Hospice at Home West Cumbria has bought a building and plans to turn it into a community hub.
The charity has bought Windermere House on Peart Road on the Derwent Howe Industrial Estate in Workington.
It said it was a significant milestone in its long-term aim to bring its services, staff, volunteers, patients, and supporters together under one roof.
The charity is currently based on Finkle Street, but said with a growing team and increased demand for services, the existing premises no longer met the organisation’s needs.
Windermere House will become the charity’s central headquarters.
Currently laid out as office space, the building will be transformed into a fully accessible hub where patients, families and supporters can come to receive support and learn more about their local hospice charity and the vital services it provides, it said.
Although the majority of Hospice at Home West Cumbria’s care is delivered in the comfort of people’s own homes, it offers clinical and support spaces, including the lymphoedema treatment room, complementary therapy area, and family and bereavement support rooms.
Julie Monk, chief executive of Hospice at Home West Cumbria, said: “The building we have purchased will future proof our organisation and allow for further growth and development.
“Bringing all our staff and volunteers together in one accessible, welcoming space will be a huge step forward and make a huge difference, not only for our teams, but for the patients and families we’re here to care for.”
The purchase was made possible thanks to capital funding from a grant from the Department for Health and Social Care, administered by Hospice UK.
Julie added: “The funding we have been allocated was welcome news. The funding is restricted for spend on capital projects only, so purchasing a new base has given us the perfect opportunity to make the most out of our allocation.
“This investment will allow Hospice at Home West Cumbria to expand its services, improve accessibility, and continue delivering high-quality care and support to local people when they need it most.”
Windermere House was officially opened in 1985 by the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. He has been patron of Hospice at Home West Cumbria since 1997, and the charity hopes he may consider a return visit.
