Nottinghamshire Hospice is one of the most important charities in our county, providing palliative and end of life care and support for the loved ones of those who need it. Sadly, there’s a lot of financial adversity facing organisations like them, but they’ve also got a hardworking fundraising department to help them. Frances Danylec finds out more about the work that they do, and how people around Notts can support it in diverse and often enjoyable ways.
“I think a lot of people often think of hospice care and they think it’s miserable,” says Harriet Girling, Public Fundraising Manager at Nottinghamshire Hospice, as we chat about the common misconceptions surrounding end-of-life care. “Yes, it is sad, and it is hard, but a lot of our nurses say that, surprisingly, they have lots of laughter with families and lots of lighter moments. It’s not all doom and gloom and that’s why our nurses love to do what they do.”
Nottinghamshire Hospice, founded by local people over 46 years ago, is the leading provider of palliative and end-of-life care in the area. There’s no bricks-and-mortar hospice itself – their registered nurses and palliative care assistants provide 24-hour support out in the community, enabling 96% of their patients to die peacefully in their own homes.
“There’s much more time for our nurses to get to know the patients and really give them exactly what they want, those extra little things,” Harriet explains. “You know, if they want their dog on their bed, if they want their favourite whiskey or a record playing in their bedroom. Those things that just aren’t always possible in a hospital or there isn’t the time for them. That makes hospice care at home so important, our nurses can go the extra mile to provide something really special for somebody at the end of their life.”
In some cases, hospice care at home can enable a person to leave hospital sooner, as specially trained nurses can administer the same medications and care they would have otherwise received. This eases pressure on local hospital beds and provides an arguably more comfortable and meaningful experience for patients too.
Despite this, the charity receives less than half of their funding from the NHS, the other half of the care they provide is paid for by donations and fundraising. The rising cost of living and the increased demand for services due to an aging population make this ever more challenging. Hospice UK, a leading charity calling on more government support to ensure hospice care is fairly funded, states that nearly 60% of hospices in England have made or are considering cuts to frontline services – a situation they describe as unsustainable.
People don’t get in touch because they think they can’t pay for it. But it’s all free – everything we do is available for anyone who needs it
Nottinghamshire Hospice supporter David Anderson described first-hand what the service meant to him. "When my wife, Charlotte, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, we knew our priority was to bring her home, where she felt happiest and most comfortable. I sat up with Charlotte most nights, but this soon became extremely tiring. The nurses were a lifeline for me; having them there meant I could get much needed sleep. They provided outstanding care and support, which made an immeasurable difference. I couldn’t have cared for her without them."
David and Charlotte are not alone. Last year, Nottinghamshire Hospice cared for 2,336 people living across the county in the final days and weeks of their lives. One in four people who die in Nottinghamshire each year receive their care.
“Another misconception is that there’s a cost to the service,” Harriet continues. “People don’t get in touch because they think they can’t pay for it. But it’s all free – everything we do is available for anyone who needs it.” This is pertinent given that expenses, like travel to appointments, can mount up when someone may be less able to work. Research by cancer charity Macmillan estimates that 83% of people with cancer in the UK are impacted financially by their diagnoses, reaching an average of £891 a month on top of their usual outgoings.
Together with the hands-on care, Nottinghamshire Hospice also provides practical advice to families, being one of the few local hospice services in the country to offer a 24-hour nurse-led phone line. Alongside this, their Counselling and Emotional Support service is open to anyone affected by terminal illness – from someone who has just been diagnosed and needs help thinking about the future to family members who have tragically lost their loved one and need support processing their grief.
Jenni Tompkins, Bereavement Service Lead, comments on how difficult it can be for people to talk: "There’s a lot of pressure to be positive and live in the moment, and conversations about death and dying are traditionally the opposite of that! Whilst it’s perfectly normal to feel fearful about these discussions, having plans in place and talking to friends and family about your wishes can actually go a long way to taking some of the fear and anxiety out of the unknown of it."
Determined to ensure their service stays open, free and community-focused the charity raises vital funds by partnering with local events. The team have been involved in the Hockley and Green Hustle festivals, as Corporate Fundraiser, Maria Romanov, remembers: “It started with the Green Hustle – we took part in their fashion show last year which was amazing! We got to promote our charity shops, showcasing that you can look good and still support a great cause. We were then chosen to partner with Hockley Hustle, and it was great being able to have a stand and talk to the community about what the hospice does.”
This month, you can join the running festival on Sunday 30 August and take part in a half-marathon, 10k or 5k. You’ll have a cheaper registration fee by signing up through Nottinghamshire Hospice and will receive a special edition t-shirt too. “The buzz last year was really good!” smiles Amelia Flanagan, Fundraising Assistant. “Our volunteers had cheer stations around the course so whenever we saw anyone with a Nottinghamshire Hospice shirt on we'd be like, ‘Yeah! C’mon!’ It felt like such a big community event.”
If you’re looking for something a little shorter, the Santa Dash this winter is a fun alternative. Join at Wollaton Hall on Sunday 6 December and walk or jog a 1km or 5km loop, with the kids and dog in tow. You’ll get a free Santa t-shirt to run in (or additional fancy dress is welcomed!). Keep your eyes peeled on their socials for sign-ups opening. If there’s another way you’d like to be involved but you’re unsure how, just get in touch, as Amelia encourages: “Call us at the fundraising department and we can guide you through it. You don't have to have a clue what you’d like to do.”
The Nottingham Running Festival takes place on Sunday 30 August at Nottingham Racecourse. To get involved visit their website below.
References:
https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/fair-funding-for-hospices
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