St Barnabas has over 300 members of clinical and non-clinical staff working to support our vision – a world where dying with dignity, compassion and having choices is a fundamental part of a life.
The hard work and dedication of all our staff ensures we can continue providing vital end-of-life care, across Lincolnshire. This year we’re shining spotlights on hidden teams and highlighting the incredible work they do to support St Barnabas.
The Marketing Department plays an important role in ensuring St Barnabas Hospice can continue to provide compassionate, high-quality care long into the future.
Hannah, Marketing Team Leader at St Barnabas, explains: “We are responsible for connecting people with the hospice’s mission, making sure supporters, volunteers, donors, and the wider community are informed and able to give in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.
“Behind the scenes, this means creating a range of materials and communications to engage existing and new supporters – from writing marketing emails and mailings, to scheduling content for social media, keeping the website up to date, designing digital and print materials, liaising with press, capturing photography and supporting our 23 shops.”
As a charity, St Barnabas relies on donations to sustain its services. The Marketing Department plays a pivotal role in working closely with the Fundraising Department to promote key initiatives, activities, and events throughout the year. They support with initial planning of campaigns and urgent appeals, all the way through to post round-up reports, exploring successes, learnings, and next steps.
Hannah says: “Our work helps secure the funds that enable our clinical teams to do what they do best.”
One of the large-scale campaigns supported by the Marketing Department is the annual Christmas Light Up A Life appeal. A team effort, this appeal brings in vital funds for hospice care and utilises everyone’s skillset.
Hannah continues: “Case studies are central to all our major campaigns, and we couldn’t create impactful marketing without the people at the heart of it. One of our most poignant responsibilities is storytelling, and the team visits and interviews patients and families, helping them feel comfortable and empowered to share their stories.”
During 2024’s Light Up A Life appeal, the team worked with Suzanne to share her story.
Reflecting on the experience, Suzanne said: “I must thank you all for how you have handled the sensitive subject of losing my sister. When I was initially asked to be the case study, I’ll be honest, there were some anxieties. However, by being involved, you and your team have helped me become stronger in being able to talk about a big part of my life that is no longer here. So, it has been a privilege and an honour.”
Thinking creatively, the team also explores what other charities are doing, learning from best practice across the sector and using initiative to adapt and improve ideas to suit St Barnabas and the community.
Hannah says: “Having the freedom to think outside the box allows us to respond in fresh and engaging ways. It’s rewarding to test new approaches, reflect on what works well, and continually look for better ways to raise awareness and funds – all while staying true to our values and purpose.”
St Barnabas’ values are at the heart of the Marketing Department’s work.
Having heart is reflected in their thoughtful approach to storytelling, ensuring every supporter, patient, family, and story is treated with care, respect, and dignity.
Working better together is essential to their success. The team collaborates closely with clinical colleagues and other departments to ensure messaging is accurate, aligned with patient care, and represents the Trust. They also work with external partners, from web developers and digital agencies to videographers and signage suppliers, supporting the organisation as one unified team.
Doing it right underpins their commitment to best practice. From ensuring people are contacted appropriately, to serving as a guardian for the brand and handling data responsibly, they focus on doing things well and with integrity. A strong example of this was the fully digital crisis campaign earlier this year. Including a press release, email marketing, social posts and online ads, the appeal was delivered quickly and thoughtfully, raising £50,000 to support hospice services when they were most needed.
Hannah adds: “We all love working at St Barnabas. Each team member has their own unique skillset, but there is a shared purpose and a genuine culture of kindness that makes St Barnabas a special place to work.
“What we enjoy most is knowing that our work makes a difference – directly resulting in income generation for the Hospice. Even though we may not always be visible to patients and families, everything we do contributes to the care they receive.”
Thank you to the Marketing Team – for your creativity, collaboration, and the impact your work has across the organisation.