Category: Hospice News

Seven health and social care organisations from across Lincolnshire, who are members of the Lincs and Borders End of Life Care Providers Group, have joined forces to encourage people to talk about more openly about what they can do to plan ahead for the end of life.

The organisations have been working together to plan a week of activity during national Dying Matters Week, running from 8 to 14 May. Events planned include a Death Café, coffee morning and several stalls across the county encouraging open and honest conversations about dying, death and bereavement.

Jane Bake, Chair of Lincs and Borders End of Life Care Providers Group and Director of Innovation at St Barnabas Hospice explained more about the importance of health and social care organisations working together:

“I am delighted that the group is working together to encourage people across Lincolnshire to have these important conversations. For families knowing what a person wants, as they enter the last few days or weeks of their life and for their funeral, is a gift.

“Whilst it can be difficult to have these conversations it is even more difficult not to know what is important to someone you love. I would encourage as many people as possible to attend an event and have these important conversations.”

The organisations involved include:

• Age UK Lincoln and Kesteven

• Butterfly Hospice

• Carers First

• Lincolnshire Community Health Services

• Lincolnshire East NHS Clinical Commissioning Group

• Macmillan

• St Barnabas Hospice

• United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Dying Matters Week is now in its eighth year and raises awareness of the importance of talking about, and planning for dying, with family members and loved ones.

View the county wide guide here to find an event in your area.

St Barnabas Hospice is looking for volunteers to deliver supportive services to palliative patients in the community.

St Barnabas Hospice is appealing for volunteers from the Grantham, Sleaford and Bourne area to spare some of their time to help patients with a palliative diagnosis to self-manage their conditions at home, and to promote their wellbeing.

The Palliative Empowerment Living Team (PELT) programme launched in November 2016 at St Barnabas Grantham; the team of health professionals and volunteers support palliative patients at home, to live life to the full.

The charity aims to support patients who may struggle with anxiety, stress and depression, pain, reduced mobility, breathlessness, fatigue and reduced nutrition. They help through exercise, relaxation technique, massage and Tai Chi, to name but a few.

PELT’s trained volunteers visit patients for one hour, once a week, for the duration of an eight-week programme. Volunteers support patients to carry out exercise programmes and rehabilitation exercises, therapies, and encourage positive behaviours. In doing so, volunteers aim to increase patient confidence, and promote wellbeing and independence.

All volunteers follow an intensive training programme, and are supported and supervised by the PELT Team Leader and the PELT Facilitator. They are also subject to an advanced DBS check.

Sarah Melinn, PELT Facilitator, said:

“St Barnabas is committed to helping patients live their lives as fully as possible through various techniques. Volunteers will visit patients in their home and really make a positive impact to the end of their life.”

The key duties of the role will include companionship and emotional support, respite for carers, and practical support.

Judy McLaughlin, Clinical Team Lead, said:

“This role is about preserving life enjoyment and dignity through human kindness, and will be very rewarding and fulfilling. The volunteers will gain valuable skills around caring, and ultimately we hope our volunteers will enjoy the time they spend with the patients.”

For further information about volunteering for this role, please contact Judy McLaughlin or Sarah Melinn on 01476 513545 or email PELT@stbarnabas.co.uk

After the much anticipated launch of the St Barnabas Knight, it is now due to tour various locations around Lincoln

As 2017 marks the 35th birthday of St Barnabas Hospice, they decided to take part in the Lincoln Knights Trail this year, and have a brilliantly designed Knight by local artist Lizzy Mason.

The St Barnabas Knight has a colourful design, which has Lincolnshire features and landmarks throughout the design, and the Lincolnshire flag tying it all together.

St Barnabas has decided to take their Knight on a tour of Lincoln this month, and will be displaying it at their Hospice buildings and shops. This tour will take place before the St Barnabas Knight is put into position for the official Knights’ Trail. The Knight will be at the following locations:

10th – 11th April: Day Therapy Centre Reception, Hawthorn Road, Lincoln

12th – 17th April: Inpatient Unit, Nettleham Road, Lincoln

18th – 19th April: Wragby Road Shop, Lincoln

20th – 23rd April: The Forum Shop, North Hykeham

24th April: Birchwood Shop, Lincoln

The Lincoln Knights’ Trail has been created to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln and the sealing of the Charter of the Forest. There is significant importance surrounding the Battle of Lincoln, as the outcome ensured England did not fall under French rule. The Trail will lead participants around the city of Lincoln, and enable them to immerse themselves in the fascinating history which the city boasts.

Chris Wheway, Chief Executive Officer at St Barnabas, said:

“We are all very excited about the St Barnabas Knight joining the Knights’ Trail, and delighted that we are able to display it for our patients and supporters to view before the Trail begins.

“Lizzy has really captured the heart of Lincolnshire in her creation, which made it the ideal choice for us.

“It is such a brilliant way to celebrate our 35th birthday, as we want to celebrate with the whole of Lincolnshire, in the community that we serve.”

When asked about her artwork, Lizzy responded:

“I am pleased to be painting a knight for a local charity, having grown up in Lincolnshire. It is a delight to give back to the community with my love of art and Lincolnshire’s great beauty and enchanted lands.

“It took me 120 hours to decorate the Knight, which I was doing in the Waterside Shopping Centre so that members of the public could watch it all come together.”

St Barnabas would like as many people as possible to come and see the Knight in one of the Lincoln shops, so make sure you bring some money with you and you might be able to grab a bargain at the same time!

Washingborough Playing Fields is set to hold the yearly ‘It’s a Knockout’ fundraiser hosted by St Barnabas Hospice

Now in its seventh year, ‘It’s a Knockout’ is due to be bigger and better than ever, with teams of 10 taking on the inflatable challenge at Washingborough Playing Fields on 16th July 2017.

The ‘It’s a Knockout’ event is inspired by the famous TV game show, and features wacky challenges, giant inflatables and various water pools. Starting at 12pm, there will be various stalls and a BBQ available alongside the big event.

Laura Stones, Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“This is such a great way to raise money for a local hospice whilst having fun with your friends and colleagues.

“Why not take on a new challenge in 2017 and get a team together for a unique competition?”

The event is a great idea for local businesses to get involved in and promote staff morale. Alternatively, you could gather a group of friends together, or even enter your club or society.

Registration is only £10 per person, with each individual being asked to raise a minimum of £60. Spectators can visit free of charge.

As well as watching the giant inflatable games there will be lots of fun activities for spectators to get involved including; water zorbing, giant inflatable slides, face painting, and a bouncy castle!

Dolph Malone, who is entering a team for the 3rd year in a row, said:

“We have a huge laugh with our work colleagues and also with the event organisers and other teams, whilst raising money for such a great cause.

“The care and support that the money helps with is paramount in what the Hospice do. If that means we have to spend a Sunday afternoon in a field in Washingborough getting water thrown over us, sliding down inflatables and having the time of our lives then so be it!

“If we could, we would do it every weekend!”

This year, St Barnabas Hospice have decided to include a ‘Children’s Challenge’ after the main event. Children will be able to compete on the giant inflatables on the day for only £5. There is no need to register in advance for this – just turn up on the day.

St Barnabas is also accepting stalls on the day, which are priced at £100 for a food stall, or £10 for a regular stall. This will pay for a 5m x 5m plot. All equipment will be provided by the stall holder, including tables, chairs and electric.

To register, go to http://www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/EventDetails/740/its-a-knockout-17

For more information contact Laura Stones on 01522 559515 or email laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

St Barnabas volunteer nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award at the 2017 Coastal Community Awards in Skegness

Pam Haynes, a volunteer at the St Barnabas Hospice Skegness Day Therapy Centre, has been selected from over 100 nominations as a finalist for this year’s Volunteer of the Year award at the Coastal Community Awards, which are due to be held on 31st March at the Grosvenor Hotel in Skegness.

Sarah Holmes, Complementary Therapy Services Team Leader at St Barnabas Hospice, nominated Pam for several reasons.

Sarah said:

“Pam began volunteering in 2004 as a home and day care host volunteer, and chose at the age of 74 to undertake Reiki training and join the Complementary Therapy team at the Skegness Day Therapy Centre.

“In 2013, Pam experienced a bad fall and subsequent operations, yet recovered quickly and returned to giving Reiki to patients within four months.

“In addition to her Skegness commitment, Pam has travelled to Louth for several months to cover for another Reiki Practitioner who was unwell.

“Pam is an extraordinary 84 year old lady; she is incredibly compassionate, caring, giving and completely committed to her role at St Barnabas.”

Pam Haynes said:

“It is an honour to have received this nomination, and I was completely surprised when I got the news.

“I enjoy volunteering and being able to help others, especially as I can see the positive effect that Reiki has on the patients. It can help them to adjust to their conditions and improve their daily lives.

“During my time as a volunteer, I have been privileged to meet some wonderful people who have demonstrated such compassion and strength, who I have learnt from and who remind you how fortunate you are in life.

“People might be quite surprised to find out what a happy place the hospice is. We value life and we encourage others to make the most of theirs. There is a great sense of togetherness and a feeling that you are not in this alone.

“My friend will be attending the awards with me, and I’m looking forward to telling my son the good news, as he is away at the moment.”

St Barnabas Hospice has over 1,100 volunteers who are integral to the success of the organisation. Whether it is complimentary therapists, receptionists or even gardeners, the Hospice values the hard work of every volunteer.

Steve Bond, Volunteer Development Manager at St Barnabas, said:

“Volunteering is a wonderful way for people to learn new skills, boost their CV and give something back to their community. It can help people to make new friends and get hands-on experience in hundreds of roles.”

For further information about volunteering, call 01522 518 221 or email volunteering@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Following on from the success of the Lincoln Baron Trail, St Barnabas Hospice has taken the decision to be part of the Lincoln Knights’ Trail this year

St Barnabas Hospice is spending 2017 celebrating their 35th birthday, and is excited to include one of the Lincoln Knights in its plans.

The St Barnabas Knight has a brilliantly colourful design, which has been created by local artist, Lizzy Mason. Lincolnshire features and landmarks are prevalent throughout the design, with the Lincolnshire flag tying it all together.

The Lincoln Knights’ Trail has been created to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln and the sealing of the Charter of the Forest. There is significant importance surrounding the Battle of Lincoln, as the outcome ensured England did not fall under French rule.

Chris Wheway, Chief Executive Officer at St Barnabas, said:

“I am delighted that St Barnabas is getting involved in the Lincoln Knights’ Trail this year, and am over the moon with our design.

“Lizzy has really captured the heart of Lincolnshire in her creation, which made it the ideal choice for us.

“It is such a brilliant way to celebrate our 35th birthday, as we want to celebrate with the whole of Lincolnshire, in the community that we serve.”

It took Lizzy a total of 120 hours to decorate the St Barnabas Knight, which she has been doing live in the Waterside Shopping Centre throughout February.

When asked about her artwork, Lizzy responded:

“I am pleased to be painting a knight for a local charity, having grown up in Lincolnshire. It is a delight to give back to the community with my love of art and Lincolnshire’s great beauty and enchanted lands.

“Colours and nature are two things which I love, and I wanted my design to take people away from their everyday concerns.

“Some of the popular areas of Lincolnshire which I have included in my design are the Lincoln Imp, the Boston Stump, the Coast, the Cathedral and the Castle. I have also painted the tail and mane as a rainbow to express love of life and freedom.”

The Lincoln Knights’ Trail will lead participants around the city of Lincoln, and enable them to immerse themselves in the fascinating history which the city boasts.

Branded as the “Biggest Girls’ Night Out in Lincoln,” St Barnabas Hospice will host popular Moonlight Walk event this June to raise money and remember loved ones.

Lincoln, 2nd March 2017 – Now in its tenth year, the Moonlight Walk is going back to its roots and is set to be bigger and better than ever, with inspirational women supporting the cause at Yarborough Leisure Centre on 10th June 2017.

The Moonlight Walk is a flagship event for St Barnabas, and features a 10K route around uphill Lincoln, down to St Marks and back. St Barnabas invites women to embrace their inner sparkle and dress head to toe in pink! This year, St Barnabas aims to get 1,000 women on board with the Walk.

With registration opening at 8pm at Yarborough Leisure Centre, women can take part in a fun warm up and will be able to purchase merchandise, professional photos and face painting before the walk begins at 10pm. Melt Down Catering will also be there to give each participant a pulled pork bap or veggie burger and a hot drink upon completion. Each participant will also receive a pink t-shirt and finishers’ medal on the night.

Laura Stones, Event Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“Whether you want to get fit or remember a loved one, join St Barnabas and hundreds of inspirational women for a brilliant night to remember.

“The money raised from this and other similar events is integral to help St Barnabas provide continuous care and support for patients and their families. We hope that participants this year will raise in excess of £44,000.”

The event is a great idea for local businesses to get involved in and promote staff morale. Alternatively, you could gather together a group of friends, or even enter your club or society.

Early bird registration is only £12 for adults and £7 for children (aged 11+ only), with each individual being asked to raise a minimum of £20.17. It is a female only event this year, and the early bird prices will end on 2nd May.

To register, go to http://www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/EventDetails/756/moonlight-walk-2017

For further information contact Laura Stones on 01522 559 515 or email laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

A grieving grandmother is volunteering her time to St Barnabas Hospice to say thanks for the care given in the last days of her husband’s life

Jean Marshall, 77, from Louth volunteers at the charity’s bookshop on Eastgate and has taken part in many of the hospice’s events including a sponsored dog walk and their annual Light Up a Life celebration.

Her husband Gordon, 75, was supported by the St Barnabas Hospice at Home team for seven months after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that spread throughout his spine and into his liver.

“By the time Gordon was diagnosed he was in severe pain and was no longer able to get about without help,” says Jean. “Still, I didn’t have any worries about looking after Gordon at home because I assumed it would be like any other time he had been unwell. Except it wasn’t and it soon became apparent that we were out of our depth.

“St Barnabas was recommended to me and after making a phone call they arrived the very next day. It was a real relief when they turned up and I’ll always remember one of the first things they said to me was ‘you haven’t got to worry, we’ll look after him now’ and they absolutely did.

“They immediately set about bathing and changing him and ensured that we had everything we needed, nothing was ever too much trouble.”

St Barnabas Hospice at Home team are there to help manage the medical needs of a patient with a terminal illness but also to offer a listening ear, practical advice and support; or even sometimes a comforting arm round the shoulder.

Jean said: “The care was simply marvellous and I welcomed their daily visits, they became more like friends then nurses. They always had time for you and took the time to look after me as well as Gordon.

“Since Gordon has died this care has continued and they will often phone or pop-in to see how I am. They even attended Gordon’s funeral which I found to be a real comfort, after all they were faces I had come to know well.

“I feel really lucky to have had the support of St Barnabas and if it wasn’t for them Gordon would have never been able to return home. I honestly don’t know how I would have coped without them, their support was truly invaluable.”

Jean and Gordon were happily married for 53 years and had three daughters and five grandchildren. During the final month of Gordon’s life their daughters Julie, Linda and Heather moved in to help support their mum.

Linda Spence, 50, said: “The St Barnabas team delivered top quality care and compassion enabling our dad to remain in the comfort of his own home with as little fear as possible.

“Their care was over and above anything we could have asked for and for that we are forever grateful. Surviving this difficult time would have been made so much more difficult without them.”

Jean concludes: “Keeping busy helps me through the grief and provides me with the opportunity to give something back to try and repay them for all they did for my family and me. I’d do anything to help them so that they are able to continue to offer their care and support to others who need it.”

The Hospice at Home team work seven days a week from their headquarters at their flagship day hospice at Grimsby Road in Louth. Last year the team supported 678 people with a terminal illness to remain at home across East Lincolnshire.

Anyone aged 18 and above can be referred to this service through a Community Nurse, GP, Specialist Nurse or other healthcare professional. For any further information on how St Barnabas’ care services can be accessed in your area please call 01522 511566 or visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

To find out more about volunteering with St Barnabas Hospice email volunteering@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk for the full list of volunteer roles available.

St Barnabas marks 35 years of care in the same year the hospice movement, started by Dame Cicely Saunders, turns 50

St Barnabas Hospice opened its doors to its first patient 35 years. Over three decades later and more than 80,000 people have received free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support across Lincolnshire.

To mark the special birthday, St Barnabas Hospice is aiming to raise an extra £100,000 to help fund more specialist nurses to care for terminally-ill adults across the county.

To help reach this target the charity is challenging the local community to do 35 things for St Barnabas in their ‘Do 35 for 35’ campaign.

Leading the fundraising is hospice Chief Executive, Chris Wheway, who will take on 35 challenges – one for every year the hospice has been open.

Chris said: “I am really excited about taking on these challenges and I hope the local community will join me in tackling these very varied activities. Since I joined the hospice over a year ago I have witnessed the incredible lengths our community will go to in order to support the hospice and raise much needed funds.

“Inspired by their selfless acts of generosity I decided to put myself out there and help as much as I can to raise the extra £100,000 we have pledged. I am most looking forward to the London to Paris cycle, although I have to admit that as a novice cyclist I am a little nervous!”

With the support of the local community the hospice has grown and developed its services over the past 35 years and now has a workforce of 330 paid members of staff who are supported by 1,100 volunteers.

Last year St Barnabas Hospice supported more than 9,000 people across Lincolnshire with over 2,000 people cared for within their own homes by the St Barnabas community nursing team.

All of the care and services are delivered free of charge but this year the charity must raise £5.5 million to continue.

Chris said: “Our birthday celebration isn’t just about the Hospice it is about the people of Lincolnshire and it is our opportunity to thank them for their unwavering support. Our mission is to continue to deliver high-quality care and ensure that we are around for another 35 years and beyond.”

Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk or email fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for more information about how to get involved in their ‘Do 35 for 35’ campaign.

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is looking for volunteers to provide companionship to lonely patients

St Barnabas Hospice is appealing for volunteers from across Lincolnshire to share a few hours each month with patients who are experiencing loneliness or isolation.

The consistent companion service was launched by St Barnabas last October amid a growing recognition nationally that too many people experience the negative impacts of loneliness.

Two-fifths of all older people (about 3.9 million) say the television is their main company (Age UK, 2014), for those experiencing deteriorating health these numbers can be even higher.

Lisa Gibson, Community Development Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“Regular social contact is really beneficial to wellbeing, our fantastic volunteers make a tremendous difference in the lives of those they support. Spending a little time with someone on a regular basis can build resilience, help patients remain independent for longer and reduce the number of admissions to hospital.”

The charities volunteers will combat loneliness and help patients to remain connected to their communities by building positive and friendly relationships. Led by the patient, volunteers will offer companionship, support to access advice, a listening ear and in some cases trips out.

Lisa said: “The Consistent Companion service is all about preserving social contact and dignity through human kindness, and volunteers will find this role to be very personally rewarding. Our volunteers will gain valuable skills and hopefully enjoy the time spent with the patient.”

All volunteers will be subject to an advanced DBS check, training and regular supervision.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Lisa Gibson on 01476 513557 or email lisa.gibson@stbarnabashospice.co.uk