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

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.

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:

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!

 

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!

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.

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.

5 Hospice Care Myths

Myth busting: Hospice Care

Hospice Care: 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 at Rotherham Hospice!

Myth: Rotherham Hospice is just for those about to die

Truth

Hospices care for people who are dying, however palliative care is more than the last few days of life. Rotherham Hospice supports patients at varying stages of their illness, from the diagnosis of a terminal illness until the patient’s death and beyond, caring for the patients’ loved ones with our bereavement services.

Some people receive hospice care for just a few days, while others get support for several months, both in the Hospice and at home.

Rotherham Hospice Care Day Hospice Community Therapy Health and Wellbeing Healthcare Counselling Bereavement Support Phone CQC Information

Myth: Hospices are a sad place to be

Truth

There are sad times, of course, but our staff and volunteers try to make the Hospice a home away from home, where patients are comfortable, and their loved ones can focus on just being together. Hospice care is not about giving up, rather about making the best of the time we have. 

“The remaining days my beloved Mum had could not have been in a more perfect place – surrounded by wonderful people, filled with such compassion and kindness – you have touched our hearts and I know you made my mum feel special.”

Myth: Hospices are just for older people

Truth

Hospice care is available for anyone who needs it, at any age. Rotherham Hospice is an adult hospice, caring for people aged 18 to over 100. It is a common misconception that hospice care is exclusively for the elderly, when in fact 25% of those that die in Hospices across the UK are under 65.

At Rotherham Hospice, our care doesn’t end with patients. We also offer bereavement support and counselling for the loved ones of our patients, including children aged 5-18 through our Sunbeams support group. Rotherham Hospice is a welcoming space for everyone.

Sunbeams Children's Bereavement Support Activity
A child and volunteer taking part in an activity at the Sunbeams Children's Bereavement Support Group

Myth: You can only be cared for by Rotherham Hospice in the Hospice itself

Truth

Hospice care happens wherever is the best place for it to happen, whether that is in our specialist 14 bed In-Patient Unit, in the Day Hospice, or in a patient’s own home, cared for by our Hospice at Home team. Rotherham Hospice supports patients to be where they want to be at the end of their life.

Rotherham Hospice Care Day Hospice Community Therapy Health and Wellbeing Healthcare Counselling Compliments, Comments & Complaints

Myth: We shouldn’t talk about death

Truth

Conversations about death and dying with the people we love can be difficult. It brings up uncomfortable emotions, so we tend to shy away from it. We might try to ignore what is happening until a loved one’s death is very close.  But starting conversations early is important to allow time for everyone to talk openly and honestly.

Rotherham Hospice Care Day Hospice Community Therapy Health and Wellbeing Healthcare Counselling Bereavement Support Phone South Yorkshire Cafe Types of volunteering

Being able to talk gives us the opportunity to share worries, fears or wishes. We can talk about our own death, a loved one’s death, being with someone when they die, asking what they want and knowing what to expect, and what we can do to make it the best death it can be.

For helpful tips on how to get started,  check out these resources by Dying Matters from Hospice 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.