard’s, has volunteered at the shop for two-and-a-half years. Among her many duties are serving customers, sorting stock, helping with pricing items and making the tea.
In 2018/19 it cost us at least £22,000 to dispose of unsaleable donations.
Thank you for your support.
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Shops go plastic bag free
She said: “I get to meet and talk to lots of people. I really do feel volunteering here is worthwhile – I’m doing something and I’m making a difference.” “I enjoy my days here – I really do,” says Jane Foley who is part of the volunteer team at our shop in Upton upon Severn. The former teaching assistant, whose
If you’d like to volunteer at your local St Richard’s shop, pop in and speak to a member of staff, call the hospice on 01905 763963 or visit strichards.org.uk/volunteering news
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Ways to give on a regular basis Make a New Year resolution to give to the hospice on a monthly basis and enable us to plan ahead with confidence, safe in the knowledge of your regular commitment. If you are able to support us with a regular gift, we have an online donation facility where you can set up a direct debit immediately – allowing you to start helping our patients and families now. strichards.org.uk/donate
Regular Giving
Donors who give regularly to the hospice together raised £132,029 last financial year towards our care. This incredible amount is gratefully appreciated.
Donor Tree Featuring 456 elegant bronze, silver or gold-effect leaves, the Donor Tree takes pride of place in the hospice’s reception. Select your leaf colour and donation amount, before choosing a personal message to be engraved on the leaf in celebration or remembrance of someone special. Each personalised leaf remains in place for one year starting from July and December. After 12 months you can renew your donation and keep the leaf on the tree or the hospice can send it back to you to treasure forever.
Find out more and order your leaf online strichards.org.uk/donortree Sponsored by A44 Tyre Shop and A44 Exhausts.
Ways to write your Will Our popular Write a Will Month is set to return this February. During the month, participating solicitors will offer a special value Will writing service at £95 for a single Will or £150 for a double - with 100 per cent of donations going to St Richard’s Hospice. This year’s scheme is supported by Bradley Haynes Law and WLS Solicitors. Limited appointments are available. To find out more visit strichards.org.uk/write-a-will Farewill Did you know we offer supporters a free, online Will writing service called Farewill? You can complete your Will in as little as 15 minutes with the easy step-by-step instructions. A donation is optional for the service and the hope is you’ll include a gift in your Will to benefit St Richard’s Hospice. However, you are under no obligation to do so. Find out more at strichards.org.uk/farewill
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Events diary
For full details of these events and more visit strichards.org.uk/events
Game On!
Sunday, 26th January Tickets £10 Retroids, Worcester. An hour of completely unlimited nostalgic gaming at Worcester’s first arcade bar. Come and challenge yourself, your family or your friends! Sponsored by The Development Manager.
Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates
30th January to 9th February Tickets £12 The Swan Theatre, Worcester. A fun, family pantomime with plenty of laughs along the way. A production by Kay’s Theatre Group in support of the St Richard’s Build 2020 Appeal.
Dinner with Mike Tindall MBE
Thursday, 27th February Tickets £55 Sixways Stadium, Worcester. Join us for an entertaining evening and three-course dinner with rugby legend Mike Tindall MBE. Compèred by broadcaster, journalist and rugby fan Dave Bradley. Sponsored by King’s Hawford School.
Cheltenham Preview Evening Tuesday, 3rd March Tickets £35
Worcester Racecourse. Hear tips and predictions from an expert panel of top jockeys and trainers ahead of the festival week. Delicious two-course meal included. Sponsored by Gwillams Farm Shop.
Worcester Warriors V Northampton Saints Friday, 6th March Tickets £35
Sixways Stadium, Worcester. Enjoy a delicious dinner before cheering on the mighty Warriors.
Buddy Holly and The Cricketers
Saturday, 7th March Tickets £26.32 / £23.50 Festival Theatre, Malvern. The Rotary Club of Malvern presents this breath-taking show guaranteed to have everyone singing and dancing in the aisles! Supporting the St Richard’s Build 2020 Appeal.
Golf Day
Friday, 3rd April £300 - team of 4 Worcestershire Golf Club. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, followed by a two-course dinner, prize giving, auction and raffle.
Ladies Day
Saturday, 6th June Worcester Racecourse. Enjoy a glamorous day of VIP hospitality, with access to a private marquee.
Jail and Bail
Friday, 12th June The Guildhall, Worcester. Tired of your boss’ terrible taste in ties, or awful tea making? Now’s your chance to chain them up and make them fundraise for their freedom! Each boss is challenged to raise £500 or more.
Woo Fest
3rd and 4th July Drum and Monkey, Upton upon Severn. Award-winning music festival suitable for all
ages, featuring an array of live bands. All proceeds are donated to St Richard’s Hospice.
The Graham Robertson Memorial Golf Day Wednesday, 2nd September £300 - team of 4
Droitwich Golf Club. Play 18 holes of golf, before enjoying a two-course dinner, prizes, raffle and auction. Sponsored by Hallmark Hulme.
Grand Raffle
Take part in our Grand Raffle and be in with a chance of winning one of three amazing prizes. First prize is £5,000, second prize wins a threecourse meal for two with Champagne at The Ritz and third prize is a Gtech AirRam Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. Tickets are just £1. £10 worth of tickets could pay for two patients to enjoy a nutritious cooked lunch in the Living Well Centre.The closing date is Friday, 20th March. The draw takes place on Friday, 27th March. Sponsored by Karndean Designflooring and Worcester Racecourse. To enter the Grand Raffle, and to see the terms and conditions, rules and prizes, visit strichards.org.uk/grandraffle or contact the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262. Please note you must be aged 18 or over and have a UK address to purchase a raffle ticket. Underage gambling is an offence. There is a minimum spend of £5 when purchasing tickets online.
We still love to chat, so to discuss any of our events call the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262. events
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Support St Richard’s by signing up to play our online-only lottery and you could win up to £25,000! Tickets are £1 per line per week – 73p from each ticket goes directly to St Richard’s Hospice. Join up today to help make a difference to the lives of those we care for, when they need us most. For more information and to sign up with your debit card visit www.strichardslottery.org.uk (Please note you must be over 18 and living within Great Britain to take part in our online lottery. For full terms and conditions, rules and prizes please see the above website)
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How to make a donation
How to access our care
We rely on donations to fund the majority of our care and greatly appreciate any gifts which help us to continue to support patients and their loved ones in the future. If you would like to make a donation to our ongoing care then please go online to strichards.org.uk/donate.
Patients who would like support from St Richard’s Hospice can be referred by their GP, consultant at the hospital, district nurse or other healthcare professional.
If you would prefer to send a cheque then please make it payable to St Richard’s Hospice and send to the Fundraising Department, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2QT. We would be grateful if you would fill in the donation form, available to download on our website, with the Gift Aid option and return with your donation. You can also donate over the telephone with your credit/ debit card by calling the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.
Our Gateway referral team is also available should a patient, or person close to them, wish to talk to them directly for information or advice. No charge is made to patients and their families for any of our services. This is made possible due to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, supporters and local community. If you would like more information about referrals, please contact the Gateway Team on 01905 763963.
Staying in touch
From time to time we would like to keep you up to date with our hospice news, events and activities. Knowing your preferences means we can be more cost effective with our communications and ensure that we contact you in the way that you wish to hear from us. Heartbeat is published once a year. You can join our email mailing list for regular hospice updates. Let us know how you prefer to be contacted (by post, email, telephone or no further contact) by visiting our website strichards.org.uk/contact-us or emailing us at appeals@strichards.org.uk or telephoning 01905 958262.
Thank you for all your support.
St Richard's Hospice | Wildwood Drive | Worcester | WR5 2QT | 01905 763963 | strichards.org.uk