Hospice Summer 2020 News

Our response to COVID-19 – Embracing Recovery

1st PRIZE £4,000

2nd PRIZE £1,000 3rd PRIZE £400 40 PRIZES OF £40 Page 14 Page 10 Page 12 Hospice Run Raffle! Sarah’s story Introduction A word from our CEO

Contents Beginning A word from our CEO 3 our Recovery Our response to COVID-19 4 Rob Woolley, Helena’s story 6 Chief Executive Apprenticeships 8 Hello – you may recall that Simon Lee the Starlight stroll 9 Chairman and I wrote to you back in May to Memory Orchard 9 update you about our response to COVID-19. It seems like so long ago. At that time our aim Raffle 10 was to help as many local people as possible, Rob Woolley, CEO Sarah’s story 12 and to keep patients, visitors and members of our workforce safe. Thank you to those who Hospice Run 14 and as a local community. The restrictions got in touch to send us your best wishes. of living with a terminal illness are Our shops 16 Now, you can read more about what experienced whilst surrounded by people Look at some of what managing the next phase of COVID-19 looks who are well. Imagine how lonely and you’ve done! 18 like on page 4. Needless to say, I am very isolating that would be. proud of our doctors, nursing staff and all of Coming together 19 These are just some of the reasons why our workforce for pulling together to face the Receive Hospice News good Hospice Palliative Care, and the past and continued challenges that COVID-19 opportunity to share experiences, is so vital Front cover image: Tracey, Nursing by email presents us with. Assistant, in the Hospice gardens We also send Hospice News by email. If you would to people living with a terminal illness and Photo credit: Kieran Draper like to update your contact preferences to reflect For many of us, ‘lockdown’ had a huge impact their families. With your help, Hospice in the this, please let us know by: on the way we live our lives – restrictions Weald will always be here to help patients on what we were able to do and who we celebrate life and adapt to the challenges • Adding your email address to the ‘sign up to were able to see. You, like so many people, they face. Nothing could be more important, receive our newsletter’ link on the homepage may have found these sudden and enforced and your support makes it possible. of our website hospiceintheweald.org.uk changes very hard to come to terms with. You As lockdown restrictions slowly ease for most may have understandably felt more anxious • Contacting Tor Edwards – Head of of us and we return to the things we know and worried by changes that were beyond Communications, on 01892 820502 or and love, we regain that part of ourselves – in your control. [email protected] that relief, I’d urge you not to leave behind Here’s something to think about – all of these those people who will not return to normal. Sending Hospice News by email is more cost experiences, along with many more, are the For people living with a terminal illness, many effective than posting hard copies, and therefore reality for people with a terminal illness, at challenges will remain. helps us to achieve one of our core values, to any point in time. What we experienced, As the Hospice fundraising efforts emerge ‘make the best possible use of funds to ensure someone with a terminal illness may from lockdown and we begin to open our value for money’. It also reduces the number experience from the moment they receive charity shops and hold fundraising events, Hospice in the Weald, Maidstone Road, of hard copies we print, therefore reducing our their diagnosis. A progressive sense of your support will be more important than Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4TA impact on the environment. “not being in control”. Often, until they are ever. Generous support in the past has www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk referred to the Hospice, of feeling very alone. We are committed to minimising our impact on the enabled us to weather the storm of these last environment and so both Hospice News and the plastic it is We all experienced the challenges of few months. I hope this will continue so that Registered Charity No. 280276 delivered in are recyclable. lockdown restrictions together, as a nation we can pull together for the local community.

2 Hospice News Summer 2020 Hospice News Summer 2020 3 COVID-19: Embracing Recovery COVID-19: Embracing Recovery

appropriate social distancing measures COVID-19: Embracing Recovery in place at that time. Hospice Day Service Safety has been our focus provides vital support and social contact for throughout this crisis, During the COVID-19 pandemic we have been caring for more patients many patients, and lockdown in particular and those important to them than ever before. has shown just how important this is. We and it will continue to be. look forward to welcoming patients and Whilst the demand on our services is still those important to them back. higher than usual, it is important that we Some of our services were move towards the next stage of coping with Of course, these changes will not see a this crisis. Recovery is important to ensure temporarily closed or run return to the previous way of doing things. Hospice Palliative Care is there for all who differently in the initial Infection control measures and social need it now, and for those who will need it response to the pandemic. distancing will need to be followed, along in the future too. with other precautions. Safety has been Part of our recovery our focus throughout this crisis, and it will Some of our services were temporarily closed is re-establishing continue to be. or run differently in the initial response to the pandemic, and part of our recovery is these services. Sadly, lockdown also saw the cancellation of a re-establishing these services. number of our fundraising events. Generating income is an important part of our recovery. From 1st October, patients at Cottage Hospice is the perfect environment for those This phase sees the launch of fundraising Hospice will be cared for by their loved ones, in that situation; a supportive home-from- events and campaigns – some old and well- supported by volunteers and nursing staff, as home environment where loved ones can loved, like our Raffle on page 10, and some was the case before COVID-19. This makes spend precious time together. This was the with a different take on normal, like the Cottage Hospice different from our Ward, case before COVID-19 and proved to be the Hospice Run on page 14. where the care is provided by nursing staff. right option for many local people and their When asked, people often say that they families at the end of life. Income is a crucial aspect in the recovery would prefer to be at home at the end of phase to ensure that you and your loved their life, cared for by their loved ones. In Hospice Day Service was temporarily ones always get the Hospice Care they need. reality the strain of caring for someone at suspended during lockdown. Now it too For further fundraising inspiration, turn to home means that few achieve this. Cottage will re-open from 1st October, with all the page 19. Blossom, a Hospice Paramedic

Recovery is important to Embracing Recovery ensure Hospice As we move towards the next phase of our response to COVID-19, Palliative Care is we will: there for all who Re-stablish the family caregiver model at Cottage Hospice need it now, and Welcome patients and those important to them back to Hospice Day Service for those who Reopen all of our charity shops will need it in the Welcome supporters to our first socially distanced event, the Starlight Stroll, future too. on 17th October

4 Hospice News Summer 2020 Hospice News Summer 2020 5 Helena’s story Helena’s story

able to talk to Mum in a way that we found It was very comforting to know that if too hard. They spent a lot of time with her anything did happen, there would always be and brought up things that were too difficult someone there who could help, someone for us to speak about. It just felt like there who would know what to do. It was very was a safety net. caring without being intrusive.” I think what was really important for Mum Mary explains: “In the room Mum was in, and for Dad, was that they wouldn’t be there was a view across the garden. There separated. At Cottage Hospice, Dad was able were trees in the distance and beyond that to be with Mum all the time, which was really there were fields. It was very relaxing, and important for them both.” Mum appreciated that. She liked birds and spent some time watching out the window. Peter explains: “We had beds side by side It didn’t feel like a medical facility. It was an and I couldn’t have asked for anything better almost home-like environment. That was than that. We had lots of time to talk and very reassuring and made the transition we found comfort in each other. I certainly from being at home so much easier than we felt at home there, and that was mainly expected. Once Mum arrived and realised because we could remain close together. what it was like, all her anxieties slipped In the final stages, I stayed in the room the away. That made a huge difference to her. whole time. To get meals, I would either pop to the kitchen or someone would bring It made it much easier in those final days, me something, which meant I could be with for her and for us. Helena all day long, which was the only thing I wanted. Those moments were special. It We couldn’t have imagined a place like was good to be together, so closely together, Cottage Hospice could have existed. And all the time. really, in the situation, I don’t think we could have found a better place to be. It was way For me, I felt my control over the situation beyond anything we could have expected.” was strengthened. It was so calm and Helena’s story peaceful. We knew that every morning and every evening someone would come round “I don’t think we could have found a better place to be” to see how we were. And we knew that through the night, someone was at hand. When you’ve always been the one to look her, and at first, she wouldn’t even speak after your family, it can be hard to let them about the Hospice. She’d always said she help you. After Helena was diagnosed with didn’t want to be looked after by strangers. What was really important a terminal illness, she found it frustrating But in the end, because of Cottage Hospice, for Mum and for Dad, watching her husband, Peter, and children, she didn’t need to be. She had the three of was that they wouldn’t John and Mary, care for her as her condition us there, looking after her. And obviously, worsened. But accepting help from the once she got to know the staff, they weren’t be separated. At Cottage Hospice was also difficult. John and Mary strangers anymore either. Hospice, Dad was able to share their mum’s story, with help from their father Peter. The staff and volunteers, without exception, be with Mum all the time, respected and valued Mum as a person and which was really important “For Mum, every step of the way, every stage, always used her name, which was wonderful for them both. every new medical professional worried for us all. But most importantly, they were Helena with her husband Peter

6 Hospice News Summer 2020 Hospice News Summer 2020 7 Apprenticeships Memory Orchard & Starlight Stroll

Starlight Stroll The Hospice Starlight Stroll will be back for a second year!

We are pleased to announce that Starlight Stroll will take place on Saturday 17th We’ll be following the latest October. The beautiful 6 mile route starts and government guidance on finishes at the Hospice in Pembury. Each step social distancing for the The Hospice is a special place for so many towards the Starlight Stroll. Find out One of our people. Join us for an evening of reflection, beautiful more on our website. values is and to come together with others as you walk and remember your loved ones. will be illuminated. Returning to the Hospice learning gardens, you can set down your lantern in the The beautiful route through the local Labryinth and spend time in the warmth and Hospice Apprenticeships countryside is the perfect time to be with light from the lanterns of your fellow walkers, your own thoughts and memories. Enjoy and the togetherness of the Starlight Stroll. As part of our response to COVID-19, we’ll be recruiting apprentices to the evening with friends or family, or meet help the Hospice grow and to give young people an opportunity for a real new faces to share your experience with and A truly magical evening to stroll, share job – at a difficult time in the employment market. enjoy the support of fellow walkers. and remember.

A range of adult apprenticeships will be apprentices is part of embracing this value, For more information or to sign up and join us at the Starlight Stroll this year advertised at the Hospice, welcoming people and providing real opportunities for people please contact Jenny, Relationship Fundraising Manager, at in different departments and services from to grow in their jobs. [email protected] or call 01892 820527 Fundraising and Retail to the In-Patient Ward. These jobs are suitable for anyone over 18 “We have previously had scores of wishing to grow their skills and learn at work. apprentices at the Hospice and know how much they bring to the organisation. Local Memory Orchard people might struggle to start their careers Empowered Learning At Hospice in the Weald, we know the as a result of the pandemic, and we want to importance of making precious memories At the Hospice we talk about our culture support the community in this way.” with our loved ones. But we also know that of empowerment. This means all members Rob Woolley, Chief Executive of the workforce, staff and volunteers, remembering the happy times you shared are empowered to make decisions and together after they’ve gone is just as important. take ownership of their job or role. It’s an We will have jobs in Communications, Recently, many of us haven’t been able to important part of people being able to flourish Fundraising, Finance, Healthcare and visit our loved ones as much as we’d have At the Hospice, there’s lots of ways you can in their role, and everyone working together. more coming soon. liked. You also might not have had the chance remember your loved one. A leaf on the to remember your loved one in the way you’d Our values are also a vital part of this culture. Visit our website for more information. Memory Orchard tree is just one of them. One of our values us learning. Recruiting have chosen. We’d love to hear how you are remembering your loved ones during this time. For more information visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk or contact Jemma Clements, Phone Rachael on 01892 820533 to find out more about the Memory Orchard, Head of HR ,on 01892 820546 or [email protected] or email [email protected]

8 Hospice News Summer 2020 Hospice News Summer 2020 9 I would like to support my Sarah’s story Sarah’s story local Hospice this Summer Yes! who are in very similar positions to the one Sarah has continued volunteering he was in. throughout the pandemic. “Initially I was Step 1: Type of Donation worried that there would be nothing for I think it’s because of Dad that I build such me to do, but the physio team quickly took strong relationships with the patients I work everything online. I’ve been delivering 1:1 Regular Gift via Direct Debit with. There’s one man especially, Robert, and group exercise sessions via video to I would like to make a monthly quarterly yearly who I have a real connection with. When people in their homes and it’s been a lifeline Robert first started coming in, he had a stick for them. For people who are shielding or donation of: £5 £10 £20 Other £ and couldn’t walk unaided. He’d looked isolating, keeping active is vital. And we Paying by Direct Debit helps to keep our costs terrified. Within a few weeks, he’d left the have a giggle too. My dogs often make an down and means more of your money goes stick behind. But whilst this was amazing, directly to the Hospice. appearance on camera. The patients love to the biggest change I’ve seen with him is his Please complete these details see them! Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit 8 3 9 5 4 2 mental health. He’s so positive now, and I love being a part of that, and helping make It’s been an absolute privilege to be able To the Manager (Bank/building society) his life that little bit better. to do this for patients and for the Hospice. Address In years to come, I’ll look back on this time When I first started volunteering, I thought I and be proud of what we were able to do might have felt upset coming back here, but for people at a time that’s been very hard Postcode actually, I feel more connected to Dad. I feel for them. Just knowing I’ve been able to do like my work here celebrates his life, because a tiny thing to help has been wonderful and Name of account holder Sarah’s story it is something he would have benefitted has made me feel useful and needed.” Sort code Bank/building society account number from. That’s the best celebration of his life Sarah is a familiar face around the Hospice. Having forged a career as that I can have.” Instructions to your bank or building society a Clinical Exercise Specialist, she is perfectly suited to supporting our Please pay Hospice in the Weald Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Hospice physiotherapists and volunteers with patients every week. in the Weald and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society. Signature(s) Date “Over the years, I’ve done a lot of fundraising But it’s the opposite. It’s so calm, gentle and I’ve been delivering 1:1 and group exercise sessions via for the Hospice, but I never really felt like it quiet. When Dad was here, my Mum and I Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions from some types of account video to people in their homes and it’s been a lifeline for was enough. Now I am using my skills to help were able to stay, so we were here all the them. For people who are shielding or isolating, keeping people facing terminal illness, which pulls all time. It was Spring and we spent a lot of time One-off gift the threads together. It is a really important in the gardens. Dad loved all the flowers. active is vital. And we have a giggle too. I wish to make a gift of £20 £35 £50 Other £ part of my life.” Having watched him in situations where he from my debit/credit card hadn’t received the care he needed, being Type of card 15 years ago, when Sarah first stepped here, where we knew care was at our beck through the Hospice doors, she didn’t know and call, gave me peace of mind. Name on card what to expect. “When Dad was admitted, Dad was so passionate about my career, and Card number we were facing a really challenging time. He had been very unwell and we didn’t know if I know he would have loved to see the work Start date Expiry date the Hospice was the right place. But as soon I am doing here. On the day of my final exam for my Sports Science degree, he was having Issue number Security code as we arrived, I remember him turning to me and saying he felt safe. For me, that open heart surgery. Halfway through the (if applicable) (this is the last 3 digits printed on the back of the card on the signature strip) was important – to know he was comfortable. exam, they came to tell me he had made it The Hospice was what he needed. through. There’s always been a connection Cheque I enclose a cheque for £ with what he was going through and my Even now, people ask me how I cope working career. I know that he would be so proud to Please make payable to Hospice in the Weald and attach to this completed form and post to: Fundraising Team, Hospice in the Weald, at the Hospice – like it’s this dark, scary place. see what we’re doing here to help patients, Maidstone Road, Pembury, Kent, TN2 4TA 12 Hospice News Summer 2020 Hospice News Summer 2020 13 Hospice Run Hospice Run

Hospice Run goes virtual Join the hundreds of people who have already signed up to our virtual Together in tough times Hospice Run. Come together as a community in response to these You might choose to run alone, with friends or family challenging times. (maintaining social distancing where necessary) but we’ll all be united in our efforts. Find the Hospice Run on facebook to The much-anticipated hear the stories of other runners, and sign up today to join Hospice Run is back this the team. September and whilst the run we know and love will look a little different this year, we’re As we mark 40 years of care, still very excited to welcome you to the team. help us raise £40,000 so we can be here for the next 40 years and beyond. Due to current restrictions, we sadly can’t all be together on 20th September 2020. But together, we can still achieve something special. How it works Show your support and join friends, family and hundreds Sign up at hospiceintheweald.org.uk, commit to raising £40 of Hospice supporters on the virtual start line on 1st to receive an exclusive Hospice Run running vest September. From then, you’ll have 40 days to run 10K £ Set up your JustGiving page to let your friends and family your way. £ know about your challenge So whether you want to run + 1k every day for the first 10k Run 10K (or more!) for the Hospice in 40 days, and gather 10 days, 10k every day for sponsorship as you go 40 days or complete the route in fancy dress, there’s something for you. And if it’s Celebrate your success! Once you’ve completed your 10K let Sign your first 10k, don’t worry – us know via the website to receive your medal Helen, Medical Director, is completing up at her 10K as part of a team triathlon. you can find training plans and advice on our website. Don’t forget to send share photo with us on social media so As we mark 40 years of care, we can celebrate your running success #virtualhospicerun hospiceintheweald.org.uk help us raise £40,000 so we For more information please contact Jenny, can be here for the next 40 Relationship Fundraising Manager, years and beyond. Let’s run at [email protected] so that more patients and or call 01892 820527. their loved ones can receive Sign up or find out more at hospiceintheweald.org.uk the care they deserve.

14 Hospice News Summer 2020 Hospice News Summer 2020 15 Our shops Our shops

government. Having to close our doors for Many people have made the decision to shop A welcome return months has resulted in a loss of this vital more locally whilst in lockdown, or to try income, and we were extremely grateful to to be more eco-friendly. Our shops are the After our shops being closed during lockdown, almost all are now open our doors and start to recover. perfect answer to both of these wishes and back in action. we hope to see more of you shopping soon. Thank you to those of you who have shopped and donated thus far. Generating income is essential to our recovery, and to Christmas Cards ensuring we are still here for all who need It seems very early to us in the future. talk about Christmas with Looking forwards Summer still very much here. But, our Christmas Cards will soon be hitting our We will continue to operate our shops shelves. And you’ll be able to get your and accept donations, unless any sort of hands on them from the 1st September. local lockdown makes this impossible. The Support your local Hospice and help us to standard of donations is incredibly high at continue to provide vital Hospice care to the moment and we are looking forward to patients with a terminal illness and those being able to celebrate this in our shops in important to them. the coming months.

Catherine, shop manager at , who has just returned from covering Housekeeping duties at Cottage Hospice during lockdown. For more information on our Charity shops visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk

We reopened shops in a phased manner to make sure that we could put measures in Thank you to those of you place to keep our customers and workforce who have shopped and What’s coming up safe. Almost all of the shops on our high streets look very different to life before donated thus far. Generating lockdown and ours are no exception. There income is essential to our Event Date is lots of signage around each shop to help Hospice Run Tuesday 1st September – maintain social distancing guidance, as well recovery, and to ensuring Saturday 10th October as other changes like Perspex guards at tills, we are still here for all who Postponed 2020 London Marathon Sunday 4th October and strict cleaning measures. need us in the future. Hospice Raffle Saturday 31st October deadline for returning ticket During lockdown everyone has been busy sorting out their wardrobes and tidying their customers and supporters can donate items Hospice Raffle Friday 6th November homes. We’ve benefitted hugely from the safely to their local Hospice. These have been will be drawn generosity of people’s donations and our a great success and we’ve taken in lots of Starlight Stroll Saturday 17th October shops are full of amazing items, many of which new donations that we would otherwise not Light Up a Life Saturday 5th December are nearly new and looking for a new home. have had room for. We’ve had such a great response from Our charity shops are an important source our community that we’ve even set up of income for Hospice in the Weald and donation stations to help us manage the we generate more money through our 27 flow of donations and ensure that our loyal shops than we receive in funding from the

16 Hospice News Summer 2020 Hospice News Summer 2020 17 Thank you Thank you

Thank you Natalie for Thank you to Chloe and Kayla Look at some of what you’ve done! raising £245 from your online, who raised over £200 from virtual escape room. Such a selling plants that they’ve So many of you have come together with your own incredible fundraising creative idea! grown from seeds in memory ideas during lockdown. Sorry we can’t thank you all – here’s some of them. of their Grandad, Malcolm A big thank you to the and good friend Simon. Thank you to East Peckham Uckfield Rotary Club who village who raised £1,200 held a silent auction to from their fundraising raise funds. extravaganza, which Thank you Chloe for taking included cake baking, flower doorstep photos and asking arranging, skipping, walking, people donate as a way of running and cycling. thanks – your photos are beautiful and we are so Thank you to everyone who created #HeartsForMyHospice. touched by your support. Thank you to the Mount We’ve been so touched by the beautiful hearts we have Lodge Young Farmers Club seen, and grateful to you all for helping is raise over £3,000. who celebrated their 5th Tunbridge Wells RFC deserve birthday earlier in the year a huge thank you for Thank you to our hardworking Thank you Ellie for making and raised a massive £1,000. smashing their Six and dedicated workforce cakes to sell to your Thanks to Yeomans in East Nations Lockdown Challenge, who have pulled together to neighbours in memory of Peckham who sold VE Day covering a distance of over continue providing vital your Daddy, Simon. Thank you to Jasper for making a picnic table for his bunting and donated the 7000 miles and raising Hospice care to patients and money raised. over £3,300. those important to them. hens and offering the eggs to passers-by in return for a To the heroic supporters who donation – a fantastic idea! braved the shave during Coming together lockdown for us, thank you. Although our Knit-a-Chick We have been truly blown away by you, our outstanding care at Hospice Emma, Madison, George, campaign didn’t hatch incredible community of supporters during in the Weald. Thank you. Claire, Neve and Flo raised over entirely to plan, we want to the last few months. £9,000 – a staggering amount! thank our amazing supporters who didn’t let it You have baked goodies, held virtual Have you been inspired by these Thank you Crowborough stop them. Julie knitted a auctions, shaved heads and joined forces community superhero fundraisers? Hockey Club members for large coup and managed to across gardens and across the community to We certainly have! taking part in a virtual sell 100 chicks raising £200! show your support at this time. Hockeython and raising In fact, we’ve been so inspired by the over £1,800. Thank you to everyone In the midst of lockdown, you have raised creative ways our supporters have raised who is took part in an amazing amount of money to support funds in 2020 so far that we’ve updated Thank you to East Sussex MG the #TwoPointSixChallenge Hospice in the Weald. Thank you to you all – our Fundraising guide with some of their Club, who raised £1,427, for us. Special mention must our wonderful community of supporters! amazing ideas! despite their Classic Car Rally go to Mike’s Mighty Milers, being cancelled. You have all helped patients with a terminal Visit our website to find out more. who took on an ironman with illness and their loved ones receive 26 members of Mike’s family and loved ones over 26 hours For more information about organising your own fundraising contact Kathryn Cracknell on and raised over £5,000 – an 01892 820 496 or email [email protected]. amazing amount!

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