Open House - A Hospice United: Caring during the pandemic Fighting for our future
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Open House The newsletter for Garden House Hospice Care
Started by the Community
Serving the Community
Sustained by the Community
A Hospice United:
Caring during the pandemic
Fighting for our future
www.ghhospicecare.org.uk Summer, 2020
Welcome from
Sue Plummer, CEO
It’s hard to believe that it was enjoy some of the creative ways the
only a few months ago that community have come together to
support their local hospice (page 8).
‘normal’ life was suddenly put
on pause. It would be lovely to see as many of you as
possible at Lights of Life this year (page 14). We
Last edition I wrote about our 30th anniversary are working hard to make the event extra
year, looking ahead to a wonderful 12 months special, offering a much-needed get together
of celebration. Like everyone else, I had no idea and opportunity to reflect as we head towards
how life was about to change. the end of the year.
Well over four months into the coronavirus In April, we launched an urgent appeal and
pandemic, the future is still uncertain for us all. asked for help, as the financial impact of
We are continually adapting our services so COVID-19 became clear. We have been blown
they are as ‘normal’ as possible, while keeping away by the support of our community. I hope
patient safety at the top of our agenda. With this edition of Open House serves as
demand remaining high, we are working hard to confirmation of the amazing – and vital work
continue raising money to fund our care in a your support enables us to carry out.
turbulent financial climate and with restrictions
that have changed the face of fundraising. I am honoured to lead a team that has been
truly unified in the face of this adverse and
But in the worst of times, we have seen hospice scary situation. Thank you ALL for your
care at its very best. This issue of Open House is courage and dedication. Our team includes
dedicated to a mere handful of the striking and you, our supporters too. Thank you for the
inspiring stories from the past few months. essential part you play.
Learn more about the friendships made
between colleagues who have retrained
to care for patients (page 4), discover
the realities of having to close the
doors to our outpatients (page 6), and
Sue Plummer, Chief Executive
sue.plummer@ghhospicecare.org.uk
s on
Follow u
edia
Social M Simply follow us on:
@GardenHouseHospice
Stay connected via social media!
Keep updated on the latest news,
events, stories, services, @garden_house_hospice_care
competitions and more.
@GHHospice
2
Our response
to COVID-19
The rapid spread of COVID-19 presented challenges unlike anything our staff
have experienced before. Here is how we have adapted, responded and continue
to work during the pandemic.
We increased our bed capacity on the Inpatient Unit to ease pressure on our local hospitals.
We added another ‘virtual bed’ to the community, to cope with demand and keep more
people out of hospital.
We have cared for patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in hospital and
discharged to our teams.
Our Frailty Clinical Nurse Specialists have been working with care homes, helping to plan
residents’ care and offering them, as well as staff, face-to-face support and training.
Group activities such as the fatigue and breathlessness course and seated exercise class, have
moved online.
Our doctors have provided support to GPs in the community.
Our bereavement support has continued via the telephone, with the service extended to
people experiencing bereavement away from the Hospice.
Our education team have developed and delivered bespoke training to external health and
social carers.
175 extra hours of care a 129 staff from residential,
week have been made nursing and learning
available because 18 staff disability support care
from across the Hospice, homes, have had palliative
including fundraising and and end of life care training
trading, had clinical training from our education team.
to support our front line
workers.
250 outpatients have had 70 isolated community
regular phone or video calls members at a time have
from our Hawthorne Centre been joining virtual
team. meetings hosted by our
Compassionate Neighbours.
3
l l in t h i s
A
r
togethe
At Garden House Hospice Care,
we believe in a ‘one team’ Hayley
approach. and Richard
Never more so has that been the case than in
these times of COVID-19. With demand for our “Initially, when we were told that people
care still on the rise, staff from all areas of the were being redeployed to Hospice at
Hospice volunteered to undergo clinical Home I was sceptical as we are all aware
training to support as healthcare assistants on these individuals come from very different
the frontline, resulting in over 175 hours backgrounds to us, we have an extensive
additional care a week for local people in need. background in palliative end of life care and
are used to the pressures and difficult
Richard Harbon, Head of Events at the situations we face daily.
Hospice, was one of many valiant volunteers.
“ I will take away
“As an experienced fundraiser, I know how to
organise events and support our community many memories from this period,
with challenges such as treks and cycle rides, some of which are sad, but the
never have I supported with the delivery of highlight is how well the Hospice
care until now. pulled together as a team.“
“After an intense two-day training session, I “I was pleasantly surprised how these
certainly felt very well prepared for what was individuals faced their new challenges head on,
going to be expected of me. they rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in,
never shying away from whatever faced them.
“ Everything had been thought
through to give me the “They showed a real interest and built up a
confidence that everything would rapport with the patients, but they also looked
be okay.” out for the relatives too.
“Working with the community team has been “They have shown that actually you can face
an amazing experience, really bringing it home any new challenges with the right guidance and
to me what we are fundraising for. The nurses support and I'm certain its opened up their eyes
on the team are inspirational, bringing care and as to why they are fundraising in the first place,
support to patients and their families in their running shops and eBay or driving a van!
darkest hours and always with a smile
on their face.” “It's been a pleasure showing them the ropes
and watching them develop.”
Richard was regularly partnered up
with Senior Healthcare Assistant, Hayley and Richard connected from
Hayley Cocks to make home visits. their first visit, and are continuing to
care together and even plan to meet up
outside the Hospice for a socially
distanced run.
4
A smile
behind
the mask
“One of the things that’s affected us most
here is that families haven’t been able to be
A hand to hold and a hug when as involved in the care of their loved ones as
it’s needed most – these are the they would have before, so we’ve had to find
words so regularly used to sum new ways to ensure that patients can still
communicate with their families and that we
up the care provided on our
can still allow family members to visit in line
Inpatient Unit (IPU) at the with the government guidelines.
Hospice.
The last few months have changed the way
we care; with comforting smiles hidden We increased IPU
behind a mask and hands being held through
the barrier of a plastic glove, it’s been a capacity from 8 to
challenging time for our patients, their 10 beds to support
families, and our staff.
our local NHS Trust.
With many of them facing their own anxieties
around the welfare of their loved ones,
juggling work and home schooling and
adjusting to ‘the new normal’, our “When you’re poorly, seeing the faces of
courageous team continued to put on their those you hold dear can make a world of
uniforms to provide palliative care 24 hours a difference. Thanks to the generosity of our
day. community we received donations of 20
iPads which enabled our patients to see their
Michelle is a sister on the loved ones virtually.
Inpatient Unit
“Staffing has been a challenge with some
having to shield. However, clinical teams
“What I love most about my job is the level of
across the Hospice have worked together to
personalised care that we can give to
ensure safe staffing to continue giving the
patients and their families. We’ve been
high level of personalised care we’re so proud
involved in celebrating weddings with
to provide at end of life. It has been a
patients and many other special points in
difficult and trying time, but we have been
their journey.
so well supported and the team have
been fantastic.”
5
y S e r v i ces
Da
l
go digita
" In my almost three years of
working at Garden House
Hospice Care, I have never
gone home and cried…until a
few weeks ago."
These are the words of Sarah Bradfield, who
manages the Hawthorne Centre. At the
beginning of the pandemic, they made the
difficult decision to close the centre, which
focuses on the wellbeing and rehabilitation Heather was diagnosed with cancer in
of people diagnosed with a life-limiting 2017 and has been attending the
illness. Hawthorne Centre for two years.
" I will never forget the days we had to call “I really miss being able to go to the Hospice.
our patients to tell them to stay at home for The biggest thing is the understanding you
their own safety. This went against get from the staff and from the other people
everything we’d ever said to them as we are who are going through similar things to you,
normally encouraging people to live as full so during lockdown it’s been really, really
and active a life as possible. It was hard. However we are being well supported
heart-wrenching. through Zoom sessions which is absolutely
fantastic as you get to see somebody face to
“One particular call that stays with me was face. I miss confidence boosting, the
from a patient who asked me to thank our friendship and of course the cakes which are
physiotherapists in the gym. She said: “they fantastic!
have made me so much fitter. If I do get this
thing, I feel like I do have a chance of fighting
“ The thing is, the Hospice are missing us
it off and it’s all thanks to them.”
as well because in the end, we are what
The day services doors may have they are there for.”
temporarily closed, but the support
continues. To find out more about our
services and how the
The team have been making regular Hawthorne Centre can
telephone consultations, holding wellbeing support you or a family member,
sessions via Zoom and uploading an online visit our website:
library of seated exercises and guided
meditations to support our patients who are https://www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/
self-shielding. patients-carers/day-services
6
Compassionate
Neighbours
We understand the importance
of positive social interaction.
With the nation in lockdown, Macmillan Senior Sister,
the effects of social isolation Educator for Community Services
and loneliness can have a
negative impact on both
mental and physical wellbeing.
wait to match them up with people in
Compassionate Neighbours couple, Tom and the community.”
Jeanne Batterbury, have been reaching out to
ensure older members of the local community “ It’s been wonderful to see so
in Letchworth, Royston and Stevenage feel many smiling faces on the screen
supported during the coronavirus pandemic.
and also for people to make new
As part of the scheme, the couple have been
connections despite the physical
running errands, shopping and picking up
prescriptions. restrictions.“
“My wife and I signed up as Compassionate
Neighbours to give something back. My mum
died in the Hospice 18 months ago, she was 91,
and had been so happy with the care she
received from the Hospice at Home team and
in the Inpatient Unit. We have delivered
shopping to people living in Royston,
Letchworth and Stevenage. “
“ We can’t wait to see our
Compassionate Neighbours are
community members again.”
trained volunteers who are
Whilst our Compassionate Neighbours and matched with a community
community members are unable to see each member based on their interests
other face-to-face, they are continuing their and hobbies, offering regular
friendships over the phone, with some visits, companionship, emotional
learning to use technology for the first time support and a listening ear.
via video calls.
Richard Julian is the Community More information can be found
Development Manager for the scheme and on our website:
has been hosting virtual get togethers, so
both the Compassionate Neighbours and
www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/
community members feel supported.
volunteers/compassionate
“We have just welcomed 10 new people to -neighbours
the Compassionate Neighbours family after a
two-day virtual training session and we can’t
7
From veg stalls and head
shaves to bike rides and
bake offs, your support has
made a massive difference.
Lockdown certainly had your creative juices
flowing and we’ve loved hearing about the
wild and whacky ways that people of all ages
have taken to fundraising to raise money for
the Hospice.
Over the last few months we have been
utterly inspired by the children and young Over 300
masks an
people in our community and thank you all face-cove d
rings hav
hand-mad e been
from the bottom of our hearts for e for staf
f and
voluntee
challenging yourselves for charity. rs to wea
the Hosp r at
ice.
Betty-Leigh Allinson is five
years old. When her trip
Hospice
Hospic
to Disneyland got cancelled
at the beginning of
lockdown, she decided to
use the £7 spending money
she had saved to start a
fundraising page for
the Hospice.
Having recently learnt to ride
her bike without stabilisers,
this triumphant tot took on
the challenge of cycling a mile
a day for 100 days with the aim
of raising £500. Peddling in a
different football shirt every
day, she has had huge support from
local and global teams, receiving
special video messages from David
Beckham, Frankie Detori, Ashley Young
and Robin Van Persie to name a few. Betty
a
25,000
has captured our hearts and has now raised losing £ ps
We are o u r sh o
over £20,000 and hopes to reach £25,000 by ecause
week, b events
re c lo sed and
the end of the challenge. Keep your eyes on w e
d .
our social media pages for more information cancelle
on her 100th celebration ride.
To support Betty-Leigh, visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/
bettyleighallinsonamileaday
8
Firefighters fight for
ng
20 tots have been busy selli
ts,
our future.
plants and doorstep trea
bouncing on trampolines,
running and cycling for mile
s to As the sun began to set over Letchworth on
raise funds. 12th June, the Baldock and Letchworth On
What superstars! Call Firefighters put on their full equipment
for the 13.6 mile walk around the Greenway
to raise funds for the Hospice.
The equipment weighed a whopping 26kg,
but the blisters and sore bodies it caused
didn’t stop our firefighting fundraisers. With
social-distanced support on-route and
donations flooding in, they raised an
incredible £17,000 for our Urgent Appeal.
Celebrating 10 years by
braving the shave.
Heroes
Heroes
Over the last decade, Sue Monigatti
has worked in our clinical and
trading teams, recently
volunteering to return to
the Hospice frontline to care
for patients in their own homes
during the coronavirus outbreak.
On 15th June, Sue celebrated her
10 year anniversary, with the support
of her friend and colleague Nicola,
by shaving their heads.
“I wanted to mark this special occasion by
raising much needed funds to support
this great local charity as they have
supported me.”
Lo ca l t
ru
f o u n d a s ts a n d
tions h
awarde ave The courageous pair raised over £3,000!
d
in gran over £35,000 Happy Anniversary from the whole
ts to h
our esc elp cov
alating er hospice family.
costs.
Without the support, courage and determination of our third party
fundraisers, we couldn’t continue to care for local families at the end of
life. If you’d like to find out more about how to support, we’d love to
hear from you!
01462 679540 (option 3)
www.ghhospicecare.org.uk
9
The Big The response was incredible. Within hours we
Charity
had hundreds of enquiries and we collected
donations from more than 800 homes.
Hundreds more people donated their
Restock
unwanted items to our Distribution Centre.
“The generosity of our community has once
again been astounding,” said Carla Pilsworth,
Director of Income Generation and Trading.
“Our volunteer van drivers were busy for
Raise your hand if weeks, crossing towns and villages across
you used lockdown for a “ Hertfordshire, collecting items ranging from
much-needed clear out clothing, to toys and books, to bric-a-brac.
Thank you to everyone who has donated.
of your cupboards and
re-organisation of your
wardrobes.
You’re not alone!
After hearing anecdotally how many people
were doing exactly that, and with the closure
of our 12 shops causing a devastating blow to
our income, we spotted an opportunity for
a restock.
In the midst of lockdown, we launched our “ Our shops reopened in June with
Big Charity Restock, inviting people to bag or
bursting stock levels. We raise a
box their goods and arranging collection days
third of our income from our
and drop-offs so our shelves could be filled in
charity shops, so the sale of these
readiness for the eventual reopening of
our stores. goods will make an enormous
difference to the lives of our
patients and their families.”
£17,000 444,373 410 volunteers
was raised items were across 12 stores
from books sold in our and Distribution
sold online shops last Centre
last year year
10Shop to sustain, save
money, and change lives
With smartphones and next day delivery, Change someone’s life: By buying
we know it is hard to resist the ease of something from our shops, you are
ordering a new outfit, toys and furniture in a changing somebody’s life for the better,
few clicks online. But let us convince you why because all the proceeds from your purchase
a trip to your high street to join the queue funds the care we give our patients and their
for your local hospice shop is worthwhile: families.
Bag a bargain: Our 12 shops stock many
nearly-new items – often, clothing arrives
with tags still on and it will always be better
value than the original price.
Help our planet: According to Wrap,
336,000 tonnes of clothing ended up in
landfill last year. Do your bit to reduce this
waste by re-using and re-cycling clothes. Plus,
you are making carbon savings by extending
the life of the items you buy.
Still not sure our shops are worth a visit? We
Find treasure: We never fail to be amazed popped into our Distribution Centre for a
by the items we are donated. Whether it’s quick scan of the donations, to see what we
unique vintage goodies, unworn shoes or could find. Here is our haul:
hardly-used toys, everything is quality
checked before it enters our shops and items A Moses basket, Adidas backpack, children’s
are often wonderfully unique. books by authors including Jacqueline Wilson,
Julia Donaldson and the ‘That’s Not My’
series, clothes from Monsoon and Ted Baker,
toys including a Duplo pirate ship, board
games and a super-soft teddy, a
wide-rimmed sun hat, rollerblades and a
vintage tea set. So, why not think twice next
time you go to shop online, and see what
your local hospice shop has to offer first?
£199 was the £1,572,000
highest winning was raised For our shop locations and
bid on our eBay opening hours, visit:
by trading
page in June – for in 2018/19
www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/shops
a metal detector
11e e c h e e rs
Thr
for our
o l u n t e e rs
V
38% of the UK population
volunteer at least once a year,
with 22% volunteering at least
once a month. As well as helping
others, volunteering has been
shown to improve volunteers'
wellbeing too.
Volunteering at the Hospice, has been
Rukia Augustine is the Voluntary
hugely impacted by the coronavirus
Services Manager at the Hospice. pandemic, with many volunteers shielding
and unable to carry out their weekly shifts.
“Our volunteers are absolutely vital to
continue the work we do at the Hospice.
What astonishes me is the number of
volunteers we have that give up their time, “
come rain or shine to work in our shops, From one hour per week
Distribution Centre, at the Hospice, in the
to a few hours a day, our
Community or supporting at events.
team of over 600
“Our strap line as a Hospice is 'Started by volunteers make a huge
the Community, Serving the Community, difference and save us
Sustained by the Community' and none over £700,000 a year in
more so is that the case in our volunteering staffing costs which we
team.
wouldn't be able to
“Our patients, carers, family members and sustain.“
friends may not get to meet all our
volunteers but on behalf of everyone that
accesses our services, a HUGE thank you to
our valiant volunteers that help our Hospice “The last few months have been tough; we
to continue to support our community, have really missed our volunteer family and
now and in the future.” are thrilled to be gradually welcoming
people back to carry out the volunteer
roles they love so much.”
12Volunteers
Volunteer
spotlight
Steve has been a volunteer at our
Distribution Centre (DC) in We have a wide range of volunteering
Letchworth since September 2018. opportunities available and would love to
Volunteering up to ten hours a have you on board to help in any way you can.
week, he supports our eBay team,
our van drivers with collections
and deliveries, and acts as a “ I really encourage
mentor to other volunteers who anyone who is thinking
may need support. about volunteering, or
has time to spare, to
“Volunteering for Garden House Hospice
do so.”
Care has given me the opportunity to get to
know people in the area.
“I really enjoy what I do, it has given me the Some of our current roles include:
ability to do something to help others. I also
go to the Hospice once a week and can see Gardening Volunteers
that what I am doing is really making a Distribution Centre Volunteers
difference. “ eBay Researcher Volunteers
Shop Volunteers
Over lockdown, Steve has not been able to Choir Leader
carry out his volunteering duties, but is still Van Driver Assistant Volunteers
helping his local community. Admin Volunteers.
“I have been shopping and picking up The opportunities are endless and can be
prescriptions for my more vulnerable tailored to your skill set should you wish to
next-door neighbours and enjoying help with specific projects and share your
gardening, walking, baking and trying out knowledge and expertise.
new recipes. I take wildlife photography
from my window, which I post in the To find out more about flexible
Volunteers’ Facebook page as a means of volunteering opportunities at your
staying in touch with them. I am really local Hospice:
looking forward to getting back to the DC
and helping the Hospice again.” 01462 679540 or email
volunteers@ghhospicecare.org.uk
13o
A year t
er
rememb • We will continue to monitor the government
guidance to ensure the safety of everyone
who attends, and there will be an option to
join virtually, giving you the chance to take
part from home.
It’s been a stressful and testing year
for us all, but we would like to end
it on a positive note. We warmly
invite you, your family and friends
to Lights of Life.
Lights of Life is our annual remembrance
event, giving you an opportunity - alongside
many others - to pause, reflect on precious
memories, celebrate the lives of those we
love and write a dedication.
We are working to make this year’s events
extra special, in recognition of how
particularly difficult this year has been -
especially if you have been bereaved of a For more information on Lights of Life or how
loved one. to give in memory of a loved one, please
email Clare Edwards:
Lights of Life will offer people of all faiths and clare.edwards@ghhospicecare.org.uk.
backgrounds a meaningful way to remember
and celebrate loved ones, whether their death
was recent or many years ago.
Here’s what you need to know: Register your interest
If you would like to be the first to know
• Lights of Life events are free to enter and
more about Lights of Life, including when
will take place on 21st and 22nd November.
you can make a dedication in memory of
Put the dates in your diary!
your loved one, please visit our website
or visit:
• Lights of Life is open to all, whether you
have a connection with the Hospice or not.
https://bit.ly/RegLights
and complete the ‘register
• The events will be hosted by a special
your interest’ form. We will
guest, and will include festive treats and
be in touch as soon as our
drinks to buy, music, readings and a
plans develop.
moment to reflect.
14Gift Aid
Fundraising Declaration
Garden House
during a Hospice Care
pandemic Donor’s Details
Name:
Our services cost around £5m a Home Address:
year to provide, and we rely on
the generosity of our community
to raise over two-thirds of this total. Post Code:
We expect to lose £1.3m of our
To Gift Aid your regular gift, please tick one of the following boxes:
fundraising income because of the
impact of the coronavirus pandemic on I want to Gift Aid my donation of £
to Garden House Hospice Care
our fundraising activities, putting the
I want to Gift Aid my donation of £
future of our services under threat. We need
and any donations I make in the future or have made in the
your support more than ever. past 4 years to Garden House Hospice Care
I confirm that I have paid or will pay an amount of UK Income
If you are thinking of supporting us, thank you. Fundraising has become trickier as a result Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5
April) that is equal to, or more than, the amount of tax that all
of the coronavirus, but there are still ways you can get involved. the charities and CASCs that I donate to will claim on my gifts
for that tax year. I understand that it is my responsibility to pay
any difference.
Organise your own event: Download our third-party events guide from our website.
It is full of ideas for events that can be held safely at home or at a social distance. Signed:
Give a monthly donation: Regular donations allow us to plan sustainably for the Date:
future. Choose an amount that suits you and complete the form overleaf to set up Please tick if you are not a taxpayer
your standing order. Don’t forget to sign up to Gift Aid, as that increases your
Please notify Garden House Hospice Care if you:
donation by 25%, at no extra cost to you.
• Want to cancel this declaration
• Change your name or home address
Donate your savings: Whether you have managed to save a few quid because you • No longer pay suffificient tax on your income and/or capital gains
are no longer buying a daily coffee on the commute, or your business has an If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want
untouched travel budget, consider donating some of your savings to the Hospice. to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include
all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or
ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.
Visit: www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/support-us/fundraising for more
Please return your completed form to:
information and to download our Third Party fundraising pack, or email Freepost RTJK-LRYB-RSXB,
fundraising@ghhospicecare.org.uk with any questions or support you need. Garden House Hospice Care, Fundraising Department,
Gillison Close, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1QU
Garden House Hospice Care
T 01462 679540 F 01462 483251
01462 679540 www.ghhospicecare.org.uk www.ghhospicecare.org.uk
Follow us on Twitter: @GHHospice
Like us on Facebook: Garden House Hospice Care
15 Registered Charity Number: 295257Regular Giving Ref. number (office use only)
Thank you
Regular Giving
Standing order form
To the Manager:
Name of Bank:
Address:
Postcode:
Sort Code:
Account Number:
Please pay:
NatWest Bank, Station Road, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3AL
Sort Code: 60 13 08 Account Number: 41028864
For the credit of North Herts Hospice Care Association.
The sum of (please tick):
£5 £10 £20 Other Amount
Please choose the frequency of payment (please tick):
Monthly Quarterly Annually
Preferred date of payment:
Please note that if you are a UK taxpayer we will be able to Your support will help us to continue to care for local
claim back from HMRC if you complete the form overleaf.
people, today, tomorrow and in the future, helping protect
Signed: the future of end of life care.
Date:
Donate a special gift to Garden House Hospice Care by completing the
Name: donation form attached.
Address: *If you are a UK taxpayer – don’t forget to sign up to Gift Aid on the other side, as we can reclaim 25p for
every £1 you donate.
01462 679540
Postcode:
www.ghhospicecare.org.uk
Please return your completed form to:
Garden House Hospice Care, Fundraising Department, Registered Charity 295257
Gillison Close, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1QUYou can also read
