Our New Strategy: Living Life’s Wishes

Our New Strategy: Living Life’s Wishes

We’re excited to share the launch of our brand-new Strategic Plan for 2024-2030: “Living Life’s Wishes.” This plan is all about making sure we continue to provide the very best care and support for our patients, their families, and our Rotherham community.

Since we first opened our doors in 1988, Rotherham Hospice has been a place of comfort and support for those facing the toughest times. We’ve come a long way since then, caring for over 1,700 patients each year and reaching even more through our community services. But we know there’s always more we can do. That’s why we’ve been listening to what you, our community, have to say.

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Listening, Learning, and Taking Action

This new strategy is based on conversations with 656 of you—patients, families, staff, volunteers, and local partners. Here’s what we heard:

  • You want care that’s truly personalised, focused on what matters most to each patient.
  • Many of you told us how important it is to get support earlier, right from the point of diagnosis.
  • There’s a strong desire for more services that can be delivered at home, so families can stay together in familiar surroundings.
  • Inclusivity matters. You want us to be there for everyone in our diverse Rotherham community, making sure our care is accessible and welcoming to all.

We’ve taken all your feedback to heart, and it’s helped shape the seven key areas of our strategy. Here’s what we’re planning:

Our Seven Aims: What We’re Going to Do

  1. Personalised and Compassionate Care: We’re putting your wishes at the heart of everything we do, creating care plans that are tailored just for you.

  2. Early Support and Intervention: We’re making it easier for you to access support as soon as you need it. We’re working with healthcare professionals to simplify referrals, and we’re even exploring ways for you to refer yourself.

  3. Inclusivity and Equity: We’re committed to making our services open to everyone. No matter your background or circumstances, we’re here for you.

  4. Strengthening Our Finances: We’re working on new ways to raise funds, so we can keep providing the best possible care. Whether it’s through local events, donations, or new fundraising campaigns, we’re counting on your continued support.

  5. Innovation and Growth: We’re always looking for better ways to care for you. This includes expanding our services and exploring new technologies to improve patient care.

  6. Supporting Our Amazing Team: Our staff and volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re investing in their training and well-being to make sure they have the skills and support they need.

  7. Raising Awareness: We want everyone in Rotherham to know what we do and how we can help. We’ll be reaching out more through social media, local events, and by working with local organisations.

What This Means for You

Our vision is simple: to make sure that everyone in Rotherham can get the palliative and end-of-life care they need, wherever and however they choose. We believe that every day should be filled with as much joy, comfort, and meaning as possible—because it’s not just about adding days to life, but life to those days.

“Living Life’s Wishes” is about making sure that your wishes guide everything we do. We’re here to listen, support, and help you live life the way you want, right until the end.

How You Can Get Involved

We couldn’t do any of this without the support of our amazing community. If you’d like to help, there are lots of ways to get involved:

  • Fundraise: Host an event, join a sponsored challenge, or support us through your business.
  • Donate: Every little bit helps us provide care for those who need it most.
  • Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers who make such a big difference every day.

To learn more about our new strategy, upcoming events, or how you can get involved, visit our website or give us a call. Together, we can make a difference and add more life to every day.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Fundraise
Donate
Volunteer

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

International Children’s Book Day with Sunbeams

International Children's Book Day with Sunbeams Bereavement Support Group

International Children's Book Day with Sunbeams

At Rotherham Hospice, our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement support group understands the importance of gentle, empathetic storytelling in helping children navigate the complex emotions surrounding grief. On International Children’s Book Day, we wanted to share how through carefully selected books, we aim to provide solace, understanding, and a safe space for children to explore their feelings.

One such book that holds a special place in our Sunbeams group is The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside. This beautifully illustrated story serves as a poignant metaphor for the burdensome weight of worries that children often carry, particularly in the face of bereavement. Just like the protagonist in the story, children in our group may find themselves hesitant to share their worries with their families, fearing that they may cause further distress. However, through the gentle guidance of our support group sessions, we emphasise that sharing a worry helps to make it get smaller and eventually go away; no-one should carry a bag if worries around with them.

Another recommendation from our Sunbeams group is The Invisible String by Patrice Karst. This heart-warming tale illustrates the enduring connections we share with loved ones, even beyond the boundaries of life and death. Through the metaphor of an invisible string that binds us to those we cherish, the book offers reassurance to children that they are never truly alone, even when separated from loved ones by death. In our support group sessions, we use this book to help children understand that their relationship with their loved ones endure, providing comfort and companionship during times of grief.

These carefully chosen books serve as powerful tools in our efforts to support children through the grieving process. By fostering empathy, understanding, and resilience, they provide a source of comfort and guidance for young minds grappling with loss. As we mark International Children’s Book Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the hearts and minds of children through the transformative power of literature.

If you’re interested in exploring these books further or learning more about our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement support group, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Happy International Children’s Book Day!

Find out more about our Sunbeams Children's Bereavement Support Group here.

Make your New Year’s Resolution a Challenge

What's your new year's resolution? Challenge yourself for Rotherham Hospice

Make your New Year's Resolution a Challenge in Giving Back!

As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and setting goals for the future. New Year’s resolutions often revolve around self-improvement, but what if you could make a positive impact on others while achieving personal milestones? This year, consider embracing a thrilling challenge for charity and support the incredible work of Rotherham Hospice.

1. Skydive for Rotherham Hospice

Imagine the rush of wind as you freefall from the sky, embracing the ultimate adrenaline rush in support of a great cause. Rotherham Hospice offers you the chance to take on a skydiving adventure that will not only push your limits but also contribute to the hospice’s vital services. For more information and to sign up, visit Rotherham Hospice Skydive.

2. Conquer the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

For those who prefer terra firma, the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge presents a formidable yet achievable trek through the stunning Yorkshire Dales. This challenge takes you to the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, covering a distance of 24 miles in under 12 hours. Lace up your boots and register for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge at Rotherham Hospice Three Peaks.

3. Take to the Skies with a Wing Walk

For the truly adventurous, a wing walk offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of flying while strapped to the wing of a biplane. Channel your inner daredevil and fundraise for Rotherham Hospice in a way like no other. Check out the details and register for the Wing Walk at Rotherham Hospice Wing Walk.

4. Run with #TeamRotherhamHospice

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice, there’s a perfect running event for you to support Rotherham Hospice. Exclusive slots are available on RunForCharity.com, including 5k, half marathon, and full marathon options. Join #TeamRotherhamHospice in events like the Sheffield Half Marathon and make every step count. Visit RunForCharity.com for more details.

5. Dive into Non-Running Adventures

If running isn’t your forte, fear not! Rotherham Hospice provides opportunities for non-running adventures on Run For Charity. From bungee jumps that will leave your heart pounding to inflatable obstacle courses that promise laughter and fun, there’s an event for everyone.

This year, make your New Year’s resolution more than just a personal goal. Challenge yourself, make a difference, and support the invaluable services of Rotherham Hospice. Whichever adventure you choose, know that you are not only pushing your own boundaries but also helping those in need.

To embark on your charity challenge journey, explore the available events and sign up today. Let’s make 2024 a year of unforgettable experiences and positive impact with #TeamRotherhamHospice!

2024 Events at Rotherham Hospice

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