It’s the season of giving, so here’s why a donation to St Raphael’s Hospice would be very welcome this Christmas.
St Raphael’s is the local hospice for Merton and Sutton boroughs of South London, an area from Wimbledon Common down to Banstead Downs and serving a population of over 400,000. The Hospice is fully integrated into the local health system, receiving referrals from GPs or hospital specialists at a point when curative treatments are no longer available.
WHAT A HOSPICE IS-
Morgan was a patient of St Raphael’s Hospice before he recently passed away. He was concerned about the “rising importance of expressing what a hospice really is”. As many people will do, he needed a period of time as an in-patient at the Hospice before being able to return home to his family, supported by the Specialist Palliative Nurse team. From firsthand, he was keen to let others know about the vital part the Hospice plays at a point which we will all arrive at, one day:
“My experience at St Raphael’s has helped me to begin my journey, it has been a period of rest for me. Clearing my mind about what the future may or may not bring. I didn’t realise at the start how important this time would be for me and my family. I don’t know how long I have left, none of us really do, yet this has been a humbling and levelling process of coming to terms with death with a lot of gratitude.” He continues by saying that his experience has brought “love and respect into his days” alongside the reassurance that he is “in the very best of hands”.
HOW THEY SUPPORT PEOPLE-
The role of the Hospice is to support each person with expertise, experience and compassion delivered by a team of dedicated and passionate palliative care specialists (pictured below) who help to stabilise symptoms and bring pain under control. The Hospice’s Psychological Support team helps patients and those closest to them navigate the emotional journey.
Practical support is also provided, such as assisting with the planning of finances or the housing of pets. St Raphael’s volunteer Compassionate Neighbours provide companionship for people in the community living with life-limiting illnesses, offering understanding and support. The Hospice aims to enable all to live life to the fullest extent possible, within the constraints of their illness.
WHY DONATIONS ARE IMPORTANT-
This vital service is offered completely for free to those in need, yet is financially fragile. One in four of us will be referred to the Hospice at some point in our lives. Given how crucial this service is for all of us, it is alarming that the NHS only contributes around 25% of the £6m+ it costs to run the charity each year. These costs are rising. Inflation has added over £1m since 2015, creating a large gap in funding. Today, for every £1 from the NHS, St Raphael’s needs to raise £3 from individuals and businesses.
If you would like to help St Raphael’s Hospice raise the extra £1m needed each year, please contact them to donate, fundraise, join their business club, volunteer or play the charity’s lottery (16+).
ST RAPHAEL’S HOSPICE
020 8254 2450
Paid Partnership
