Heartbeat 2025 by St Richard's Hospice

Reg. Charity No. 515668

Reg. Company No. 01850502

HEARTBEAT SPRING 2025

Spring is a time of change and new beginnings, which this year is reflected in the transformation of our care.

Many of you will know that in November 2024 we announced proposals to redesign and restructure our clinical services to tackle unprecedented financial pressures caused by rising costs and growing demand for our care. We have reduced our costs by nearly £1m, achieving two thirds of this by removing vacant roles and reducing hours where requested, equating to 19.8 full time roles.

Alongside this we looked to the future demands for our care and support and have redesigned our clinical services to meet this need. Following careful consideration and consultation, we said goodbye to 14 valued colleagues which equated to a further 9.5 full time roles at the hospice. The majority of those affected opted for voluntary redundancy. It has been an upsetting time for everyone touched by plans to restructure our workforce and rethink how we deliver our care. But, we

needed to take action to ensure the long-term future of the hospice. With just 20% of our income coming from the NHS, and shortterm government funding ringfenced to improve hospice buildings, equipment and accommodation rather than ongoing staff costs, it’s vitally important we can fund our specialist care and support.

The restructure is enabling us to return to a sustainable financial position, and we are introducing new ways of working so we can maintain the number of in-patient beds available and our care provision across the county. We have 235 members of staff working an equivalent of 190 full time-time roles. Whether individuals are

working in patient care, in a hospice support role or in one of our shops, everything we do focuses on helping our patients live as well as possible, and supporting their loved ones. We’d like to thank our colleagues and community for their unwavering support during some of the hardest months the hospice sector has ever faced nationally. Together we can continue to make the most of every day for patients and families across Worcestershire.

Mike Wilkerson, Chief Executive

How to access our care

Patients who would like support from St Richard’s can be referred by their GP, consultant at the hospital, district nurse, or refer themselves to our community services through our Wellbeing Café.

Our support is also available should a patient, or person close to them, want to talk to us directly for information or advice.

Just call us at St Richard’s on 01905 763963. No charge is made for any of our services. This is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, supporters and the local community.

We love helping to create memories for the people we care for which can be treasured for years to come.

When Claire came to visit her Dad, Brian, at our Inpatient Unit on her birthday she was treated to a surprise cake baked by our team.

Her cake was enjoyed al fresco on Brian’s patio - his favourite spot to watch the ducks, squirrels and even the occasional heron!

It’s a privilege to make our care as personal and special as possible for patients and their loved ones.

Thank you to everyone who supports us in doing so.

Congratulations to social work team

We're so proud of our super Specialist Palliative Care Social Workers who scooped a prize at the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

The team, part of our Family Support Services, won Silver in the Team of the Year, Adult Services category.

Rebecka Sparks, Senior Specialist Palliative Care Social Worker, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have won. This is a reflection of all the innovative work our small team has done over the last few years to serve our community."

Special moments

It was a privilege to help make special moments for horse-enthusiasts Warren Buffery and his wife Dawn, who met Cavalier in our gardens.

We were delighted to arrange the visit for patient Warren, 57, who started riding when he was 26 and had his own beloved horse, Spike, for many years.

Warren and Dawn spent time with 16-yearold Cavalier in the sunshine, chatting

with his owners from Worcester Riding School.

"It was great to meet Cavalier because we have lost both of our horses, Spike and Lexi, and you miss that interaction,” said Warren.

“It was nice to have all that brought back, and all those memories triggered again.

“People have perceptions of hospices and this is just so different. It is about giving people their quality of life.

“The staff here try and make that time as pleasurable and relaxing as possible.”

Wonderful care at home

Most of our patients tell us that they would prefer to spend their last days in their own homes. This is where they feel safe and comfortable, and can spend precious time with their loved ones.

Last year our Community Nursing Team supported more than 1,000 patients.

One family member told us: "My lovely Dad was looked after by St Richard’s Hospice at home and as an in-patient from diagnosis right through until the end.

"Every single member of staff played a huge role in his care, the wonderful caring nurses and doctors, even down to the kitchen staff that always brought him an extra bowl of pudding (he had a major sweet tooth).

"Everyone showed him and us as a family such kindness and respect and nothing was too much trouble. After Dad passed away we also benefited from the other services St Richard’s offered and we continue to support them as much as we can.

"We will never be able to thank you enough.”

Revving up for Men's Space

Our Men’s Space group get together and share in a range of activities in a sociable and

relaxed environment.

Pictured here, members of the group have the chance to admire a visiting Morgan car.

“Before coming to St Richard’s, I was living my life in black and white, in monochrome. Now, I’m really beginning to live my life in colour again.”

These words are from Sue, who lives with Pulmonary Hypertension and is supported by our Living Well Services.

Despite an initial apprehension to access hospice support, Sue came to discover St Richard’s care is all about improving patients’ quality of life. She says: “I found a place that was so welcoming, warm, beautiful, and peaceful. The staff just seemed so kind, so friendly.

“On that first day, the team talked about all the different opportunities that could help

Accessible resources

me in achieving a better quality of life.

“And it wasn’t just about my body – this is the wonderful thing. They really understood where I was coming from. It was about the whole person – not just my illness.

We know how important it is to provide information about our care, services, and opportunities in a variety of formats and languages.

Our teams have developed a series of documents in EasyRead, a format used by people with learning disabilities.

These documents describe our care and services in a clear format, using pictures to support the text. The documents were created with input from students at The Vale of Evesham School.

An accessibility toolbar is available on our website to change how the site is viewed, have pages read aloud, or to translate the information into a variety of languages. And, a general information document about St Richard’s and the care we provide is available translated into four languages on our website. These languages are Bengali, Urdu, Italian and Polish.

If you would like information about St Richard’s in a specific format or language, please contact our Communications Team on 01905 763963 or email communications@strichards.org.uk

“The hospice is so supportive and has been fantastic in helping me get to where I am today. I can’t speak highly enough of the staff. They are kind, dedicated, and willing to support in any way that’s possible.”

Hospice huddle raise more than half a million!

Last summer saw Worcester transformed into a fun, free art space once again as a waddle of wonderfully designed penguins slid into residents’ hearts and camera rolls.

Just like their giraffe and ele-friends before them, our huggable huddle united the city and created lasting memories during an eightweek art trail.

Famously flightless birds, 40 large penguins and one chick ‘flew’ at auction raising an absolutely brrr-illiant £330,000 for our care.

Added to funds raised in our Waddle of Worcester pop-up shop and through

fundraising initiatives, a grand total of £555,499, after costs, was achieved for the hospice.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s, said:

“A campaign with the community at its heart, we are so incredibly grateful to everyone who waddled with us.

“The huge sum raised is a credit to the partners and sponsors, artists, local schools and community groups and an army of volunteers, crafters and makers who so generously played a part. Thank you for joining our hospice huddle.”

Supported by Presenting Partners

Challenges & events

Make 2025 unforgettable! Whether you’re a walker, cyclist, runner, or thrill-seeker, we have exciting events to challenge and inspire you.

From scenic treks to daring feats, there’s something for everyone. Rally your friends, family, or colleagues and join us in supporting St Richard’s Hospice—together, you can make a real difference!

Walk this way for hospice care

With spring finally in the air, we are looking forward to getting back outdoors with a fantastic year of top walking challenges. Join us and put your best foot forward. There is something for everyone, from two-mile family-friendly walks to challenging treks for the seasoned walker.

Malvern Hills Walk

Sat, 10 May

Enjoy a refreshing walk along the beautiful Malvern Hills, and choose from a 2-mile, 5-mile or 11-mile route.

Running

events

• Scenic Six - Sun, 27 April, Peopleton, two or six miles

• Worcester Full and Half Marathon & 10kSun, 18 May

• Worcester City Runs - Sun, 14 September, 10K or half marathon

Cycle events

• Chester to Worcester 100 Mile CycleSat 3 to Sun, 4 May

• London to Paris Cycle - 311 miles, Wed 23 to Sun, 27 July

Or join us for...

• Golf days - Fri, 11 April, and Thurs, 11 September Sponsored by Hallmark Whatley Hulme, Whiting Landscape, and AA Salt

• June Skydive – Sun, 15 June

• Woo Fest - Fri 4 to Sat, 5 July

• September Skydive – Sat, 6 September

• Paddle, Plod and Pedal – Sat, 27 September

• Fire Walk – Sat, 11 October

Staying in touch with St Richard's Hospice

Please would you help us save money and paper by receiving information about hospice news, events and activities by email rather than by post?

Let us know how you prefer to be contacted (by post, email, telephone or no further contact) by visiting our website www.strichards.org.uk/contact, emailing us at appeals@strichards.org.uk or telephoning 01905 958262

Volunteer News

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers who give so much time and energy to St Richard’s. Here’s just a snapshot of some of their activities:

Award for Anne Volunteer Anne Robertson was awarded the prestigious accolade, Badge of the Order of Mercy, at a special ceremony held at The Mansion House in London. Anne started volunteering for St Richard’s in 2001 and has since dedicated her time through a variety of roles.

From 2002 Anne has volunteered with the hospice Family Support Team. She has supported many patients, their families and carers before and through bereavement.

Head of the St Richard’s Family Support Service, Sarah Popplestone-Helm said: “The award really celebrates the care, skill and

passion for palliative care that Anne has given as a volunteer over many years.”

Why I volunteer

Dedicated shop volunteer, Sylvia, knows from personal experience just how important it is to raise funds for St Richard’s to continue caring.

Sylvia’s husband, Les, was cared for in the hospice In-patient Unit in 2017.

“It’s important to me to know that by volunteering in the shop I’m helping to raise money for St Richard’s and the good work they do. They were fantastic to Les and us all as a family.”

Sylvia, who works several shifts a week in our Droitwich shop, remembers that hospice care gave Les dignity. In particular, she recalls how Les was able to relax in his first bath for two years, thanks to our In-patient Team. Although he had been

able to shower at home, it was a bath soak he was missing.

“As well as helping to raise funds, I love working in the shop,” added Sylvia.

Tree-mendous!

A huge thank you to the 197 volunteers who helped collect 2,731 real Christmas trees to chip and recycle, raising a record-breaking £59,425 for our care. Kindly supported by Aptean, St Peter’s Garden Centre, Leigh Sinton Christmas Trees, and volunteers from many other businesses.

Will you be a hospice hero?

We have an amazing team of volunteers and couldn’t provide our support without them. If you would like to join this band of local heroes, then we would love to hear from you. We are flexible and happy for people to volunteer on a regular or occasional basis.

Volunteer opportunities are available at the hospice in Worcester, at our shops across the county and at our warehouse in Leigh Sinton.

Visit www.strichards.org.uk/ support-us/volunteering or call us on 01905 763963 to find out more.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our shops across the county by buying and donating items towards our care. Donating and shopping quality pre-loved goods is a fantastic way to be sustainable while helping us to care for patients, their loved ones and bereaved people.

Full details of all our shops and how and where to donate can be found here: www.strichards.org.uk/allshops

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

We’re excited to host a marquee at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival selling goodies for gardeners and naturelovers. The festival takes place from Thursday, 8 to Sunday,

11 May at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.

Funds raised by our marquee will help pay for our care and services to people across Worcestershire.

Shoppers flock to menswear pop-up store

Our first men’s fashion pop-up

‘The Wardrobe’ in Chapel Walk, Worcester, was such a huge success thanks to shoppers and donors that we have extended the

Thanks to generous donors and shoppers, our retail income is in the region of £3m each year.

opening until the end of July.

Thank you to the landlords of Chapel Walk for choosing us as their charity of the year and supporting our care.

Shop with us online

Discover pre-loved styles this spring in-store and online: strichards.shop

Take a look at our ebay store: www.ebay.co.uk/str/ strichardshospice

If you’re one of our amazing donors and are a UK tax player, please remember to label your bag or box of donations with your Gift Aid number so we can raise an extra 25p in the pound from the government at no cost to you. Last year, we could claim Gift Aid on 38% of the items sold in our shops raising an extra £285,000 for our care. This is a fantastic amount, but with your help we can raise more!

If you are not registered for retail Gift Aid, or have forgotten your number, call into one of our shops, go online to sign up or call the Commercial Team on 01905 763963. It’s simple, quick to do and makes a big difference!

www.strichards.org.uk/our-shops/gift-aid-donated-items

Sylvia in our Droitwich shop

Anne collects her award with Sarah Popplestone-Helm, (Head of Family Support)

More ways to show your support

Making a difference each and every day

In recent months we’ve shared the unprecedented financial pressures St Richard’s is facing as costs rise and demand for our care increases but NHS funding remains static at just 20% of our income.

By giving a regular gift to St Richard’s you can make an ongoing difference to our care, helping us be here for more people now and into the future.

People like Lesley, pictured centre, with partner Steve and children Tyra, Etta and Lua.

“Lesley was given the most amazing care and shown so much dignity from the whole team at St Richard’s. They provided such kind support at the most tragic of times in our lives.

“Lesley died peacefully eight days after being admitted. We do not have words to express the gratitude we have for all the fabulous staff at the hospice.” Pam, Lesley’s Mum.

We only get one chance to have a good death, and the memory of how our loved ones die remains with their families forever.

Join our community of amazing regular givers by setting up a direct debit: www.strichards.org.uk/regular-giving

Help hospice care live on for all, for now, forever

In February, St Richard’s was proud to be a part of the ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign, a ground-breaking collaboration involving Hospice UK and 143 hospices across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Try your luck in the Worcestershire Hospices Lottery

This is your local lottery, offering you an amazing chance to help St Richard's Hospice, Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust and Primrose Hospice to raise much-needed funds, while at the same time providing you with an opportunity to win a cash prize of up to £500 each week!

Money raised will be used for the sole benefit of the hospices to contribute towards their day to day running costs.

So why not join us today?

* Through the Good Cause Agreement St Richard’s will receive a larger share of your contribution by using this link.

Please note players must be aged 18 or over. We actively promote responsible gambling. The organisations are committed to using lotteries to fundraise responsibly and work together to encourage responsible gambling and access to support if needed.

Please reach out and contact gambleaware.org

National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or access the Responsible Gambling Guide on the Worcestershire Hospices Lottery's website if you need support.

Hospices like ours are at the very heart of communities, offering compassionate care and support when we need it most.

For many of us, a hospice will touch our lives, whether for ourselves, a loved one, or a friend, providing comfort, dignity, and expert care through life's most challenging times.

But just as this incredible support wouldn't exist without hospices across the UK, hospice care wouldn't exist without you. We rely heavily on charitable donations to keep our doors open.

That's why we've come together to shine a light on the essential role hospices play in our communities and protect our futures. We're asking everyone to consider leaving a gift in their Will to a hospice close to their heart.

By doing so, you can help us continue to provide this vital care, ensuring that everyone has the support they need for generations to come.

Together, we can make sure that St Richard’s lives on for all, for now, forever. Leave your legacy at:

Thank you to all our incredible fundraisers

We are in awe of the fantastic fundraisers who always go the extra mile to raise money for our care. Whether it’s running a marathon, jumping from a plane, or holding a lunch or event – whatever you do we salute you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Braving the shave

A huge thank you to Vinnie, from Droitwich, who raised £547 for St Richard's by braving the shave in aid of our care.

"St Richard's has been an essential support for my family.

"My motivation for fundraising stems from the free and compassionate care they provided to my grandparents, a close family friend, and more recently, my immediate family.

“In November 2022, my sister was diagnosed with cervical cancer (now in remission), and in July 2023, my mother was given a terminal lung cancer diagnosis. The hospice has become a central part of our lives, offering comfort and support when we need it most."

Grow your Dough

We are grateful to the fantastic business community for supporting our care. Businesses have fundraised in a huge variety of ways for our care this year, including 28 teams taking part in our Grow your Dough challenge.

After businesses received a starter donation of £40 to creatively raise funds, we were amazed by all the creative

How to donate

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 donate please go online to www.strichards.org.uk/donate

If you would prefer to send a cheque please make it payable to St Richard’s Hospice and

fundraising which happened. We saw tuck shops, coffee afternoons, lunch meal deals, bake-offs, raffles, karaoke nights, pop-up farm markets and much more!

Every pound raised will help support patients and their families across Worcestershire.

send to - Fundraising Department, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2QT.

We would be very 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.

Alternatively, you can donate over the telephone with your credit/debit card by calling the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.