Welcomefrom ourCEO
AsCEOofTheShakespeareHospice,Iamdelightedtowelcome you to the first edition of our revamped and improved newsletter. This new publication has been created especially foryou–ourwonderfulcommunityofdonors,volunteers,and friends – to share our latest news, heartfelt stories, and excitingdevelopmentsfromacrosstheHospice.
Oftenpeopleaskmewhatpalliativecarereallymeans.Iliketodescribeitasa bigcosyblanket–somethingyouwraparoundyourselfwhenyou’renotfeeling yourbest.Livingwithalife-limitingillnesscanbringtoughdays,andourteam is here to be that blanket – offering comfort, understanding, and the tools to livethosedayswell.Oursupportdoesn'tstopatthebedside;itcontinueswith thoseleftbehind,helpingthemtolivelifewellafterbereavement.
Tracey
Every penny you give helps us do this. It allows us to take a part of you to every patient’s bedside, to bring comfort and dignity, and to support families when they need it most. As Chief Executive, I’m constantly inspiredbythecompassionandgenerositythatsurroundsourwork.Fromourspecialisedpalliativecareteam toourdedicatedYoungPeople’sandAdultCounsellors,everyclinicalandnon-clinicalmemberofstaff–along withourvolunteers–playsavitalroleinmakingadifference.
Inthisnewsletter,you’llreadabouttheincredibleimpactofyourdonations,meetsomeofthepeoplewhose livesyou’vetouched,andlearnhowwe’recontinuingtomeettheevolvingneedsofourcommunity.We’llalso keepyouupdatedonevents,fundraisinginitiatives,andwaystogetinvolved.
AtTheShakespeareHospice,webelievethateverypersonmatters–andeveryactofkindnesshelpsmakea difference.Thisnewsletterisacelebrationofthatspiritandthecommunitywearesoproudtoserve.Wehope youenjoythisnewpublication Asalways,we’dlovetohearyourthoughtsandsuggestions–pleaseemailus atmarketing@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.
Somepeoplethinkthathospicecareisonlyforthosewhoaredying,butthat’snotthecase. At The Shakespeare Hospice, we focus on improving the quality of life for our patients who are facing a life-limiting condition, along with their carers and loved ones. By wrapping our care around the patient, as well as their support unit, we can provide the time, compassion and expertise that each individual deserves, exploring what’s most important to the patient, whilst helping them live a fulfilling life and plan for the future.
Itcostsover£3millionayeartorunTheShakespeareHospice. Wereceiveapproximately£380,000peryearfromtheNHS. We rely on the generosity of our supporters to raise at least £2.62millioneveryyear.
Clinical News
We’velaunchedCompanionatHomeService
toCombatIsolationandLoneliness
TheShakespeareHospicehaslauncheditsnew‘Companion at Home’ service to support patients facing isolation and lonelinessduetolife-limitingconditions. This service offers companionship and emotional support, helpingpatientsfeelconnectedandvaluedathome.
Lonelinesscanworsenanxietyanddepression.‘Companion at Home’ addresses this by providing regular visits from trained volunteers who offer social interaction, activities, andacomfortingpresence,tailoredtoeachpatient’sneeds.
"Thisserviceplaysavitalroleinreducingisolationandenhancingemotional well-being,"saidHannahMcKelvie,ClinicalOperationsandQualityLead."It directlysupportsTheShakespeareHospice’smission toimprovethequalityoflifeforpatientsandtheirlovedones."
Forinformationaboutthisnewservicevisit: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/services/companion-at-home. InterestedinbecomingaCompanionatHomevolunteer?Emailusatvolunteer@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.
TheShakespeareHospicehasreceivedCertificatesofExcellencefrom iWantGreatCareforitsHospiceatHomeandDayHospiceServices.
iWantGreatCareisanonlineplatformwhichenablespatientsandserviceusers toprovideunbiasedandconfidentialfeedbackabouthealthcareproviders. TheyareinvitedtoratetheHospiceonallaspectsofthecarethattheyhave received,includingwhethertheyweretreatedwithdignityandrespectandif theyweregiventimelyinformationabouttheircare.
TheclinicalteamheldaspecialeventattheHospicetocelebratethis achievement,andwerepresentedwiththeircertificatesbyManuela Perteghella,MPforStratford-upon-Avon.
Ifyouwouldliketoleaveareviewaboutthecareyouhavereceivedfrom TheShakespeareHospice,pleasevisitwww.iwantgreatcare.org/trusts/theshakespeare-hospice.
Pictured (from left to right): Tracey Sheridan, CEO of The Shakespeare Hospice, Manuela Perteghella, MP for Stratford-upon-Avon, and Sarah Duncan, Hospice at Home Team Leader
Half-TermFunwithAnimalMania
During the recent half-term break, The Shakespeare Hospice’s Children and Family Support Service (CAFSS) Team welcomed 13 children for a day filled with fun and learning. The session, designed to promote wellbeing and emotional expression, featured a special visit from Animal Mania, a Mobile Zoo offering a unique range of domestic and wild animals.
Children had the opportunity to connect with a range of animals, from snakes and lizards to rabbits, as they explored the healing power of animal therapy. The session also included activities to help the children identify their “spirit animals,” encouraging selfreflection and mindfulness in a supportive environment.
All the children in attendance are supported by the Hospice’s dedicated team, who work year-round to provide care for young people coping with the loss of a loved one. It was a magical day that brought joy, comfort, and a sense of connection both with the animals and with one another.
Stone Painting withstudents from SolihullCollege
DyingMatt
The Shakespeare Hospice joined the national Dying Matters Awareness WeekcampaignatthebeginningofMay.Thepurposeofthecampaign,run by Hospice UK, is to encourage people to start open, honest conversations aboutdeath,dying,andgrief.
Thethemeforthisyear’scampaignwas“TheCultureofDyingMatters”,with a focus on how different communities and cultures in the UK feel, talk about,anddealwithdeathanddying–andwhatbringsthemtogether.
During the week, Day Hospice patients and students from Solihull College were invited to paint stones with thoughts, words, and symbols that reflect how they understand death and Hospice care. These stones will come together as a beautiful art piece in the Hospice garden.
DatesforyourDiary
Day Hospice
OurHospiceteamhostavarietyofeventsforpatients,theirlovedonesandcarers. AllsessionsarebasedatourHospiceinShotteryandfreecarparkingisavailabletoall.
LunchwithFriends-1 July(fortnightly) st
TimeforYou-2 July(fortnightly) nd
Exercise/AdaptedTaiChi-3 July(weekly) rd
GreenTherapy-7 July(monthly) th
Carers&BereavedGroup-7 July(fortnightly) th
ConnectforLunch-8 July(monthly) th
WellbeingCafe-14 July(fortnightly) th
ForfurtherinformationaboutallofourDayHospiceeventsandactivities,visit: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/Hospice-Timetableoremailusatenquiries@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.
Fundraising Events
ClassicIbiza-5 July th
TheShakespeareHospiceFriendsBingoNight-25th
DragonBoatRace-21 September st
TheShakespeareHospiceFriendsRaceNight-17 October th
LightUpALife-7 December th
Forfurtherinformationaboutallofourfundraisingeventsandactivities,visit: TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/Whats-Onoremailusatfundraising@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.
Ifyouwouldliketotakepartinour fundraisingeventsasavolunteer,pleasegetintouch! Formoreinformationaboutbecomingavolunteer,pleasevisitTheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/volunteering. Join us at our events
Hospice Stories Gary
GaryHowe,a73-year-oldresidentofAlcester(pictured right),hasfoundrenewedpurposebyvolunteeringatThe ShakespeareHospice,drawinginspirationfromthe exceptionalcarehiswifeRosemaryreceivedduringher challengingbattlewithcancer.
Rosemary'scancerjourneywasmarkedbymultiple treatmentsandprogressivehealthchallenges.Shewas diagnosedwithrecurrentendometrialcancer,whichlater spreadtoherlungs.Sheunderwentvarioustreatments, includingradiotherapy,chemotherapyandexperimental trials.
"Rosemarywentthroughsomuch,"Garyrecalls."By2018, shehaddecidedtofocusonherbucketlistratherthan continueaggressivetreatments."Thecoupleshared memorablemoments,frompeacefulbarbecuesinDorsetto aonce-in-a-lifetimetriptoBarbados.
TheShakespeareHospice'sHospiceatHometeambecamealifelineduringRosemary'sfinalmonths.Visiting regularly,theyprovidednotjustmedicalsupportbutgenuineemotionalcomfort Garyremembersnurseswho wentbeyondtheirprofessionalduties,sittingwithhimduringlate-nightconversationsandoffering compassionatesupport.
AfterRosemary(picturedbelow,withGary)passedawayinMarch2019,GaryvolunteeredbrieflywithThe ShakespeareHospicebeforetheCOVID-19pandemicinterruptedhisplans.In2023,hereturnedtotheHospice, seekingstructureandanopportunitytogiveback Henowspendsfourhoursaweekcontributingtothe Hospice’sfundraisingefforts.
Gary’sbackgroundasaformersoftwaredeveloper makeshimparticularlyadeptattaskslikedata cleansingandresearchingpotentialcorporate sponsors.
"I'mnotonefortalkingmuch,"Garysaid."But volunteeringhasprovidedmewithstructureand givenmeawaytocontributemeaningfully Iknow thateveryweek,Ihavesomethingtogetupforand knowthatIamhelpingacausethathasbeensogood tome.Ifyou'relookingtogetoutofthehouseand meetpeople,volunteeringisexcellent.Itprovides structureandallowsyoutodosomethinguseful" Gary volunteering in
Fundraising Focus
Your generous support helps us continue providing compassionate care and vital services to patients and their loved ones across our community. Here are some of the ways that you have supported us recently.
Howareyouhelpingusraise
£3million?
30runnersbravedtheheattotake partinthisyear’sShakespeare MarathonandHalfMarathonin Stratford-upon-Avon.Forthesecond year,TheShakespeareHospicewas thecharitypartner.Allrunners finished,raisinganamazing£11,000 fortheHospicedespitethetough conditions.
Onthesameday,HollyPlotegherandLizzieWhitecompleted theinauguralLondonMarathonandraisedafabulous£3,000. Lizzie(picturedright)raninmemoryofherbrother,whowas supportedbyTheShakespeareHospiceshortlybeforehedied frombowelcancerinMarch2024.
Meanwhile,ateamofrunnersfromAvonEstatesHoliday& ResidentialParks(picturedright)raised£1,500after completingtheWorcester10kandMarathonon18 May.But therewasnotimetorestastheteamplannedtheirnext adventurefortheHospice-theSnowdonSunrisechallengeo 21 June.Onceagain,theteamsucceededintheirmission, reachingthesummitat4:50am,andraisinganother£1,500in theprocess
TheShakespeareHospiceevenmanagedtogetsomesupportfromrunnersoverseas,with JamesandJasminRapleytakingpartintheHelsinkiCityRuninFinland.Thecouple (picturedabove)raninmemoryofJames’father,David,whowassupportedbytheHospice beforehedied.Thecoupleraisedanincredible£2,000!
TheShakespeareHospiceNewsletter-Summer2025
Mel the Magnificent!
YoumayrememberMelMartinfromourChristmascampaign.Mel(picturedabove)sadlylosther sisterJulieandasatributetoherdecidedtoclimbMountSnowdonwithfriendsonwhatwould havebeenJulie’s54thBirthday.Whatmadetheachievementevenmoreremarkablewasthefact thatMelhadgonethroughtwohipreplacementsbeforeherclimb!TheytoastedJulieatthetop andraisedafantastic£757!Melsaid:"Werested,welaughed,wecried andatthetop,we raisedaglasstoJulie.Theviewswereabsolutelybreathtaking!"
TheWhiteSwanHotelinStratford-upon-Avonhosteda CharityBlackTie&DinnerDanceeveninginMaytoraisefundsfor TheShakespeareHospiceandStratford-upon-AvonFoodbank. It was an incredible evening filled with delicious food, great company,andafantasticcharityauction.
Theeveningraised£3,000,whichwassplitevenlybetweenthetwo charities.WeareincrediblygratefultoTheWhiteSwanHoteland toHospiceTrusteeKateRolfefororganisingthisevent.
Corporate Champions
The Shakespeare Hospice is delighted to welcome its newest member of its exclusive 25 Club – Alveston Manor’sVitalHealth&WellbeingClub.
LocatedintheheartofStratford-upon-Avon,theclub offers a welcoming and supportive environment for members looking to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. With a range of state-of-the-art facilities including a fully equipped gym, swimming pool,spaservices,andtailoredwellnessprogrammes, the club is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles forthelocalcommunityandvisitorsalike.
BenOrton,HealthClubandSpaManager,said:
“We’re incredibly proud to support The Shakespeare Hospiceandjointhe25Clubduringsuchasignificant milestone year At Vital Health & Wellbeing Club, we believe in the power of community and the importance of compassionate care. The Hospice’s commitmenttosupportingpatientsandtheirfamilies through some of life’s most challenging times deeply resonates with our own values We look forward to contributingtotheirvitalworkandbeingpartoftheir ongoingimpactacrosstheregion.”
The Shakespeare Hospice is proudly marking over 25 years of unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care and support to individuals and theirlovedonesaffectedbylife-limitingconditions.
Tolearnmoreaboutjoiningourexclusive25Club, pleasevisit:
TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/support-us/jointhe-25-club/.
Charity Partners
Our corporate partners are hugely important to us, and it’snotjustaboutthemoney.
Volunteering and skills-based support help us grow, build capacity, and reach new supporters. Whether it’s sharing expertise, offering time, or opening up advertising opportunities, every contribution makes a difference. We’re incrediblygratefultoourlong-standingcorporatesupporters andtothosewhocontinuetostandbyusyearafteryear.
Thisyear,we’redelightedtowelcomeEveshamPlaceDental and Brindley Twist Tafft & James LLP to our corporate family.
Twist Tafft & James Solicitors
WhenBrindleyTwistTafft&JamesSolicitorschoseThe Shakespeare Hospice as their Charity of the Year, they didn’t just commit to fundraising they embraced a journeyofconnectionandcommunity.
Marie and Sarah from the team took on a bold challenge: a charity skydive, set for August 2nd. Their courage inspired colleagues to get involved in other ways fromorganisingacharitybingonightthatraised £249, to visiting the Hospice and learning firsthand about the vital care we provide across South Warwickshire.
They’re also taking part in the Dragon Boat Race, bringingtheirteamevenclosertogether.
Meanwhile,NFUMutualhasshownincrediblesupportthroughitsResponsibleBusinessStrategy, whichchampionsrurallivesandlivelihoods.Theirpartnershipwithusincludesvolunteering, fundraising,andevendonatingfurniture-allofwhichhelpuscontinuedeliveringcompassionatecare tothoseaffectedbylife-limitingconditions.Workplacefundraisingisn’tjustaboutraisingmoney-it’s aboutbuildingrelationships,boostingmorale,andshowingyourvaluesinaction.
Bychoosingtosupportus,youenableustogiveexpertcareandsupporttothosewhoneedit.Youalsobenefitfrom havingacauseyourstaffcanunitearound,andopportunitiesforprofessionaldevelopment.
Brindley
Volunteer Voices
VolunteersarethebackboneofTheShakespeareHospice. They enable us to deliver the highest quality of care and support to our patients and their families. In each edition of this newsletter, we will feature one of our dedicated volunteers, offering a personal glimpseintotheirexperiencesandmotivations.Throughtheirstories, we celebrate the vital role they play in supporting our hospice community. In this edition, we focus on one of our longest-serving volunteers,HelenO’Leary.
Helen O’Leary VolunteerReceptionist
WhatinspiredyoutostartvolunteeringwithThe ShakespeareHospice?
Beforeretiring,Ienjoyeda20-yearcareerhelpingpeople returntoworkafterillnessthrougharrangingretraining andslowlygettingthemtohavetheconfidencetoreturn towork Ifoundthatjobextremelyrewardingandalways imaginedthatwhenIretired,Iwouldbeabletojoinan organisationthathelpsothersimprovetheirlives.AfterI retired,whentheopportunitytojoinTheShakespeare Hospicearose,Ihadrecentlyexperiencedcancerand otherlife-threateningillnessesinmyfamily,soIhadbeen thinkingaboutwhetherIcouldcombinemywishtohelp otherswithsomethingrelatedtoseriousillness.
What does a typical day as a volunteer look like foryou?
Mymainroleisatthereceptionarea,greetingpatientsand other visitors I also answer phones and take messages or transfercallstotheappropriateoffices. Itrytokeepthereceptionareacalmandwelcoming.Some daysarequietandotherscanbequiteemotional,butthere isalwaysasenseofcompassion.
I always keep in mind that I would like to be the person I wouldwanttomeetifIwasapatient.
“I have learned more about what really matters in life: kindness, time with loved ones and being present in each experience. I worry much less about the small daily troubles we all have.”
Whatwouldyousaytosomeoneconsideringvolunteering attheShakespeareHospice?
Don’thesitate!Asoonasyoujoin,youwillbecomepartofaverycaring organisationthatwillwelcomeyouwithopenarms.Youdon’tneedany specialexperience,justawillingnesstobethereandlisten.Theteamis wonderfully supportive, and you will never feel alone or not sure of what’saskedofyou Itisallsoworthwhile,therearesomanyareasto workasavolunteer:administrativework,workinginoneofourmany shops,receptionist,andlookingafterpatientsbyservingdrinkswhen they visit the Hospice. I’ve gained much more than I have given, and I’ve been volunteering for about 16 years and still really enjoy my weeklyvisits Ihavealsogainedanewsocialgroupofvolunteerfriends whomeetforacoffeeorlunch.
HowhasvolunteeringattheHospiceimpactedyourlifeorperspective?
It’simpactedmeinmanyways.Ihavelearnedmoreaboutwhatreallymattersinlife:kindness,timewithloved ones,andbeingpresentineachexperience.Iworrymuchlessaboutthesmalldailytroublesweallhave.Perhaps moreimportantly,ithasallowedmetomovemycareertoonewhereIworkinajobtovolunteering,whichI especiallyenjoy Ifeelveryluckyinmytimeheretohavemetsomanywonderfulandinspiringpeople-patients, staffandofcourseothervolunteerswhohavebecomegreatfriends.Volunteeringhasalsomadememoregrateful formyhealthandtheotheraspectsofmylifewhereIamfortunate,especiallymyfamily.IliketothinkthatIhave hadtheprivilegeofhelpingothers,evenifit’sbriefly,andIcomehomeaftereachsessionfeelingIhavemadea difference.
Asavolunteer,youcanhelpoutasmuchoraslittleasyoulikeandtherearemanydifferent volunteeringrolesavailable,reflectingtheskills,interestandavailabilityofanyonewishingto supporttheHospiceinthisway.
The Shakespeare Hospice Friends
They’re the friendly faces behind the coffee mornings,theenergybehindtheracenights, and the heart behind every bucket collection. The Shakespeare Hospice Friendsareapassionategroupofvolunteers who’ve raised over £80,000 to support local hospice care and they’re just getting started.
From quizzes and raffles to community events big and small, their creativity and commitment shine through in everything they do. Every pound they raise helps us provide vital care and support to patients andfamiliesacrossSouthWarwickshire.
We’reincrediblygratefulfortheirdedication, and they’re always looking for new helpers tojointhefun.Whetheryoucanbakeacake, sell a raffle ticket, or simply lend a hand for anhour,you’llbemakingarealdifference.
Shopping with Purpose
Alcester|Bidford-on-Avon|Henley-in-Arden Stratford-upon-Avon|Wellesbourne
TheShakespeareHospicehassevencharityshopsacrossSouth Warwickshiresellingavarietyofqualitygoodswhichhavebeendonated byourgeneroussupporters.Findoutmoreaboutourshopsbyvisiting TheShakespeareHospice.org.uk/OurShops.
SUSTAINABLESHOPPING
28,348kg ofCO2emissionssaved throughresellingand recyclingofdonations
SHOPOFTHEMONTH
GiftCardinallourhighstreetshopsand online!It’sagreatwaytoshopsustainably, supporttheHospice,andreducelandfill waste.
2,103kg avoidedgoing tolandfill
Wellesbourne
TheShakespeareHospice'sWellesbourneshop hasrecentlyhadaSpringrefresh,enhancingthe shoppingexperienceforthelocalcommunity. Theupdatedstorenowoffersanexpanded menswearsection,alargerbric-a-bracarea andawiderselectionofwomen'sbags,shoes andchildren'stoys.Theseimprovementsprovide morequality,affordablepreloveditemswhile supportingtheHospice’smissiontodeliver palliativeandend-of-lifecareacrossSouth Warwickshire.Shoppingatthestorealsosupports asustainable,community-focusedinitiative.
Tell us what you think
WehopeyouenjoyedthenewestpublicationfromTheShakespeareHospice! We'realwayslookingtoimproveandwouldlovetohearyourthoughts.Whatdid youfindmostinterestingorhelpful?Isthereanythingyou’dliketoseemore(or less)ofinfutureissues?Yourfeedbackisincrediblyvaluableandhelpsusbetter serveourcommunity.Pleaseshareyourthoughtsbyemailingusat marketing@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.
TraceySheridan-ChiefExecutiveOfficer
JoFaulkner-Harvey-HeadofIncomeGeneration
JayneTaylor-Farren-HeadofFinance
SamConway-Marketing&CommunicationsManager
RobertHobbs-OperationsManager
JoanPhilbin-FinancialController
ClaireBoyle-ExecutiveAssistanttotheCEO
HelenKenyon-HeadofPeople&Workforce
JamieYeomans-HeadofClinical&Operations
RebeccaFuller-RetailOperationsManager
HannahMcKelvie-ClinicalOperations&QualityLead
SarahWakeman-SeniorFundraisingManager
OURTRUSTEES
DrPaulSimmonds-ChairmanofTrustees
HelenCave
DrAllyDuncan
RichardGoodall
DrRichardLambert
AmandaPinks
RossTaylor
LarryColtman
FionaFrizzell
NicolaGotrel
PeterMayes
KateRolfe
AnitaWatson
