Seeing the light

Spiritual care at St Richard’s takes many forms, including egg-shaped! Clare Griffiths, Lead Chaplain, is pictured holding our new sensory egg light, which glows in a range of soothing colours. It offers a peaceful and calming experience that can comfort people cared for in our In-patient Unit. And, it’s huggable too!

Our Chaplaincy Team forms part of the holistic care provided by St Richard’s. They support people of all faiths and none – whatever their spiritual care needs.

Clare said: “Our team spends a lot of time working with patients’ spiritual care needs – whatever it is that feeds their spirit and makes them feel more like them, whether or not that includes a formal religious practice.

“This could include being outside in nature, being creative, nurturing family relationships, fulfilling a dream or finding inner peace.

“Our new sensory light will help support the spiritual well-being of patients.”

Another awesome art trail is on its way and it’s your chance to make some adorable feathered friends while supporting our care. Next summer will see the city transformed into a free, fun art space as a huddle of wonderfully designed penguin sculptures waddle their way through Worcester’s streets and public spaces.

Around forty large penguins will go on display during an eightweek art trail alongside forty chicks designed by local schools and community groups.

A Wild in Art trail, we’re bringing our third such event to the city in the hospice’s fortieth year to say thank you to our incredible community for its support over four decades and to help create lasting memories for everyone.

We also see the event as an opportunity to raise awareness about issues including loss, loneliness and bereavement and signpost local residents to support services. Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said:

“The great Waddle of Worcester is all about celebrating our wonderful city once again and giving back to our amazing community who show such love and care for everything we do here at St Richard’s.

“As we celebrate 40 years of hospice care across the county we’re excited to see everyone out making lasting memories with their loved ones.”

Each large penguin is being funded by companies and individuals from across Worcestershire before being auctioned in October 2024 to raise funds for the free care and support we provide. The project builds on the hugely successful Worcester Stands Tall and Worcester’s Big Parade trails in 2018 and 2021 which saw giraffes and elephants march into the city. Together the trails raised an incredible £704,000 for St Richard’s.

The great Waddle of Worcester will run from Monday 22 July until Sunday 15 September 2024.

It is supported by partners