A South Cumbrian hospice has been awarded £30,000 to support people experiencing financial hardship.
St Mary’s Hospice will launch Bridging Care: A Compassionate Communities Project, aimed at supporting people across Barrow and Millom.
It was awarded £30,816, funded by West Lancashire Freemasons through the Masonic Charitable Foundation and managed by Hospice UK.
The Bridging Care project will ensure that every patient referred to the hospice’s new wellbeing service receives a holistic assessment from a palliative nurse.
The assessment will explore needs beyond healthcare, including identifying internal hospice support and external community resources.
The hospice said: “Through strong partnerships with local organisations, patients will be connected to a wide range of services such as financial advice, heating support and carers’ assessments.
“This co-ordinated, neighbourhood-based approach aims to reduce barriers, prevent duplication and ensure people receive seamless, compassionate care without needing to navigate complex systems alone.”
Lynsey Lawson, head of community services at St Mary’s Hospice, said: “This funding will make a real difference on the ground. Through Bridging Care, we can build on the strong foundations already in place across Barrow and Millom, working alongside local people, partners and volunteers to create more compassionate, connected communities.
“It allows us to reach more individuals and families, offering practical support and fostering the relationships that are at the heart of community wellbeing.”
Catherine Burn, chief executive of St Mary’s Hospice, added: “Bridging Care will enable us to strengthen and expand our Compassionate Communities work in Barrow and Millom, ensuring more people receive the care, connection and support they need.
!This funding is a powerful investment in building stronger, kinder communities where no one feels alone during difficult times.”
