Hospice care can help people live well until the end of their lives, but one third of those who would benefit from the support of St Wilfrid’s Hospice are currently unable to access the care they need
St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides palliative and end-of-life care to adults with all forms of life-limiting illness in Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield, and Pevensey and in the rural areas in between and beyond. Last year, over 1,300 patients, their families, and friends were cared for because of the generosity of our local communities. Indeed, hospice supporters provide over two-thirds of the hospice’s income.
Patients have a variety of cancer and non-cancer diagnoses - including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, motor neurone disease and dementia - and are cared for by outstanding clinical staff. Patient care is not only delivered in the Inpatient Unit at the Broadwater Way site in Eastbourne, but also in the hospice’s Wellbeing Centre and in the homes of patients themselves.
One way that you can help to support this work is through the hospice’s Free Wills Month in June 2018. Local solicitors kindly donate their time to draw up your will or amend an existing one for free, in lieu of a donation to the hospice. You can find out who is participating on the hospice website. If you are interested in taking up the service, do phone to book as soon as possible.
As a local charity, you are able to see the difference your gifts make to the people the hospice cares for any have their own stories to tell about how they are being helped or how a family member has been helped in the past.
If you have not seen the hospice for yourself, do visit. You will find a fabulous café in the light and airy centre of the building. Open seven days a week, it serves hot lunches, drinks, homemade cakes and snacks.
You could also visit the hospice shops in Seaford, Uckfield, Hailsham, Heathfield and in Eastbourne at Terminus Road or Moy Avenue. You will find pre-loved furniture, clothes, homeware and gifts, with all profits supporting the hospice. The shops always need good-quality donations, too, so if you have something you would like to donate, take it along in opening hours or call 01323 418424 for free collection.
Wherever you visit, you will be met by friendly staff and volunteers who will be happy to chat to you about why they work for the hospice and the difference your involvement can make to patients and their families.
Find out more about St Wilfrid’s Hospice at stwhospice.org or call 01323 434200.
