Category: Hospice News

Lincs Independent Living Partnership (LILP) has launched an art competition on the theme ‘Overcoming Loneliness’ to help bring this key issue to the fore.

Residents of Lincolnshire aged 18 and over, who have a passion for photography, drawing or painting, are asked to submit entries on the theme by 1st June 2018. People of all abilities are encouraged to participate.

Winning entries will be included in a LILP calendar 2019, circulated throughout the community. The top three entries will be showcased in the LILP marquee at the Lincolnshire Show 2018 (8th Avenue, Stand 11), where members of the public will be asked to vote for an overall winner.

LILP is a consortium of five local charitable organisations – Age UK Lincoln & Kesteven, LACE Housing, LHP, Lincolnshire Home Independence Agency, and St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice – bound by a common mission to enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of vulnerable local people and promote independent living.

Nick Chambers, CEO of LACE Housing and Chair of LILP’s Joint Steering Board, comments:

“Loneliness is a real problem for people living in the often sparsely-populated and rural communities of Lincolnshire and its impact on health and wellbeing is well documented. The art competition is one of the ways my fellow LILP colleagues and I hope to spark reflection and dialogue on the issue. At the same time, we’re keen to celebrate Lincolnshire’s photographic and artistic talent, and very much look forward to receiving entries!”

If you would like to participate, or you if you know someone or a community group who might be interested, further information, downloadable competition entry forms and rules are available at www.lilp.org.uk

St Barnabas Hospice will be hosting a Cream Tea & Plant Sale on Saturday 26^th May, from 1.30pm to 4pm at the Day Therapy Centre, Hawthorn Road, Lincoln, LN2 4QX.

Throughout the afternoon the Day Therapy Centre will be open to all, where there will be an opportunity to purchase a wide selection of plants, as well as browsing some of the best local craft stalls. New for 2018, the Hospice will also be serving a homemade cream tea to enjoy in their beautiful garden.

Ella Beale, Community Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“We are delighted to welcome members of the public to our annual Cream Tea & Plant Sale, and we hope the cream tea will prove a popular addition to this year’s event.

“The plant sale wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of local people and garden centres donating plants to support the event.

“Since our plant sales began back in 2001, they have raised over £50,000 for St Barnabas Hospice, which is the equivalent of funding 73 overnight stays in our Inpatient Unit.”

St Barnabas would appreciate any plant donations for this event, so please get in contact if you would like to help. You can also apply to host a stall on the day, which will cost £20.

For further information or to make a donation please contact Ella Beale on 01522 559 509 or email ella.beale@stbarnabashospice.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our website at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/lincoln-plant-sale.

Local people are being encouraged to make or amend their Will free of charge this May, and in return, are asked to support their local Hospice

Throughout May this year, St Barnabas Hospice have teamed up with local Solicitor firms to give Lincolnshire residents the chance to make or amend their Will free of charge. In return, they are asking for a gift in their Will or donation to St Barnabas.

The Solicitors which are involved in this campaign are: Dale & Co Solicitors, Hodgkinsons Solicitors, Langleys Solicitors, Ringrose Law and Sills & Betteridge Solicitors.

Sam Waterer, Individual Giving Fundraiser at St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“A lot of people think they don’t need a Will early on in life, but it’s amazing what assets people realise they have when they write them down. If you’re married, have kids or own a business or home and don’t have a Will, now is definitely the right time to make one.

“It is also good to review your current Will every five years, as a lot can change in a short space of time.

Tina Hill, Chartered Legal Executive at Hodgkinsons Solicitors, said:

“Many people don’t like the thought of making a Will because they think it’s tempting fate, yet they are happy to take out life insurance to cover a mortgage or a loan

“It is important to make a Will at any time of life, even if you think you have nothing to leave there is always something to sort out, whether it be wealth, beloved pets or just to outline funeral arrangements.

“When making a Will you can appoint who you want to administer your estate and sort out arrangements as you wish them to be done. What better time to do it than during Make a Will Month?”

St Barnabas is lucky to receive many gifts in Wills from their supporters. These gifts help St Barnabas care for more people across Lincolnshire living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, and their families and carers.

As well as supporting the future of your local Hospice, Make a Will Month also encourages people to make plans, and to think about the end of their life.

Sam said:

“Although the end of your life can be difficult to think about, it can be even more difficult for your friends and family if nothing is in place when it comes around.

“Make a Will Month helps people to create their Legacy and decide what happens to the people and things they care about the most after they are gone.”

There is no obligation to leave a gift in your Will for St Barnabas as part of Make a Will Month. However, once you have provided for your loved ones, any gift you are able to leave will help to ensure that the Hospice can continue their care and support in the local community into the future.

For more information on Make a Will Month or to receive your free pack, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/MAWM. Alternatively, you can contact Sam Waterer at sam.waterer@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call 01522 540 300.

Here is the list of winners for the 2018 Spring Raffle at St Barnabas Hospice.

The Raffle was drawn on 28th March 2018 at 10am in our Louth Bookshop. Shop Volunteer, Jean, and Shop Manager, Sandy, were there to help us with the draw.

Amount	Ticket No.	Location
£3,000	043747	Ermine East
£500	135892	Market Rasen
£50	164508	Spalding
£50	130615	South Hykeham
£50	055241	Cherry Willingham
£50	050129	Scothern
£50	036359	North Hykeham
£50	100358	Welton
£50	114907	Walcott
£50	025471	Lincoln
£50	065188	Heighington
£50	029905	Brant Road

Click here to join the St Barnabas Lottery!

Following enquiries and feedback on their referral system, St Barnabas Hospice has got a new telephone number.

The Palliative Care Co-ordination Centre (PCCC) at St Barnabas Hospice will now operate as a Single Point of Access for any St Barnabas Community Service referrals.

A Single Point of Access will allow the Hospice to build packages of care for patients in receipt of health funding and Bereavement Counselling and Support.

To offer the best service St Barnabas have moved to a more cost effective telephone number specifically for charities and non-profit organisations.

THE NEW ST BARNABAS REFERRAL NUMBER IS:  0300 020 0694

The PCCC will now take calls from Health and Social Care Professionals, from patients and their families and carers. To centre will offer advice and support for those living with a life-limiting or terminal condition. The referral will then be passed on to the relevant St Barnabas department who will be able to provide the correct assistance.

The Palliative Care Co-ordination Centre can take referrals for patients who are diagnosed with a life limiting or terminal condition, who are registered with a Lincolnshire GP and are aged 18 years and over.

The Palliative Care Co-Ordination Centre is able to assist those wanting to make a referral as long as they are registered with a Lincolnshire GP, aged 18 years or over and diagnosed with a life-limiting or terminal condition.

Julie Bishop, Clinical Lead Nurse for the PCCC, said:

“Launching a new number for St Barnabas Hospice has enabled us to use a 0300 number which means those charges that you used to get no, which means the cost of all calls to the centre will now be much lower.

“The new number has also timed perfectly with our updated referral process, and the launch of our Single Point of Access offering one number for referrals, support and signposting to improve quality of life for those living with a life-limiting or terminal illness and to promote dignified end-of-life care.”

You can find more information about St Barnabas Hospice’s new number by visiting their website on StBarnabasHospice.co.uk, email at enquiries@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call 0300 020 0694.

Tickets are selling fast for the St Barnabas Grantham Ladies Lunch, including a special talk and free treatments from Enhance Beauty

At this year’s St Barnabas Ladies Lunch in Grantham, the Hospice are delighted to welcome Enhance Beauty to do a 20 minute talk, offer free treatments and donate £300 worth of prizes to the raffle!

Enhance Beauty have chosen to be the headline sponsor for this event held at Belton Woods Hotel on Friday 20^th April, and will be doing a lucky dip to offer those in attendance a free mini treatment. They will be giving £300 worth of prizes to the raffle, which include CACI anti-ageing treatments, massage and shellac nail varnish.

Also included in the raffle is a spa day at Belton Woods Hotel, a photoshoot with Instinctive Photography and a mini-break from Janet Sprigg at Your Holiday Booking.

Lorna Worsley, Owner of Enhance Beauty, said:

“The Hospice touches so many of our clients’ lives, so it is an obvious choice to lend our support. It is great to be able to support such a giving organisation.

“We know a lot is self-funded, so it’s important for us to remain focussed on doing all we can to retain this important local service.”

Also in attendance at this popular Grantham event will be local vocalist, Bryony Parker, and guest speaker, Edward Peel. Edward is a well-known British actor known for Lassiter, Breakaway and Shakespeare’s Globe: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He has also appeared on Doctor Who, Heartbeat, Shogun, Juliet Bravo, Cracker and Emmerdale Farm.

Amelia Mochan, Event Fundraiser for St Barnabas, said:

“We are delighted that Enhance Beauty will be joining us for this year’s Ladies Lunch, and can’t wait to treat our guests to a bit of pampering.

“Whether you bring your mum, grandma, sister or friends, you’re guaranteed to have a fun-filled girly afternoon of relaxation, whilst raising money for your local Hospice.”

As well as guest speakers and headline sponsors, there will also be several stalls on the day. Guests are welcome to browse an array of jewellery, handbags, crafts and gifts and indulge in some retail therapy.

Tickets cost £26 per person, and include a two-course meal and complimentary tea and coffee. To buy your tickets, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/granthamlunch18.

For more information about the Ladies Lunch Grantham, call Amelia Mochan on 01522 540 300, or email amelia.mochan@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

St Barnabas Hospice have unveiled their brand new fundraiser for corporate supporters to get involved in

The Accumulator Challenge has been launched by St Barnabas Hospice, as a brand new and exciting way for their corporate supporters to raise more money for hospice care.

Each team who signs up will receive a £50 credit from St Barnabas, and is tasked with using innovative methods to raise as much money as possible over a period of three months. The challenge will begin on Tuesday 3^rd April and finish on Sunday 30^th June, but St Barnabas is asking local businesses to sign up by Friday 23^rd March.

All the Hospice asks is that each business uses innovative methods to convert that £50 into at least £100, and there will be prizes and a celebration evening at the end of the three months.

Awards will be given to the team which raises the most money, the team with the most innovative fundraising idea, and the individual team member who has performed the best. These engraved trophies have been kindly donated to us by Viking Trophies in Grantham.

Tina Dingley, Corporate Fundraiser for St Barnabas in the South of Lincolnshire, said:

“We’re excited to be launching this brand new fundraising initiative, and I already have a few businesses who are planning what fundraising they will be doing with the £50.

“The celebration evening at the end of the three months will provide all of the participating businesses with the chance to share their successes and network with each other.”

For fairness, the final figure raised by each team will be converted into an average based on the number of employees in a company. For companies who wish to enter multiple teams, each team’s average will be determined by the number of participants in their team.

St Barnabas Corporate Fundraiser for North Lincolnshire, Caroline Swindin, said:

“We welcome our current corporate partners, as well new supporters to enter the Accumulator Challenge. It will be great to see all the different ways in which people can be ‘nifty with a fifty’ for hospice care.

“The money raised will make a real difference in helping us support people living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, and their families and carers, across Lincolnshire.”

To sign up to the St Barnabas Accumulator Challenge, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/accumulator18. For more information, call Caroline on 07435 970 309 or Tina on 01476 513 542.

Love birds, David and Marie Pattison have collectively racked up around 9,600 working days at St Barnabas – that’s 40 years hard work!

Marie interviewed as an Office Junior aged 16, and began her role at St Barnabas in 1986 at the Norman House office on Steep Hill. Shortly afterwards, David’s mum (who worked in a St Barnabas shop) told him about a volunteering opportunity as a Van Driver there.

David decided to ask Marie out for a drink, so they went to a pub in Bracebridge Heath on their first date.

David said:

“It was definitely love at first sight. Marie was hard working and you could tell she was the sort of woman who would enjoy looking after me.”

One thing led to another, and 6 months down the line David decided that Marie was the lady he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He proposed at the Carpenters Arms in Fiskerton after asking Marie’s dad for permission, but didn’t go down on one knee!

They got married two years later on 11^th June 1988, aged 21 and 22. Funnily enough, St Barnabas also celebrates its anniversary on this date!

Marie and David now have a 25 year old daughter called Laura, a 5 year old grandchild called Owen, and a cat called Annie.

When asked what the secret to a happy marriage is, Marie said:

“We’re content in each other’s company and like to make sure we have enough space to do our own thing.”

Now aged 50 and 51, Marie and David have seen dramatic changes at St Barnabas since they first began working here.

Marie said:

“It has grown beyond recognition – there only used to be 3 people in my office and we did all the admin for the entire company.”

“I once had the pleasure of meeting Prince William, who was absolutely lovely. He seemed very interested in the work the Hospice does, and spent some time with a couple of children whose mother had died at the Hospice.”

David added:

I also met Richard Todd, who was an actor in The Dam Busters. He looked exactly the same as he did on screen, although his car was a bit of an old banger!”

Both Marie and David agree that St Barnabas Hospice has played an integral part in their lives all the way from bringing them both together, to the present day. In particular, St Barnabas has cared for Marie’s grandmother, David’s step-father and also David’s sister.

A Skegness-based drop-in group is opening and welcomes all to attend the weekly social gatherings.  

The drop-in is set to meet every Thursday morning 10am to 12noon at St Pauls Church, Beresford Avenue, Skegness. With the first drop-in taking place on Thursday 22^nd February.

These drop-ins are free, offer people the chance to socialise and are the perfect opportunity for those experiencing loneliness or that feel isolated.

Those attending will offer support to each other for those feeling isolated that live in the coastal areas of Lincolnshire. Anyone can attend this group whether they have a connection with St Barnabas or whether they would just like to get out of the house. Each week of the month a different organisation attends to offer advice or support.

The first week of the month is tailored around Wellbeing advice and activities with St Barnabas Hospice. The St Barnabas Hospice team will offer support and advice around wellbeing in Lincolnshire.

Skegness will have representatives from T.E.D. in Skegness for the second week of the month. T.E.D. in East Lindsey is a project that will see older people getting out and about more locally, becoming more involved in social activities and helping people to age well.

The third week of the drop in is a Dementia Café hosted by Alzheimer’s Society. This provides a safe and supportive place to chat and share experiences of dementia and what it means with others and healthcare professionals.

The final week of the month will see St Barnabas Hospice offer a Bereavement Help Point. For anyone who has experienced bereavement no matter how long ago that was, it is an opportunity to meet with others in a similar situation and be offered support.

Lisa Gibson, Community Development Officer at St Barnabas Hospice said “Drop-in sessions like this offer a fantastic opportunity for the local community to meet up socially and interact with others in the coastal area of Lincolnshire.

We are delighted to be joining up with a number of local organisations to offer people in Skegness a variety of opportunities to get advice when it is needed, enjoy hot drinks and feel included in their community.”

For more information on St Barnabas Hospice’s Skegness drop-in contact Lisa Gibson on 01522 518 246.

Local independent charity, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, is encouraging those who are experiencing grief, bereavement or loss in a local community to attend a new bereavement drop-in support group.

The group is led by specially trained St Barnabas Hospice volunteers and enables people in Ruskington and surrounding areas to attend a drop in support group to help talk about their loss in a safe environment.

The group met for the first time on Friday 19th January and was well received by all who attended. The group provides the opportunity to meet with others in a similar situation for friendship and bereavement support.

The next meeting will be held at 2.00pm, on Friday 2nd February 2018 at Ruskington Garden Centre which provides the perfect location as a result of the relaxed surroundings and the option of teas, coffees and cakes.

Mandy Irons, Head of Wellbeing for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“We are trying new ways to reach out to bereaved people in Lincolnshire and I am delighted that the first meeting in Ruskington was a success.

“Support for bereaved members of the community is much needed across South Lincolnshire. Our group is open to anyone who has experienced bereavement regardless of whether they have received care from the Hospice. We would not be able to run these drop-in groups without the help of our skilled and committed St Barnabas Hospice Bereavement Team volunteers.

“If you or someone you know would benefit from our help, please come along.”

Margaret Wiseman, Bereavement Support Volunteer, said:

“As trained volunteers for St Barnabas we are here to offer you our friendship and support and welcome you to our relaxed informal drop in meeting at Ruskington Garden Centre. The bereavement does not have to be recent, and quite often we find that people attend our groups many months and even years after a bereavement which they are struggling to come to terms with.”

For more information about St Barnabas Hospice’s Bereavement Care or to join a group contact 0845 055 0708.