Community thanked for raising £50k towards a £300,000 #fillthegapBH crisis appeal by Newark's Beaumond House Hospice, but there's more to do be done

Businesses and the community have been thanked for their support since Beaumond House Community Hospice launched its urgent #fillthegapBH appeal, to help fill a £300,000 shortfall.

Donations and fundraising has reached more than £50,000.

Since the lockdown, the hospice has seen its fundraising and income from its shops reduce by 95%, while care costs have significantly increased.

The services the hospice offers are also being threatened as nurses and healthcare assistants need to self-isolate.

Its corporate and events fundraiser, Kat Wright, volunteered to train as a healthcare assistant.

She said: “Everyone has been affected by the covid-19 crisis and we are all working hard to fill the gap, whether that is working at home for the first time or being temporary homeschoolers. At Beaumond House this is no different.At Beaumond House this is no different.

“I work in the fundraising department and we are working on different ways to #fillthegapBH in our income.

“After intense theory training for working in the hospice I was given my first shift to shadow a healthcare assistant colleague, and I was nervous.

“Though I am very familiar with the services Beaumond House provides this was the first time I would be in a care-giving role.

“After my shift I needed time to reflect, I knew Beaumond House was an amazing place but seeing the care first hand was powerful.

"It showed me how truly special and unique the hospice is. The staff care for the patients as if they are their own family; a ‘tailor-made’ approach to meet each patients’ differing needs and wants with compassion, patience and warmth.

“Speaking with staff, they all remark they feel privileged to be a part of the patient’s care and to help support their loved ones. A lot of time is spent getting to know each patient and, with having four bedrooms, it feels like a family, a home from home, a safe haven.

“As well as our original outgoings during this time, extra costs are being incurred as we must use the correct personal protection equipment, changing it at recommended intervals to keep the patients and care team safe."

During her six-hour shift, Kat used aprons, masks, gloves and hand wash and gel.

"I could see how truly essential it is to have this basic equipment that can help prevent the spread of this indiscriminate virus," she said.

Here is a breakdown of PPE costs to give an idea of the extra costs Beaumond House is experiencing: masks are 31p each, gloves £2.88 a box, roll of aprons £8.69, hand towels £1.44, hand gel £16.66 for a large refill and £2.65 for a small hand gel.

“Any support would be hugely appreciated, from making a donation, to taking part in our virtual challenge, Freestyle15 or setting up a Facebook fundraiser page, to name a few.

“A key way to provide ongoing support is by making a regular monthly donation. Just £5 a month will pay for a small hand gel, hand towel and two pairs of gloves.

“Please visit our social media pages or website for further details and lots of ideas.”

There are many ways to get involved with supporting or fundraising for the hospice at this vital time. Visit its social media pages or website for further details and lots of ideas.

As part of their fundraising, the hospice is running a Freedom Beauty Prize Draw each week on its Facebook page where prizes such as free hair and beauty treatments are on offer.

Entries are made via a donation of any size to the campaign and winners are picked at random.

The hospice would like to thank the local companies for their generous donations.

Visit the Beaumond House Facebook page or website for further details.

Beaumond House is committed to continuing to support people in their own homes through its hospice at home visiting service and through telephone support.

Day patients have regular support over the phone with familiar voices from the day therapy team of staff and volunteers.

The in-patient beds offer support for people who are at the end of life and for those needing extra care and nursing expertise for symptom management.

Help for those needing support in bereavement continues as a telephone service at a very challenging time for those who are coping with loss.

Beaumond House continue to accept referrals to all these services.

Call 01636 610556 if you need Beaumond House Community Hospice care and support or for more information.

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