Inspire & Connect: A Welcoming Space for Creativity and Community

Inspire & Connect: A Welcoming Space for Creativity and Community

At Rotherham Hospice, we know how important it is to feel connected, whether you’re looking for a creative outlet or simply a place to relax and meet new people. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to our Inspire & Connect group—a warm and welcoming space open to anyone who has had or is in contact with Rotherham Hospice.

Our Inspire & Connect sessions offer a range of fun and engaging activities, with each session featuring a new craft or creative project. Whether you want to explore something new, unleash your inner artist, or just unwind in good company, this group is the perfect opportunity to do so.

The best part? There’s no need to book in advance—just drop in whenever you can! Our next session is on Wednesday, 22nd January, and we’d love to see you there.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • A relaxed, friendly environment
  • A chance to try out different crafts and activities each week
  • An opportunity to meet others and build new connections
  • Time to unwind, de-stress, and enjoy yourself

No matter your skill level or interests, our group is designed to be inclusive and open to all. So, whether you’re looking to explore your creativity or simply take some time for yourself, we encourage you to join us.

For more information, you can reach us at 01709 966000

What activities you can expect

Playing Musical Instruments
Listen to the Radio
Read your favourite book
Crafts
Games & Jigsaws

Volunteers’ Week at Rotherham Hospice

Volunteers’ Week at Rotherham Hospice

This week (3rd-9th June 2024) is Volunteers’ Week where, across the country, we celebrate the amazing volunteers that give their time up for a cause.

At Rotherham Hospice, our amazing volunteers work hard every day and ensure we can continue to do the work we do. From serving teas and coffees to patients and loved ones, to working hard in the garden or at one of our charity shops, to counselling grieving loved ones or supporting our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement Support Group – we can’t thank our Volunteers enough for all the hard work they do.

We wanted to share the stories of four volunteers – why they volunteer for the Hospice, what they do and what their favourite thing about volunteering is.

Stephen's Story

Read here

Paige's Story

Read here

Andrew's Story

Read here

Aimee's Story

Read here

Why volunteer?

Volunteering doesn’t just help us – it helps you too! Through volunteering you can…

  • Learn new skills and gain valuable work experience in an area you might want to develop a career in.
  • Make new friends who have the shared interest of giving back to their community.
  • Develop better physical and mental health and wellbeing whether that’s through getting your steps in on your shift or the positive buzz of helping those in need.
  • Improve your confidence through meeting new people every day.
  • Connect with your community and give something back.

Volunteering can be as big or as little a commitment as you want – whether it’s a weekly shift in our IPU or a marshall at a one off fundraising event, every form of volunteering matters and helps us immensely.

If you fancy volunteering with Rotherham Hospice, get in touch! Find out more about our volunteering opportunities here or give us a ring on 01709 308 900.

Join us for our Coffee Morning at Rotherham Hospice

Join us for our Coffee Morning at Rotherham Hospice

Living with a palliative illness can be an incredibly challenging journey, not just for the individuals experiencing it, but also for their loved ones. At Rotherham Hospice, we understand the importance of support, community, and shared experiences. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to our monthly Coffee Mornings, held in collaboration with Weston Park Cancer Charity.

What Are Coffee Mornings?

Our Coffee Mornings are designed to provide a warm and welcoming environment where people living with a palliative illness can come together, enjoy a comforting cup of coffee, and connect with others facing similar experiences. It’s a space to share stories, offer support, and find solace in knowing you’re not alone.

When and Where?

These gatherings take place on the last Thursday of every month at Rotherham Hospice.

Why Attend?

  1. Build a Support Network: One of the most valuable aspects of our Coffee Mornings is the opportunity to meet others who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your journey with those who truly get it can be incredibly reassuring and empowering.

  2. Learn About Available Support: We’ll have experts from both Rotherham Hospice and Weston Park available to discuss the various types of care and support available to you. This is a great chance to ask questions and gain insights into managing your condition.

  3. Enjoy a Sense of Community: There’s something profoundly comforting about coming together in a space where everyone is focused on understanding and supporting one another. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey.

Get in Touch

We believe that these Coffee Mornings can make a positive difference in your life, and we’re excited to welcome you to our next gathering. If you have any questions or need more details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can contact us at 01709 308900.

Why your support matters

Your support will play a pivotal role in enhancing our ability to deliver compassionate and comprehensive services to our patients and their families. Whether it’s providing essential medical care, offering emotional support, or creating a comforting environment for our patients, your support will directly contribute to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

At Rotherham Hospice, we believe that every individual deserves to live their final days with dignity, surrounded by love and care. Here’s just some of the ways your support could help.

£20, £50 or £100 raised could make a big difference to Rotherham Hospice

Dying Matters week with Rotherham Hospice

Dying Matters Awareness Week with Rotherham Hospice

As we stride into Dying Matters Awareness Week 2024, Rotherham Hospice stands as a beacon of support and advocacy, joining hands with The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Blood and Transplant, and Weston Park Cancer Charity. Together, we’re igniting conversations, challenging taboos, and fostering a culture where discussing death and dying is not only accepted but encouraged.

This year’s theme, ‘The way we talk about Dying Matters,’ resonates deeply with our collective mission. It’s about more than just words; it’s about the profound impact language has on our experiences with death, both as individuals and as a society. From healthcare professionals to patients, carers, and families, the way we communicate shapes the journey of end-of-life care.

Throughout the week, we’ve curated a calendar of events in collaboration with our partners, designed to engage, educate, and empower our community:

Tuesday, 7th May 2024: Surgical Division at Rockingham Day Room, from 9:00 to 13:00. Join us at Level C Junction 4 for insightful discussions and shared experiences.

Wednesday, 8th May 2024: Medical Division at A2 Day Room, from 10:00 to 14:00 at Level A Junction 1. Additionally, catch the Big Purple Bus outside in the car park from 13:00 to 15:00, offering a unique space for meaningful conversations.

Thursday, 9th May 2024: Find us at Breathing Space from 10:00 to 12:00 , and from 12:00 to 14:00at Rotherham Health Centre. These sessions provide a supportive environment to engage in open dialogue.

Friday, 10th May 2024: Join us in the Outpatients Room on Reception A, located at the entrance to OPD, at 14:00. 

Amidst these engaging events, Rotherham Hospice remains committed to offering bereavement resources for those navigating the delicate journey of grief. Our doors are open, and our hearts are ready to listen and support you through every step. Find out more about our bereavement services.

In a society often hesitant to broach the topic of death, these conversations are more than necessary; they’re vital. By breaking the silence and fostering understanding, we pave the way for compassionate end-of-life care and meaningful connections.

Together, let’s embrace the power of conversation during Dying Matters Awareness Week 2024. Join us as we amplify voices, share stories, and ensure that every individual’s journey is met with dignity, respect, and understanding.

Remember, your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard. Let’s talk.

Find out more about Dying Matters Awareness Week.

Why your support matters

Your support will play a pivotal role in enhancing our ability to deliver compassionate and comprehensive services to our patients and their families. Whether it’s providing essential medical care, offering emotional support, or creating a comforting environment for our patients, your support will directly contribute to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

At Rotherham Hospice, we believe that every individual deserves to live their final days with dignity, surrounded by love and care. Here’s just some of the ways your support could help.

£20, £50 or £100 raised could make a big difference to Rotherham Hospice

Read our letter to our local MPs on hospice funding

A letter to our local MPs from Rotherham Hospice asking them to attend a debate on hospice funding

Read our letter to our local MPs

Our CEO has sent a letter to our local MPs (Sarah Champion, Alexander Stafford MP and John Healey MP) asking them to advocate for Rotherham Hospice in the debate in parliament on hospice funding, which will be held on the Monday 15th April. 

This debate presents a chance to platform some of the key funding challenges facing hospices across the UK and advocate for more sustainable funding of our services. 

Ask your local MP to advocate for your Hospice for your loved ones. Find your MP and how to contact them at members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

Read below the letter we sent

I hope this email finds you are well. I am writing to highlight the Backbench Business Debate taking place on Monday 15th April on hospice funding and ask that you attend to advocate for Rotherham Hospice.

As I’m sure you may be aware, Hospices provide care and support to 300,000 people every year and are an integral part of our health and social care system. However, the current state of hospice funding means that many of us are struggling to keep up with inflation and rising costs.  

At Rotherham Hospice, we provide the essential specialist palliative and end of life care services for the people of Rotherham and surrounding areas. We not only have our 14-bedroom in-patient unit at the hospice itself, but we also provide Hospice at Home services for patients at home, bereavement, and counselling support for loved ones and specialist support for children and young people. In all, our team are making 30,000+ contacts with patients and loved ones per year through visits, clinics, 121 sessions or over the phone – all in addition to us caring for hundreds of patients within the hospice itself. As our local population is aging, demand on our services is constantly increasing and to provide patients with the correct and right care and support they need, and keep them away from unnecessary hospital stays, we do need funding to be addressed for our essential services.  

Peter Gibson MP, one of the Co-Chairs of the APPG on Hospice and End of Life Care, has secured a main chamber Backbench Business Committee debate in parliament on hospice funding, which will be held on the Monday 15th April.  

This debate presents a chance to platform some of the key funding challenges facing hospices across the UK and advocate for more sustainable funding of our services.  

At Rotherham Hospice, it is not just a matter of funding to enable us to provide a safe and excellent service for our patients through clinical staffing and services. Our hospice is now 30 years old and needs essential refurbishment and works to meet the changing needs of our patients. All comes at significant costs, and whilst we actively fundraise to meet the deficit after ICB funding, this is also increasingly difficult due to current socio-economic challenges in our region.   

As the local MP for Rotherham, I am writing to ask if you would consider attending this debate to share the experiences of Rotherham Hospice and advocate for more sustainable funding for hospices now and in the future.  

Hospice UK have provided a briefing on the national funding for hospices, which can be accessed here, for further information. 

I would be very grateful if you could spare some time to attend this debate and support us in raising awareness of this very important, and growing, issue. 

Thank you for your continued support.   

Mat Cottle-Shaw

Why your support matters

Your support will play a pivotal role in enhancing our ability to deliver compassionate and comprehensive services to our patients and their families. Whether it’s providing essential medical care, offering emotional support, or creating a comforting environment for our patients, your support will directly contribute to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

At Rotherham Hospice, we believe that every individual deserves to live their final days with dignity, surrounded by love and care. Here’s just some of the ways your support could help.

£20, £50 or £100 raised could make a big difference to Rotherham Hospice

Navigating Grief During the Festive Season

Navigating Grief During the Festive Season

Navigating Grief During the Festive Season: A message from Rotherham Hospice

At Rotherham Hospice, we understand that this time of year can be particularly difficult for individuals and families who are navigating the complex emotions that accompany loss. Grief doesn’t take a holiday, and it’s okay to acknowledge and embrace the sad feelings that may arise during this season.

Embracing the Complexity of Emotions

Grief is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. During the holidays, emotions can be especially intense as we reminisce about past celebrations and traditions shared with those who have died.  It’s essential to recognise that feeling a mix of sadness, nostalgia, and even moments of joy is a normal part of the grieving process.

Honouring Memories

This Christmas, consider finding meaningful ways to honour and celebrate the memories of your loved one. Lighting a candle, creating a special ornament, or sharing stories with family and friends can be powerful ways to keep their spirit alive during the holiday season. These rituals can serve as a comforting bridge between the past and the present.

Seeking Support

Navigating grief can be a challenging journey, and it’s crucial to remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Whether through counselling, support groups, or reaching out to friends and family, connecting with others who understand your experience can provide comfort and a sense of shared understanding. Remember that crying is a natural response to extreme sadness, not something to be avoided.  Those who are strong and sensible, seek out appropriate support when they are feeling low.

Adjusting Traditions

It’s okay to reassess and adjust holiday traditions to accommodate the changes brought about by loss. Whether it’s starting new traditions or modifying existing ones, finding ways to honour your loved one while allowing space for your own healing is an important aspect of the grieving process. You may want to visit a cemetery or a favourite place of your loved one. Some people have a tradition of walking in the countryside or even sharing time doing an activity or hobby the loved one used to do.

Self-Compassion

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, remember to be kind to yourself. Grieving takes time, and it’s valuable to prioritise self-care. Whether it’s taking a quiet moment alone, indulging in a favourite activity, or seeking professional support, giving yourself the space to feel and heal is a crucial part of the journey.

Christmas candles against a backdrop of snow

As we navigate the complexities of grief during the holiday season, let us be gentle with ourselves and with others. At Rotherham Hospice, we extend our support to those who may be finding this time of year particularly challenging. Remember, your feelings are valid, and there is a community ready to offer understanding and compassion.

May this holiday season be a time of reflection, connection, and healing for all those who carry the weight of grief in their hearts. From our Hospice family to yours, we wish you moments of peace, comfort, and the strength to embrace the love that endures beyond the physical presence of those we hold dear.

5 Hospice Funding Myths

Myth busting Hospice Funding

Hospice Funding: 5 Myths Busted

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about hospices and hospice care, whether that be who can receive hospice care, the services we offer, or who pays for hospices. Let’s explore what’s a  myth, and what’s a truth about hospice funding!

Myth: Hospices are funded by the NHS

Truth

Some hospices are run as part of NHS, but many aren’t. Rotherham Hospice is a charity, and not an NHS hospice, although we work closely with NHS partners and meet the same high standards of care.

Rotherham Hospice Care Day Hospice Community Therapy Health and Wellbeing Healthcare Counselling Bereavement Support Phone South Yorkshire Day Hospice 3

Rotherham Hospice costs £6 million a year to run, with around half our funding coming from an independent regulator of health and social care.

Even with this funding, we still need to fundraise an incredible £3 million a year to cover basic needs such as professional nurses and energy costs.

It is only thanks to our incredible community of supporters that we can bridge this gap and keep providing vital end-of-life care to the people of Rotherham. To see how you can help, please visit the Fundraising page on our website.

Myth: Hospices are immune from the rising cost of living

Truth

Just like everyone else, Rotherham Hospice’s costs have risen in recent times. While we do what we can to save energy, the Hospice’s electricity bill alone has more than doubled in the past year, going up by 104%.

stacks of coins, and lightbulbs to represent the increasing cost of living

Although Rotherham Hospice is a charity, we don’t get free electricity or other utilities. And unlike businesses, we can’t pass on our costs to customers, and rely on communities to fundraise for our services.

This is why, more than ever, support from our local community is so important.

Myth: Hospices are run by volunteers

Truth

We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful volunteers and trustees for giving their time and skills to Rotherham Hospice – they do an amazing job!  

However, providing consistent, good quality care means investing in professional staff.

Rotherham Hospice Care Day Hospice Community Therapy Health and Wellbeing Healthcare Counselling Bereavement Support Phone South Yorkshire Our History Welcome

There are areas of palliative care and Hospice management that need paid expertise to ensure Rotherham Hospice can keep supporting our local community.

Myth: I can’t make a difference

Truth

Anything you can give makes a massive difference. 

If everyone in Rotherham gave just £5, we would have raised almost half of our fundraising goal for the year.

Fundraising for Rotherham Hospice

If you aren’t in a position to donate money, you could support the Hospice through word of mouth, by sharing our posts on social media, volunteering your time at events. 

You could even take on a challenge and raise money by asking your friends and family to sponsor you. It all helps towards meeting our £3 million yearly goal!

Myth: Putting money in a bucket is the only way to raise money

Truth

Putting money in a Rotherham Hospice collection bucket is an important way you can help the Hospice… but it isn’t the only way!

You can support the Hospice in many ways including:

Make a donation

Why your support matters

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can only do it thanks to our amazing supporters like you.

RUFC vs Leeds United Charity Ticket Auction

RUFC vs Leeds United Charity Blind Ticket Auction

RUFC vs Leeds United Charity Ticket Auction

Rotherham Hospice has one set of 4 lounge tickets available for Rotherham United vs Leeds United on Friday 24th November. 

Hospitality tickets for this game are SOLD OUT so this could be your only chance to get your hands on such an amazing experience! These tickets have a value of £720.

These are available by blind auction to the highest bidder.

To place your bid

Email marketing@rotherhamhospice.org.uk with your:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Sealed bid amount
The deadline for auction entries is: Sunday 5th November by Midnight (GMT)

Thank you to Diamond Partner AESSEAL for kindly donating these match tickets. All proceeds from the auction go to Rotherham Hospice.

Place your bid

Terms & Conditions

  • Entries via comments or DMs will not count and will not be monitored. Only entries made to marketing@rotherhamhospice.org.uk will be counted.
  • Winning bidders must make payment to Rotherham Hospice by Tuesday 7th November at 3pm. If after this time payment has not been received, your bid will be cancelled and we will offer the tickets to the next highest bidder.
  • Please pay by BACS or cash into the Hospice. No cheques will be accepted. 
  • Lounge tickets include a 3-course meal, waitress service, seats to watch the match, a match programme, entertainment before and after the game & 1 car parking space.
  • Children are permitted to use the tickets, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
  • These tickets are non-refundable and cannot be re-sold.
  • After completing your purchase, your name will be sent to Rotherham United as the main contact for the table of 4. You may be asked for ID before entry is granted.
  • If you have purchased your tickets and wish to give them as a gift or have purchased them on behalf of someone, please email marketing@rotherhamhospice.org.uk to confirm the name of the person that will be attending the hospitality.
  • All hospitality guests are asked to dress appropriately and adhere to a smart casual dress code. The dress code is relaxed for under 16’s. Please note that away colours are NOT permitted within the hospitality areas.
  • Away supporters are permitted to purchase tickets, however, the hospitality facilities are located within the Home Areas of Rotherham United, and therefore visiting supporters are advised to always act with discretion. Rotherham United will not tolerate any disruptive behaviour and may be asked to leave.
  • Both Rotherham Hospice & Rotherham United do not accept any liability and can withdraw the tickets at any time.
  • All tickets are subject to Rotherham United FC T&Cs.
  • No bidder’s identity will be made public, unless the winning bidder agrees to do so.
Please be aware of scammers! We will contact the winners directly to the provided email and phone number, never via social media. 

Why your support matters

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services. We can only do it thanks to our amazing supporters like you.

Find out more about how your support impacts Rotherham families here.

£20, £50 or £100 raised could make a big difference to Rotherham Hospice

Virtual Challenges with Rotherham Hospice

Virtual Challenges with Rotherham Hospice

Run a virtual marathon from your treadmill!

Want to complete a marathon but haven’t managed to get a spot or want to split the distance over a few ways or between friends? Always wanted to climb Everest but can’t afford the trip? A virtual challenge is for you!

Virtual Challenges are challenges you can complete in your hometown, around your neighbourhood or on a treadmill!

Rotherham Hospice has teamed up with Run for Charity who offer a variety of Virtual Challenges throughout the year that you can get medals for and raise some money for Rotherham Hospice. Here are just a few:

View all our running events

Why your support matters

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can only do it thanks to our amazing supporters like you.

Gaming For Good – a fun way to show you care

gaming for good

Gaming for Good: how to get started for Rotherham Hospice

Did you know, the gaming industry is one of the biggest in the world and streaming platforms such as Twitch get more views than YouTube videos. And gamers are making great things happen through Gaming for Good.

Gaming for Good is a movement where gamers dedicate a stream or complete a gaming challenge for a charity, encouraging those watching to donate as they enjoy the show. Most streamers complete a Gaming Marathon. This is where the streamer plays games for a set amount of time (often 24hrs), streaming the full event and raising money as they play. 

Gaming for Good for Denise

Nic is one such gamer. When Nic’s honorary mum Denise became ill and needed hospice care, Rotherham Hospice was there to make sure Denise was comfortable during the end of her life.

In August 2022, Nic did a 24 hour live stream, as well as shaving his head live on the internet (that’s optional!).

Hundreds of people watched, joined in gaming and donated to Nic’s 24 hour live stream, ultimately raising £2K to help Rotherham Hospice keep caring for people like Denise. 

In Nic’s own words:

Nic did a Gaming For Good fundraiser in memory of Denise

I did it in memory of an amazing woman, and as a thank you to the Hospice who gave us some very important help and moments with her. I'd do it five more times given the chance!

Nic, fundraising in memory of Denise

 

If you love gaming, and Rotherham Hospice means something to you like it does for Nic, why not complete a Gaming for Good challenge and raise money for the Hospice!

Set up Gaming for Good

Just Giving has written a detailed guide on how you can organise a charity gaming stream, but here’s a few tips to get you started.

Download Twitch overlay
Gaming For Good Twitch overlay 2
Download Twitch overlay
Gaming For Good Twitch Overlay 1

If you’re interested in setting up a fundraiser and need more information or guidance, or a Rotherham Hospice T-shirt, please contact our Fundraising Team on 01709 308 900 or fundraising@rotherhamhospice.org.uk.

Why your support matters

Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can only do it thanks to our amazing supporters like you.