Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Rotherham Hospice

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Rotherham Hospice

Everyone at Rotherham Hospice wishes you a Merry Christmas

This Christmas, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and share the incredible impact your support has had on Rotherham Hospice throughout 2023. The past year has been marked by unwavering support, remarkable milestones, and the ever-present spirit of our incredible community and we wanted to reflect on these 

Caring for Each and Every Individual

So far in 2023, our dedicated team at Rotherham Hospice provided compassionate care to 437 individuals on our InPatient Unit. It’s a testament to the commitment of our staff, ensuring that each person received the comfort and support they needed during challenging times. In addition to this, our outreach extended to 8,624 home visits, bringing our services directly to those who required it most. Our 1,100 counselling sessions provided a crucial lifeline to loved ones, offering support and solace as they navigated the complex emotions that accompany loss.

Our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement Group played a vital role in helping 328 children find healing and connection in a safe and supportive environment. It’s in these small moments of connection and understanding that we see the profound impact of our work.

Community Spirit in Action

The spirit of the Rotherham community shone brightly through the incredible fundraising efforts throughout the year. The Midnight Memory Walk in June raised an astounding £61,000, and the Light Up a Life campaign during Christmas garnered over £25,000. Your generosity has allowed us to expand our reach and continue our mission of providing care and support to those in need.

A significant milestone in our journey was the announcement by Rotherham United, with 6 Diamond Partners investing in featuring Rotherham Hospice as the main sponsor on the 23/24 season shirt. The overwhelming support from the club, Diamond Partners, and the RUFC community has been instrumental in propelling our cause forward and we can’t thank them enough for all their support in 2023.

Read more about the Diamond Partners here.

Your Voices Shape Our Future

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our survey, sharing valuable thoughts, ideas, and stories. Your input is the compass that guides us as we strive to improve and enhance our services to better serve our community. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete our survey here. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to shape the future of your Hospice for your loved ones.

Looking Ahead to 2024

The coming year holds exciting promises for Rotherham Hospice, with more fundraising events than ever. Save the dates for the Quiz Party Night at Magna on Friday, March 15th, the return of the Midnight Memory Walk on Saturday, June 22nd, and our Inaugural Rotherham Hospice Ball at Magna on Saturday, September 28th. Be sure to sign up and join us in making these events memorable successes.

Our commitment to caring for the Rotherham community remains unwavering. Through our Hospice, Hospice at Home team, bereavement services, and Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement Support, we will continue to provide comfort, understanding, and support to those who need it most.

As we celebrate the joy of the festive season, let us also celebrate the strength and resilience of our community. Thank you for being an essential part of the Rotherham Hospice family. May your Christmas and New Year be filled with love, warmth, and cherished moments.

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.

Paws 4 A Cause

Wag this Way for Rotherham Hospice with Paws 4 a Cause

Join us for a paw-some day of fun at Manvers Lake on Sunday, March 24th, as we lace up our walking shoes (and paws!) to make a difference! 

🌈 What’s the Bark About?

Gather your canine companions, get those tails wagging, and let’s stride together for a meaningful cause. Get your FREE Paws 4 a Cause dog bandana with every dog registered!

🚶‍♂️ Where: Manvers Lake Manvers Lake sets the stage for our adventure, offering picturesque views and fresh air for a day of bonding with your furry friends and fellow dog enthusiasts.

🐾 Why Join the Pack?

  • Charity with Every Step: Your registration fees and donations go directly to Rotherham Hospice, supporting their crucial work in providing care and comfort to those in need.
  • Doggy Delights: Treat your four-legged friends to a day of excitement with special treats, activities, and games designed just for them!
  • Pooch Portraits: Get your pooches papped by our onsite photographer!

🎉 Event Highlights:

  • Scenic Walk: Embark on a guided walk around the lake, enjoying the serene surroundings with your furry companions.
  • Paw-some Activities: Engage in exciting dog-friendly games and activities, ensuring a day filled with joy and laughter.
  • Vendor Village: Explore a variety of stalls offering pet products, services, and goodies for both you and your furry friend.

Save the Date:
🗓️ Sunday, March 24th
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Manvers Lake, Rotherham

Register your pooch here!

Light Up A Life Programme 2023

Light Up A Life Programme

Light Up A Life Programme 2023

Thank you for joining us to Light Up A Life. Below are the Light Up A Life programmes for the 2023 memorial services.

If you would benefit from larger print, text-to-speech, translation, colour contrast and more, please use the Accessibility Tools located at the top of this page.

Light Up A Life Programme

7th and 9th December | Rotherham Hospice

View here

Light Up A Life Programme

10th December | Rotherham Minster

View here
Dedicate your star

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. Thank you.

How your fundraising helps Rotherham Hospice

Light Up A Life 2023

Light Up A Life 2023

Light Up A Life with Rotherham Hospice

Thank you to everyone who attended our Light Up a Life Ceremonies in December.

 

Video from the Thursday 7th December Ceremony

The Book of Dedications

 

Dedicate a Star to your loved one

For a donation of your choice, you will receive two beautiful stars, one to bring with you to the service and place on the Rotherham Hospice Christmas tree, and one to keep at home. If you are unable to attend any of the services, please send your stars to the Hospice and we will gladly display them on the tree for you.

All dedications received before the 4th December will be featured in the Rotherham Advertiser in the 14th December issue (with your permission), our Light Up a Life digital book at the Hospice and in the Light Up a Life remembrance video.

Your generous donations help us to continue our valuable work. We are incredibly grateful for any contribution you are able to make and everyone at the Hospice wishes you a peaceful festive season.

Dedicate your star

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. Thank you.

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

Christmas Fair with Rotherham Hospice coming soon!

Christmas Fair with Rotherham Hospice

Christmas Fair for Rotherham Hospice

You are invited to come along to our Christmas Fair, kindly sponsored by Henry Boot Construction.

Join us at Wickersley Old Village Cricket Club for fun, food, games and more, including the return of Santa Dash!

🎅 Santa’s Grotto – due to high demand this is by reservation only. Book your Santa visit here.
🎄 Santa Dash is back – join us for a Festive Fun Run. Find out more here.
🎅 Delicious food & drink
🎄 Christmas crafts & activities
🎅 Gifts galore

🎄 Games & raffles

  

When

3rd December 2023, 12-4pm

Where

Wickersley Old Village Cricket Club

Price

FREE entry for the Christmas Fair!

Also happening at the Christmas Fair:

Christmas Santa Dash 2023

Santa Dash

3rd Dec - 12.30pm

Run or jog round our festive course and raise money for Rotherham Hospice.  

Find out more
Meet Santa at Rotherham Hospice Christmas Fair

Santa's Grotto

3rd Dec - 12-4pm

Meet Santa at our Christmas Fair

Pre-booking is essential! 

Find out more

Volunteer

Could you spare a few hours to help make the Christmas Fair a great success? 

As a charity, Rotherham Hospice relies on amazing volunteers to help to make all our events run smoothly. 

You could volunteer to:

  • don your best festive fancy dress to cheer on our Santa Dashers
  • help register our Santa Dash runners before the run begins
  • be Santa’s elf assisant
  • help with event promotion

If you would like to help the Hospice, please call 01709 308 700 and ask for fundraising, or email fundraising@rotherhamhospice.org.uk.

Register to volunteer

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.

How your fundraising helps Rotherham Hospice

The Rotherham Hospice Ball

Get ready to make history as Rotherham Hospice proudly presents its first-ever ball – a night of glamour, nostalgia, and entertainment that’s set to become a yearly tradition! We invite you to join us on the grand premiere of the Rotherham Hospice Ball, a spectacular event that promises to be the talk of the town.

 

Want to be the first to know more?

Sign up to the Rotherham Hospice e-newsletter for all the latest news and stories of how your support impacts the Rotherham families we care for.

Christmas Tree Collection with Rotherham Hospice

Christmas tree collection with Rotherham Hospice

Christmas Tree Collection and Recycling with Rotherham Hospice

Let Rotherham Hospice take the hassle out of disposing of your real Christmas tree. For a donation of your choice, we will collect and responsibly dispose of your real Christmas tree.

Christmas Tree collection dates are 11th, 12th and 13th January 2024.

Go to www.just-helping.org.uk/register-tree/ to find out more and book your collection now.

Choose your donation amount and help support hospice care in your community.

  • £10 could help a child cope with the loss of a loved one in our Sunbeams group – Rotherham’s only bereavement support service for children and teens.
  • £20 could pay for freshly cooked meals for a patient staying at the Hospice.
  • £50 could pay for a tank of petrol for a nurse to visit somebody in their own home.

Whatever you can donate, thank you for supporting Rotherham Hospice! 

Book your Christmas Tree Collection

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’t do it without our amazing supporters like you. In the past 6 months, our supporters have help with

How you've helped Rotherham Hospice

Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2023

Children's Grief Awareness week

Children's Grief Awareness Week

When a loved one dies it can be confusing or scary time, especially for children and teenagers. That’s why Sunbeams exists –  Rotherham’s only bereavement support group specifically for young people.

Sunbeams helps children and teenagers to process their grief and express and understand their emotions.

As part of Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2022, our Sunbeams children decorated shapes showing what helps them cope with the loss of a loved one. This was made into the beautiful Sharing Shapes Mural.

Find out about participating in the Sharing Shapes Mural for Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2023 HERE.

Sharing Shapes Mural for Children's Grief Awareness Week
The Sharing Shapes mural 2022 was made by over 80 groups, including Sunbeams, to show how we cope with grief and remember our loved ones.

Sunbeams at Rotherham Hospice​

Sunbeams offers bereavement support to children and teens who are experiencing the serious illness or death of a loved one cared for by Rotherham Hospice.

Our specially trained counsellors provide support through creative activities in after-school groups, as well as family sessions and sessions for parents and carers of children affected by bereavement. 

Over the years, Sunbeams has supported hundreds of Rotherham families during difficult times. You can find out more about Sunbeams and how to get a referral here.

Free resources for carers, parents and teachers

Here are some booklets you may find helpful, click to download:

How you can help

As a charity, Rotherham Hospice relies on the generosity of our amazing community for services like Sunbeams to keep going. 

The quickest & easiest way to support Rotherham Hospice is to become a regular giver. Anything you can give will make a difference to a Rotherham family experiencing end-of-life illness. Thank you.

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

LC Vehicle Hire keeps Rotherham Hospice rolling!

LC Vehicle Hire supports Rotherham Hospice

LC Vehicle Hire keeps the Hospice rolling

LC Vehicle hire have generously waivered the lease fee for Rotherham Hospice on a 3.5 ton Luton Tail Lift for a whole year!

This means Rotherham Hospice will be able to accept and collect many more donations of larger items such as sofas, tables and chairs, to be sold in our charity shops. Not only could you furnish your home for an absolute bargain, but this supports vital end-of-life care in Rotherham.

Managing Director Chris Miller is delighted to be able to support local organisations like Rotherham Hospice.

LC Vehicle Hire is a family run business established by Chris’ dad in 1957. They are market leaders in commercial vehicle hire and sales, with a wide range of vehicles available for contract hire, short term rental and sales.

LC Vehicle Hire specialises in construction, highway maintenance, traffic management and haulage vehicles while also able to offer cars, vans and 4×4’s ad has a  fleet of over 2000 vehicles operating from 6 depots, 4 of which are in Yorkshire.

LC vehicle hire logo
LC Vehicle Hire handing over the keys for a luton van to Rotherham Hospice

Thank you from everyone at Rotherham Hospice. Thanks to you and all our supporters, Rotherham Hospice has been able to help hundreds of people in the past six months at a time it matters most.

How you've helped Rotherham Hospice