Hospice at Home West Cumbria (HHWC) is one of more than 200 charitable hospices across the UK taking part in Hospice Care Week (5 – 11 October), led by the national hospice and end of life care charity, Hospice UK, highlighting what it takes to provide care to those who need it most.
This year, many charitable hospices, like HHWC are facing financial challenges, with the support they receive from the public being more important than ever before.
Hospice UK estimates that since the COVID crisis began in March, collectively hospices have lost in the region of £70 million in fundraised income. Many hospices in England rely on 70% of their funding from public donations through charity shops and fundraising events, which has not been possible during the pandemic.
Brendon Cook, Chair for HHWC said: “The impact of the Coronavirus has meant the majority of our events have been cancelled, community events have been, and are being cancelled, and all our charity shops had to close for over five months. The care we provide is only possible due to the fundraising efforts of staff, volunteers and supporters across our local communities and we are urging people to continue to support us during these difficult times.”
To mark Hospice Care Week, from 5 – 11 October, HHWC will share information about all its services including home nursing, lymphoedema care, family and bereavement support and complementary therapy. The information will be shared across its social media platforms to raise awareness and celebrate the amazing care that has provided throughout the pandemic.
Lorraine Dixon, Head of Care and Quality for HHWC said: “It is clear that the COVID -19 pandemic will continue to be part of all our lives for the foreseeable future. Our nursing staff are working as normally as possible in an unprecedented and ever changing situation and we will continue to do everything possible to keep our services running and our patients, families, volunteers and staff safe.”
For more information on Hospice Care Week or to make a donation to Hospice at Home West Cumbria, please visit the charities website at www.hospiceathomewestcumbria.org.uk email [email protected] or call 01900 873173.
