News archive

Archive of news stories from 2008-2009

Charities are facing tough times – and decisions – in the economic climate.

St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol announced last week it was closing its Knowle facility. Marcus Green, chief executive of Cotswold Care Hospice, writes about the challenges hospices face.

The recession has left no professional organisation unscathed and that includes charities.

On average, British charities have seen a drop in donations by more than 20 per cent as people struggle with jobs losses and tighter budgets.

Charitable trusts and foundations, once a rich vein of potential funding, are handing out fewer grants as they see their returns from investment portfolios diminish.

Many charities were seriously affected by the collapse of the Icelandic banks. Naomi House, a children’s hospice in Hampshire, had £5.7 million invested in Icelandic banks. It has been told that the Government will not help it recoup the lost funds.

Hospices depend on donations, fundraising, legacies and grants to survive. On average a hospice will receive less than 35 per cent funding from the Government.

It costs us £1.6 million a year to run Cotswold Care Hospice in Minchinhampton, near Stroud. We receive less than 10 per cent funding from the Government. All of our services are providede free of charge.

In comparison with St Peter’s Hospice we are a small organization. St Peter’s anticipated a £500,000 shortfall in its legacies and investments income. It had to look at efficiencies in order to protect the charity for years to come.

It must have been a heart-rending decision to close the Knowle facility. That decision was taken after a number of feasibility studies. The trustees and the executive team had to make a decision that would maintain services and safeguard future provision.

But a hospice is more than bricks and mortar. While it may provide beds and on-site services a hospice also provides a great deal of care within the community.

While hospices provide care at end of life the charities do far more than that. Here, at Cotswold Care, we support people with life-limiting illnesses from pre-diagnosis onwards. We are there to counsel, to comfort, to support and care for the person who has a life-limiting illness and their loved ones.

Life-limiting is any illness that is simply that – life-limiting. It can be Parkinson’s Disease, respiratory and heart conditions, cancer, motor neurone disease – the list goes on.

A report by the Government watchdog, the National Audit Office, recently reaffirmed the huge role independent hospices play in providing end-of-life. Independent hospices provide about 2,150 in-patient beds for those who are at end of life, compared with 450 provided by NHS hospices.

The aim of the Government’s End of Life strategy is to give each one of us a choice on how we spend our final days on Earth – in a hospice, in a hospital or in our own bed at home.

Sadly, that choice in Gloucestershire – and almost certainly in the rest of Britain – is limited. Why? In a word, money. The Government is providing little funding to health authorities to improve the provision of end-of-life care.

Cotswold Care Hospice is in the fortunate position of have a surplus of funds. We achieved a surplus of £277,000 in 2008/09, an increase of 13 per cent on the surplus achieved the previous year. That means we can, even in the tough economic times, develop and increase the services we provide to the people of Gloucestershire.

Why are we in such a position when other charities are struggling? We have robust financial planning and management systems in place to ensure we are limiting our costs and getting best value from all services we provide.

We recognized a few years ago that the secret to survival in an economic downturn is a multi-pronged approach to fundraising. In plain English, that means not putting all our eggs in one basket.

The charity has seen its legacy income increase by 14 per cent in the past year. But legacies are hard to control. You never know when you are going to get them and how much they will be. While they are a factor in our budgeting we do not plan on them as a sustainable income stream.

Instead, the trustees decided to invest in its fundraising and marketing department with the view of securing more sustainable revenue streams. The long term goal is to have an inpatient unit. In order to do that Cotswold Care must expand its services. That also means seeing the fundraising team’s target more than double – about £3.5 million a year.

This decision has paid dividends. We have seen, in the past year, more patient referrals and increased financial support. Our support from local businesses has doubled. We have, for the first time, launched a major door to door campaign to encourage donors to sign up to direct debits.

We opened two new charity shops in 2008 – in Cirencester and Cheltenham – and have seen our shop income increase by 16 per cent. While business is booming, the amount of donated goods nationally has dropped. We have had to be more creative in encouraging people to donate goods. A charity shop is only as good as its donations.

A huge boost to our fundraising income has been our Cotswold Midnight Walk. It was held for the first time last year with 1,200 women taking part and raising £115,000.

On June 26 this year, 1,765 women took part, an increase of 30 per cent, and we are busy now calculating the pledged sponsorship. We are optimistic that we will exceed last year’s amount.

It is vital to emphasize that this surplus is not sitting in bank but has been reinvested into the care services the charity provides. We have recently expanded our hospice at home service, which means we can support even more people who choose to die at home.

We are in the process of increasing the level of clinical care we provide by appointing a physiotherapist. We are in discussions with the Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, exploring ways of how we can supply services to support the NHS. There are more new opportunities in the pipeline.

This is no time to rest on our laurels or to be complacent.

We rigorously review our spending and constantly look for cost savings. Our care services team ensures every service is used to its full capacity.

The whole hospice community, staff, volunteers and trustees tirelessly look for new ways to generate money and raise our profile within the NHS and the community.

We have an obligation to the community who support us – and who we care for – to provide the best possible services at the most efficient cost. We are here to serve the community of Gloucestershire.

We can do that best by expanding our services and caring for even more people. There is a huge unmet need in Gloucestershire. Like every other independent hospice, we will continue to do our best to meet that need.

Cotswold Care Midnight Walk

Women reclaimed the streets of Cirencester as they took part in Gloucestershire’s biggest charity midnight walk.

More than 1,750 ladies signed up for the Cotswold Midnight Walk.

Organisers hope their efforts will raise more than £150,000 for Cotswold Care Hospice, based in Minchinhampton, near Stroud.

In its second year, the walk saw a 50 per cent increase in the number of women signing up.

Hatty Davis had a special reason to take part - Cotswold Care Hospice helped care for her mother, who died eight years ago.

"I'm doing this for my mum," said the 15-year-old Stroud High School student. "Cotswold Care looked after her and helped me."

Joining the walk was Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen, wife of Cotswold-based celebrity designer Laurence.

She helped whip up the crowds with Lady Apsley before the ladies set off on their walk from Deer Park School in Cirencester.

The women completed the 10-mile walk dressed in hot pink tutus, flashing bunny ears, angel wings and glittering wigs.

One group, the 29^th Regiment based at South Cerney, came in their work clothes – their military uniform

“Last year when the walk was held we were on tour in the Falklands,” said Staff Sgt Sarah Quinlan. “But this year we were home and thought it would be a great idea for us to take part.”

Marianne Mainwaring, a solicitor with Cheltenham firm Rickerbys, swapped her suit for hot pink leggings as she joined colleagues.

Not to be outdone, Tewkesbury-based PR company, The Vivid Consultancy, donned fox ears as the Vivid Vixens.

“It’s a great way to raise money – and to enjoy a girls’ night out,” said director Hilary Allison. “We’ve had a smashing night.” A group of six from Mears Group Plc in Gloucester donned bunny ears and hot pink to make the 10-mile trek and raise more than £600 for the hospice.

“We wanted to do something for charity and this seemed like the perfect thing,” said Donna Ellis, a management accountant.

Mates Milly Beck, 13, from Cirencester, and Annabel Cameron, 12, from Cricklade, were the youngest walkers.

Wycliffe College, in Stroud, Stroud General Hospital, Alex Clark Lettings in Cheltenham and the dinner ladies from Thomas Keble School in Stroud all took part.

Josie Chomicz sent her 15^th birthday completing the walk with fellow members of the 1329 Sqn, Air Cadets Stroud.

Cotswold Care Hospice helps more than 400 people a year with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Door to Door Fundraising Appeal starts this June

Our door to door campaign is running from June until September across Gloucestershire to raise vital and long term funds for Cotswold Care Hospice. We are asking people to make a small donation every month.

What is door to door fundraising?

Professional fundraisers visit homes to collect, via direct debit, regular monthly donations. In the case of Cotswold Care Hospice, the teams of fundraisers work through a fundraising organisation called Fundraising Initiatives.

Why are we using this method of fundraising?

Door to door is a safe, secure and proven method of recruiting new, regular donors and is cost effective. Our door to door campaign is a huge opportunity to increase our supporter base and our income as well as informing the wider community about our services.

Who are the fundraisers and how will I know if they are genuine?

They carry ID cards with their photo on. They are smartly dressed with a purple Cotswold Care Hospice tabard on. They work between 12.30pm -8.30pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 10.30 to 3.30pm.

What do I do if I have a query?

Please contact Catrin Viveash at Cotswold Care Hospice on 01453 886868 (during office hours) or telephone Fundraising Initiatives’ Helpline on 0800 018 9961. The helpline number is open Monday to Friday 9 to 8.30pm and Saturday 10.30 to 3.30pm.

Is this type of fundraising regulated?

Yes it is. It is regulated by the PFRA (Public Fundraising Regulatory Authority). The PFRA is a self-regulating membership body established to co-ordinate fundraising activity and promote quality, integrity and transparency. The PFRA works with charities and, professional fundraising organisations, local authorities and the police to ensure high standards are maintained throughout the industry. They are also on hand to resolve complaints. All of the fundraisers carry a copy of the PFRA Code of Practice. If you would like further information about the PFRA you can visit the website www.pfra.org.uk

Gift Aid Scheme launched at Cotswold Care Hospice Shops

We are pleased to announce that we have launched Gift Aid in the following shops toaday:

Cheltenham
Cirencester
Minchinhampton
Nailsworth
Wotton-under-Edge

Our other shops will have the scheme available in the coming weeks.

If you donate items to our shops and you are a UK Tax Payer we can claim 28p in the £1 on your donation!

Please sign up at the shop on your next visit and help us raise even more funds for patient care in Gloucestershire.

Cotswold Care Hospice has a New Logo

Cotswold Care Hospice has teamed up with a group of Wembley stars to launch the charity’s new logo.

Cheltenham company, Montpellier Marketing Communications Group, designed the hospice’s new butterfly inspired logo free of charge.

It was launched by the children at the British School in Wotton, who are off to Wembley for the national final of the English Schools Football Association.

Every year the charity, based in Minchinhampton, helps more than 400 people a year with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Marcus Green, chief executive of Cotswold Care, said: “The old logo didn’t represent what we do. Our new slogan – Every day is special – is what we all believe and aim to do at the charity.

“We chose the butterfly as our new image as our patients often describe the experience of coming to the hospice as having a weight lifted from their shoulders.

“We would like to thank Montpellier Creative for designing this logo free of charge and we’d like to wish our Wembley stars the very best of luck on June 13th.”

The British School from Wotton-under-Edge, having been crowned Gloucestershire and South West regional Small schools champions, will play in the national finals culminating in a final game at Wembley on June 13.

The boys are taking the new logo to Wembley with them on their practice football and will be wearing new kit donated by Wotton Cinema. They are keen to share their success with the whole community, including promoting the new hospice logo.

Headteacher, Mr Paul Hiatt, said: “When the players heard they could help the hospice and share their success they were delighted. They know that the hospice is there to help people of all ages enjoy their lives and at a time when the school is enjoying so much success it is great to be able to share it.”

Jonny Gilder, one of the players said: “Perhaps we will be lucky enough to bring the national title back to Gloucestershire and take it to the hospice to show everyone.”

Guy Woodcock, chief executive at award-winning Montpellier Marketing Communications Group, said: “We’re delighted to be in partnership with Cotswold Care Hospice and to be able to help such a worthy Gloucestershire-based charity. In these times, more than ever, branding is so crucial in getting an organisation recognised and setting them apart in the marketplace.”

Carers’ Evening

A GROUP of very special people treated their carers to a VIP night out, to say thanks for all they do.

Sixteen people suffering from life-limiting illnesses nominated their carers for a candlelit meal at Cotswold Care Hospice.

Hotel du Vin, in Cheltenham, invited the 16 couples to a special three-course meal.

Apero Events Management, from Cheltenham, transformed the hospice’s education suite into a restaurant with linen and china.

Frances Fenwick, from Flowercube in Stroud, donated floral arrangements for every table.

A team of five Hotel du Vin staff came to the hospice to cook and serve the special meal.

Classical guitarist Chris Finch, from Stroud, and who teaches at Rednock School, provided the musical accompaniment for the evening.

Jim Milner, from Sharpness, who attends day therapy at Cotswold Care Hospice, nominated his wife Heather.

“Heather has been so supportive – a real brick,” said Mr Milner. “You don’t appreciate people sometimes until something like this happens and you need their support.”

Enjoy a jazz lunch and support Cotswold Care Hospice

BEAT the May Bank Holiday traffic – enjoy an afternoon of live jazz and raise money for a good cause.

A Jazz Lunch will be held at the Hotel du Vin in Cheltenham on Monday May 4.

Money raised from the event will support Cotswold Care Hospice.

Gloucestershire band, JB Jazz and Blues are donating their services for the event.

The hospice is Hotel du Vin’s charity of the year.

Tickets are £25 and include a two-course lunch, a glass of champagne and an afternoon of music. The event starts at 1pm.

“The Hotel du Vin is the perfect venue for an afternoon of jazz and we’re delighted to be supporting Cotswold Care Hospice,” said John Beckingham, of JB Jazz and Blues. “The charity does such great work that we wanted to help a good cause.”

Every year Cotswold Care Hospice supports and cares for more than 400 people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

It costs £1.6 million a year to run the hospice in Minchinhampton. Less than 12 per cent of its funding comes from the Government.

For details about the jazz lunch or to book tickets, contact Marianne Sweet on 01453 886868 or email marianne.sweet@cotswoldcare.org.uk

A special chance for carers to enjoy an evening of romance

PEOPLE suffering from life-limiting illnesses have the chance to say thank you to their carers by treating them to a special night out.

The Hotel du Vin will invite 20 couples to a romantic meal at Cotswold Care Hospice.

All people have to do to qualify for the free event is write to Cotswold Care and tell them why their carers deserve a treat.

“Often when someone has a life-limiting illness, it is their partner or spouse who takes on the responsibility of caring,” said Sian Cole, head of care services at Cotswold Care.

“With all the difficulties that come with illness and caring, time together is often forgotten and the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company like normal couples is rare.”

Mrs Cole said people suffering from illnesses such as MND, Parkinson’s, Muscular Sclerosis, Huntingdon’s, heart, lung and renal diseases and cancer, find dining out in public places fraught with difficulty.

“They may have lost their self-confidence or just feel too fragile to be out and about,” said Mrs Cole.

Tom Ross, general manager of Hotel du Vin in Cheltenham, said he and his team were delighted to come to the hospice and offer the romantic meal.

“Cotswold Care is our charity of the year and we were touched by the idea of bringing a bit of pleasure to so deserving people. We will be able to cope with dietary requirements and offer them the complete Hotel du Vin experience in a setting that is safe, friendly and caring,” said Mr Ross.

Apero Events, based in Cheltenham, will transform the education suite of the hospice in Minchinhampton into a romantic venue.

The dinner will take place on April 27. The hospice near Stroud is wheelchair accessible and has a large car park. Hospice staff will be on hand to provide assistance.

The hospice is looking for musicians who would donate their talents to provide music on the evening.

To qualify for the special event, please write in no more than 200 words why you would like to treat your carer. Please include a bit about what illness you suffer from and any dietary requirements you may have. Send your letter, along with your name, address, email and phone to Marianne Sweet, Cotswold Care Hospice, Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton, Glos GL5 2PQ. For further information contact Marianne on 01453 886868 or email marianne.sweet@cotswoldcare.org.uk

Bishop blesses new Hospice

The Bishop of Gloucester blessed Cotswold Care Hospice‘s new building.

The Rt Michael Perham chatted to staff at the charity in Minchinhampton during his visit.

He blessed several rooms in the hospice, including the kitchen and clinic rooms.

Bishop Michael said: “It was a delight to meet the dedicated and happy staff of the Cotswold Care Hospice in their new purpose-built hospice, full of light, cheerfulness and colour.

“It was a privilege to bless the new building, confident that it will be a real source of blessing to all who visit it and use what it has to offer.”

The bishop also met members of the pastoral care team who support patients and carers at the hospice.

Marcus Green, Cotswold Care chief executive, said: “It was an honour to welcome Bishop Michael. We were officially opened by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in December. Having Bishop Michael bless the new building is the finishing touch.”

Every year Cotswold Care helps and supports more than 400 people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. All its services are provided free of charge.

The hospice is looking for clergy, of all faiths, to join its pastoral care team. For further information please contact Mr Green on 01453 886868 or email marcus.green@cotswoldcare.org.uk

Cotswold Care - A Patient’s Story

Here is a short video, commissioned by Cotswold Care Hospice. It is a patient’s story about how she came to Cotswold Care and how the hospice has supported her.

Wanted - adventurers willing to dive 10,000ft

Fancy an adventure of a lifetime? Brave enough to sky dive at 10,000ft and raise money for Cotswold Care? Then sign up for the Cotswold Care’s sponsored sky dive on Saturday May 9 at Cirencester Airfield.

Nurse Jackie Dyer took part in last year’s event and she loved every minute of it.

“I was going to do a jump 14 years ago but then I discovered I was pregnant,” said the 46-year-old. “It was something I had always wanted to do and decided now was the time.”

Jackie, who worked as a community nurse at Minchinhampton Surgery, knows first hand the support Cotswold Care Hospice provides.

“In my work I have used Cotswold Care a great deal over the years. I’ve been there on courses and referred patients and carers. I’ve seen how it has helped people. It was lovely to put something back into the hospice by raising money.”

Vicki Hayward, events manager at Cotswold Care, said: “All we ask is that you raise £405 in sponsorship money in order for you to jump for free and in turn we will receive an average donation of £140. Sky diving is a real adventure and a great way to raise money for Cotswold Care.”

Last year 33 brave souls raised more than £12,500 for the charity, based in Minchinhampton.

For details about the sky dive, contact events manager Vicki Hayward on 01453 886868 or email Vicki.Hayward@cotswoldcare.org.uk

Rotary auctions off promises for CCH

Drive away those credit crunch blues with a flutter on the horses or a shopping trip to London in style - and raise money for a good cause.

Tickets to Cheltenham races and a chauffeured shopping trip are just two of the fantastic lots up for grabs at the Cotswold Tyndale Rotary Club auction.

Proceeds will go to Cotswold Care Hospice.

If you fancy yourself a newshound, you can bid for a visit and a tour around BBC TV studios in Bristol.

Other prizes include: dinner at the officers’ mess at RAF Lyneham, a flight over the area, a visit to Parliament or handyman Richard Jenner (pictured) for a day to sort your decorating or garden.

The auction takes place on Saturday February 21 at the Five Valleys conference centre at the Forest Green Rovers’ home.

Philip Taubenheim, local auctioneer and star of the Antiques Roadshow and Going for a Song, will manage proceedings.

The evening starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 and include a finger buffet.

Individual or table for 10 tickets are available from Cotswold Care shops in Nailsworth, Minchinhampton, or Dursley or from Peter Jenner on 01453 878544.

Cath Kidston to judge Art Competition

International textile designer Cath Kidston will join a judging panel to commission an original artwork for Cotswold Care Hospice.

The 2009 Stroud District Council arts competition is run by Stroud District Council. A local artist will receive £3,000 to create a new textile artwork for the hospice’s new building.

The winning artist will be commissioned to create an artwork for the public lounge or the garden of Cotswold Care.

The creative arts play a major role in the therapy offered to patients and carers at the hospice.

Ms Kidston, a textile designer, became an international name with her witty reworking of traditional English country house style. She now has more than 33 shops and is an international success.

The award is open to artists living or working predominantly in the Stroud District. The shortlisted entries will be exhibited at the Subscription Rooms in April.

The public will be able to vote in person or by text during the exhibition.

Patients deserve the best care - and the money to receive it

COTSWOLD Care Hospice chief executive, Marcus Green, has urged the Government and health officials to stop arguing about a new way to pay for care.

The Government wants to give patients in England personal budgets to buy physiotherapy, home nursing and other healthcare services.

The new health bill could include powers to make direct payments to people with life-limiting illnesses such as asthma, Parkinson’s Disease and diabetes.

But doctors’ and nurses’ leaders have criticised the plans that it would be difficult to manage and that patients will not understand how to use their budgets.

Mr Green has welcomed the proposals but calls on the Government to be flexible and ensure there is enough money to make the budgets work.

“When someone is reaching the end of their life and nothing can stop their prolonged final illness it would be disgraceful if patients were denied access to suitable care because the bean counters haven’t worked out a budget and government hasn’t thought through the consequences of this policy,” said Mr Green.

He called for more talks with voluntary organisations about how the services would be provided, especially when dealing with people with life-limiting illnesses.

“There are areas where costing services can be done without too much difficulty, for example where diagnosis doesn’t change and treatment will be for a defined period it should be very easy,” he said.

“However a large proportion of palliative and hospice care is provided by voluntary sector organizations and there needs to be more discussions with hospices to ensure that patients are not denied care because a budget is not in place or when changes in that care need to reflect the changes within that illness.”

Fundraising goes with a swing

Lindyhoppers and jivers brought a touch of swing to the Regent Arcade in Cheltenham – and raised money for Cotswold Care Hospice.

Dance instructor James Hamilton, from jazzjiveswing which runs classes throughout Gloucestershire, cut the rug with his fellow dancers.

James said Cotswold Care had given invaluable support to his elderly mother who suffered from motor neurone disease.

As the dancers jived, shoppers were asked for donations.

James said: “Cotswold Care did so much for mum in terms of general care and making sure she had interesting things to do.

“Many people have a grim view of what a hospice is, but as far as Cotswold Care is concerned, it’s different. The facilities are new and the atmosphere is far from grim.”

To find out more about jazzjiveswing, log on to: www.jazzjiveswing.com

The Prince of Wales officially opened Cotswold Care Hospice’s new home.

In front of more than 200 guests, staff, volunteers and patients, the Prince praised the work of the hospice.

“I have been coming here in one way or another for 20 years now and I am so pleased to be here today,” the Prince said.

“There is so much effort and hard work that has made it possible to build this care hospice here. If I may just say that I do realise how much effort goes into all of this. I want to congratulate all those involved.

“This care building has made a great difference to all the people here. The staff here makes a huge difference to all the patients that come in. It is pleasing this remarkable service can be provided in this part of the county.

“It gives me the greatest pleasure then to declare this new hospice open.”

The new £2.8 million building was completed in May. It is on the site of the old hospice, a 1940s renovated house, which was demolished to make way for the purpose-built complex.

The hospice now has the facilities to support those suffering from a life-limiting illness from diagnosis onwards. With the new building, it can care for up to 100 patients per week.

It offers day therapy, counselling and bereavement services, a wide range of complementary therapies, support to families and carers as well as a number of other treatments and clinics. It also runs “Hospice at Home”, a support service that enables patients with terminal conditions to die in their own home. Anyone in Gloucestershire can apply for help from the Hospice. All services are provided free of charge.

The Prince supported the charity’s commitment to provide an inpatient unit at the hospice.

“I can now hope it will be possible to include the inpatient unit that is so badly needed. I look forward to seeing it. I know how great the need is,” said His Royal Highness.

Cotswold Care’s board of trustees is committed to providing one, but must first address the serious financial implications which such a facility would generate.

The Prince is patron of Cotswold Care. His involvement with the independent charity dates back to 1990, when His Royal Highness officially opened the first premises of the Hospice.

Carers’ Relaxation Day

For anyone who is the main unpaid carer of someone with a long term or life-limiting condition. A chance for some ‘me time’ at Cotswold Care Hospice on 24th February, 2009.

The day is free of charge and open to anyone who is a carer in Gloucestershire. You do not have to have a connection with the hospice to attend.

Among the treatments on offer will be manicures, massage, facials, reiki, creative therapy and reflexology. An opportunity to talk or just to relax. Lunch and refreshments will also be served.

To enjoy the event, which runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm, at Cotswold Care in Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton, please phone 01453 886868 to book a place.

Want to look stylish during the credit crunch without spending a packet?

Cotswold Care Hospice has the answer - check out their nine charity shops.

To show that high street fashion doesn’t have to cost the Earth, the charity challenged five fashionistas to check out the charity’s newest branch in Cheltenham and see what they could find.

Since charity shops depend on donations to keep its shelves stocked, it also asked the group to also come bring along some clothes they were willing to donate.

The fashionable five from Fitness First in The Brewery Cheltenham took up and the shopping gauntlet.

With their finds in hand they went to Ashley Paul Hairdressing in College Court, Gloucester, where salon owner Ashley Paul and stylists Joy Maith and Chris Long, worked their magic.

Here is the end result following a fashion shoot at FilmPhoto.co.uk at Arle Court Film Studios.

The charity has just opened its first shop in Cheltenham at 174 Bath Road, Leckhampton, which is open seven days a week.

Donations of clothing can be dropped off at any of the charity’s shops in Cirencester, Cheltenham, Nailsworth, Stroud, Minchinhampton, Dursley and Wotton-under-edge.

Cotswold Care Hospice, based in Minchinhampton, cares and supports people with life-limiting illness from diagnosis onwards. All its services are provided free. The charity needs to raise £1.4 million a year to operate.

A bin bag of second hand clothes can be worth £50 to the charity. The charity urgently needs donations and can arrange collections from companies or from groups.

Why not have a clear out and see what you can uncover! Please visit our shops page to find out where you can donate any unwanted saleable items!

Employees at a Cheltenham company are giving the shirts off their back – literally - for a good cause.

The 17 staff at Montpellier PR, cleared out their wardrobes and collected bags of clothes.

Their cast-offs will help stock Cotswold Care Hospice’s new charity shop in Leckhampton.

Every year the hospice helps more than 350 people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

All the services are provided free and the hospice helps anyone from Gloucestershire. The new shop in Bath Road opened in December. The charity, which is based in Minchinhampton and provides care for people across the county of Gloucestershire, is appealing for donations of clothes and bric-a-brac.

Group chief executive Guy Woodcock said “We are thrilled to be supporting one of Gloucestershire’s most deserving and progressive charities. People often have a preconception about things in life, and speaking personally I certainly did about hospices. That was before I learned about what Cotswold Care Hospice provides. I was quite taken aback and I honestly can’t think of a better cause for Montpellier to be involved with this autumn.”

A team of UCAS staff got wet and dirty – all in the name of team building and for a good cause.

More than 30 people from the Programme Unit took part in the work at Cotswold Care Hospice in Minchinhampton.

The team braved the weather to carry out a host of tasks in the hospice’s new garden. They cleared a pond, painted benches, weeded, dug and planted a tree.

Christina Rixon, test analyst at UCAS, said: “We had recently had several new starters in the unit and our Managers were keen that we all get to know each other better, so that the mix of project managers, business analysts and testers work efficiently in the future.”

Cotswold Care Hospice provides care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses, from diagnosis onwards.

Its new £2.8 million state-of-the-art complex will be officially opened later this month. The old hospice, a 1940s building, was demolished to make way for the new building. All its gardens have been completely revamped.

The UCAS team has visited the hospice three times to work on the new gardens.

“The day was a huge success and we would recommend it to anyone,” said Christina. “The team worked well together and all have a sense of achievement and hope we have made alliances for many years to come. Since the day, we’ve been working closer as a team so it was definitely worth the day out of the office!”

The team has also donated plants and plan to return to the hospice next year for more projects.

Three Sector Match works across Gloucestershire to encourage businesses to help voluntary organizations and charities by offering their skills and experience – for free. Businesses provide their time on a pro-bono basis to help support specific projects needing expertise in, for example, business planning, project management, website design, marketing or legal guidance.

Landscape gardener Michael Gamble is saying farewell to his 25-year career with flowers.

He is creating two special flower beds at Cotswold Care Hospice in Minchinhampton.

But he needs support to turn his swansong into a sweet-smelling reality.

Michael, who lives in Painswick, has recently opened his own funeral directing business in Stroud.

But he wanted to do something special to mark the end of his landscaping career.

When he learned that the hospice in Burleigh Lane had a new £2.8 million building and was creating new landscaping, he knew it was the perfect project.

So he is creating two beds at the entrance to the hospice.

“I wanted to create a really beautiful entrance way here. We’ve chosen plants like cotton lavender and Helebores which will flower at different times of year,” he said.

Costs have been kept to a minimum by employing a young garden design student Ed Cleere, who trained at Pershore College, to draw up the plans and sourcing the plants direct from wholesalers sympathetic to the charity.

All the planting has been done by Michael with the help of hospice volunteers and workers from Stroud’s Nelson Trust.

The trust is based in Brimscombe Hill and supports people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Part of that rehabilitation is to get people out in the community working and volunteering on local projects such as the Cotswold Care garden which gives them a sense of fulfillment and self worth.

Just a £5 donation would pay for a shrub such as a choisya or hydrangea, he said.

“If people would like to buy a specific plant and dedicate it to somebody special we can do that too.”

Donations can be made via the Michael Gamble Funeral Directors at 4 London Road, Stroud, or ring them on 01453 790900

Chelsea Building Society employees are top drawer when it comes to good deeds.

They are raising money for Cotswold Care Hospice and doing their bit to save the planet, all in one go.

The 700 employees at the society’s headquarters are donating unwanted clothes and bric-a-brac.

It will be used to stock Cotswold Care Hospice’s new shop in Cheltenham.

Sally Davies, Chelsea’s Community Support Consultant, said: “Everyone has things that are too good to throw away and most people don’t have time to take them to a charity shop.

“Acting as a collection point for our staff means the new Cotswold Care Hospice shop in Bath Road will be fully stocked ready for its opening and makes life easier for our staff. We’re really pleased to be able to help out and hope the new shop raises lots of vital funds for the charity.”

A bin bag of secondhand clothes is worth £50 to the charity. One bag would cover the cost of a therapy treatment. Two bags would help to pay for a patient’s visit to the day hospice.

Light up a Life, Cotswold Care Hospice’s Christmas campaign, raised a record amount.

The appeal encourages people to remember loved ones at Christmas and raise funds for a good cause.

For a small donation, people can dedicate a light on our special Christmas trees.

Their names are recorded in special books of remembrance which are kept at the hospice.

The highlight of the appeal were four services with carols, readings and music. More than 400 people attended the services.

This year the appeal so far has raised £21,500.

Stroud business, BJB Life & Pension Ltd, sponsored the Stroud service.

Actress Maureen Lipman backed the campaign.

Ms Lipman knows about the support hospice staff provide patients and their families.

Her husband, dramatist Jack Rosenthal, died in 2004, aged 72, from cancer.

Ms Lipman, best known as Beattie in the BT commercials, said: “Only those of us who know the utter relief and security of finding oneself in the Hospice environment can communicate to the rest of mankind that the Hospice movement way to live it.

“Please support Cotswold Care Hospice.

“I supported my local hospice, never thinking for one minute that it would ultimately embrace my husband in its warm loving glow and ease his passing for the rest of his family.”

Cotswold Care Hospice Shop Opens Doors in Cheltenham

Cotswold Care Hospice’s newest shop has opened — and set a record.

It had the best takings for a first day, in the hospice’s history.

The shop, in 174/174a Bath Road, is the also the first one the charity has opened in Cheltenham.

The charity’s retail manager, Joe Feeley, shop manager Clare Eccles and deputy Leisa Orford were thrilled with the results.

Panto stars from the Everyman Theatre and a special eight-year-old girl officially opened the shop last month.

Youngster Amy Baker, from Cirencester, only has half a heart that works.

Her mum Angie wanted her to have a bit of star treatment and Cotswold Care has come to the rescue.

Amy’s grandad, John Baker, was a patient at the hospice four years ago.

To make sure Amy arrived at the opening in style, Chris Macey, from 21st Limousines in Cheltenham, kindly offered to drive Amy to the shop in his white stretch limo.

The shop still needs an army of volunteers to help Claire and Leisa and stacks of donations to keep the shelves well-stocked.

“We have already had quite a few people come forward but we need loads more,” said Joe.

The shop is open seven days a week. To volunteer, contact Joe on 01242 574101 or email joe.feeley@cotswoldcare.org.uk

We deserve the right to die with dignity . . .

The following analysis was written by Cotswold Care Hospice chief executive Marcus Green and published in the Western Daily Press. It was in response to a report by the National Audit Office on the End of Life Strategy.

Death – it comes to us all yet few want to talk about it. If we could choose how we spent our final days on Earth, what would our answers be?

Would it be to die at home in our own bed, surrounded by people we love? In a bed on a busy shared hospital ward? Or in a hospice, surrounded by caring staff and loving family in a peaceful, dignified environment?

The aim of the Government’s End of Life strategy is to give everyone that choice.

Sadly, that choice in Gloucestershire – and almost certainly the rest of Britain, too – is somewhat limited.

The End of Life strategy is good in theory, but it falls down in practice. A report by watchdog the National Audit Office (NAO) demonstrates the urgent need for implementation of the strategy.

The NAO report states that the majority of people would prefer not to die in hospital but that the lack of NHS and social care support services means that many people do so, even though there is no medical reason.

Why does this happen? In a word, money. The amount that health authorities, the primary care trusts (PCTs), spend on palliative care services does not match the need. The NAO report reveals that the amount can vary from £154 to £1,684 per death.

Yet it is short-term gain. If there were more options and support, it would reduce the amount of time people approaching end of life have to spend in hospital. The NAO estimates that caring for cancer patients in the last year of their life costs some £1.8 billion.

It believes that £104 million could be redistributed to meet people’s preferences. In return, that would reduce emergency hospital admissions by 10 per cent. If people had alternative care they could access, it would reduce their hospital stay by about 25 per cent.

So the redistributed funds are not wasted. They would release hospital resources for other purposes and allow the terminally ill to choose how they die.

Yet the PCTs have only so much money to spend – their hands are tied by allocations from central government .

In Gloucestershire, it is believed that 20 per cent of people die in their homes. Yet a report by the National Council for Palliative Care estimates that at least 50 per cent of people would choose to die at home.

Research by the Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust showed that, in 2007, 3,453 people died in the county of cancer or circulatory disease. Of those, 1,903 died in hospital, 122 died in a hospice and 870 died at home.

The GPCT has a specialist palliative care team and has made strides with improving palliative care in the county but, as the NAO report shows, there is much still to be done. As the NAO states, independent hospices have an important role in providing end- of-life care. Independent hospices provide about 2,150 in-patient beds compared with 450 provided by NHS hospices.

Looking after terminally ill patients is a highly specialised profession. Palliative comes from the Latin word "to cloak".

In palliative care, the patient cannot be healed. Instead, the role of the health carer is to comfort the patient and manage their pain, whether physical or emotional, and the ethos of a hospice is to provide care for the "whole person" not just the illness.

Cotswold Care Hospice offers counselling – for patients and carers – spiritual guidance and therapies along with the clinical care. It provides day services and clinics for patients and palliative care training for the professionals.

Many, including Cotswold Care Hospice, provide a hospice-at- home service which is a 24-hour on-call service providing medical support for patients choosing to die at home.

That can take the form of a caring voice at the end of the phone or a nurse spending the night at a house, allowing carers to get much-needed rest. All these services are provided free of charge, yet hospices receive limited Government funding and must depend on fundraising to provide the bulk of their revenue. The rest must be raised through charitable activities, and most of it is raised by the general public.

Cotswold Care Hospice, at present, does not have a bedded unit. Its board of trustees is committed to providing one, but must first address the serious financial implications which such a facility would generate.

The charity must be able to run the in-patient unit with little or no NHS support. To provide the services, it must raise £1.4 million a year. To support a bedded unit, itwould have to raise more than double that amount. It receives less than 12 per cent in Government funding.

In Gloucestershire, there are only 16 hospice beds available – at the one hospice – for a population of 584,000. A 10-bed unit can cost more than £2 million a year to run.

Depending on the support of the local primary care trust, the funding can vary from zero to 30 per cent.

Cotswold Care Hospice welcomes the NAO report and applauds its recommendations. Yet, until the Government is willing to deliver the strategy, little will change. Every person deserves the right to die with dignity and to have their say, as much as possible, on how they leave this life.

In order for that to happen, we must be willing to talk about death and lobby those who hold the purse strings.

Marcus Green is chief executive of Cotswold Care Hospice at Minchinhampton, Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Nailsworth Olympic Heroes presented with cards of congratulations

Olympians Dan Robinson and Peter Reed received a heroes welcome when they returned to their hometown of Nailsworth at the weekend.

After an open top bus ride through the town there was a reception hosted at Forest Green Rovers attended by the Mayor and also two hospice volunteers Jill Dyer and Jenny Russell

Turns out that Jill, who volunteers in the CCH shop in Nailsworth was once babysitter to Gold Medalist Peter Reed when he was a lad!

Dan and Peter were presented with the cards of congratulations that had been gathering signatures from people from across the county who visited the shop in August.

Hospice volunteer wins Community Pride Award!

We are delighted to announce that Doug Gregory has been awarded a Community Pride Award by Stroud District Council to recognise and celebrate the efforts he has made in the community by helping others on a voluntary basis.

Doug has been a voulunteer at CCH since the early days of the organisation and assists in driving patients and also with the upkeep of our wonderful gardens.

Well done Doug ! Your service and commitment to the hospice and that of all our volunteers is much appreciated by al who benefit from the care that we provide.

New shop open for business in Cirencester

Cotswold Care Hospice is delighted to announce the opening of a brand new Charity Shop selling quality second hand goods in Cirencester.

The official opening will took place on Monday 21^st July at 10am when Lady Apsley who is a Vice President of the charity formally declares the shop open for business.

The shop which is located at 43 Dyer Street opposite Gardiners will be selling quality items of clothes, bric-a-brac, books and much more.

Peter Rowbottom, Head of Fundraising at the hospice has been looking forward to opening premises in Cirencester for some time and commented “The hospice cares for many patients and there families from Cirencester and the surrounding villages and we also have a thriving Friends Group based in the town that organises events throughout the year on our behalf. We pride ourselves on running charity shops that stock quality goods that are presented immaculately which always keep our customers satisfied and coming back for more!”

Cotswold Care are still on the hunt for volunteers who can help run the shop and also for any unwanted good quality items that can be donated - please visit the premises between the hours of 9am and 4pm Monday to Saturday.

If you would like to get in touch by phone then please call Joe Feeley, Retail Manager on 01285 652 245.

Teddy provides windfall for Wotton shop

A teddy bear raised a fantastic sum of £620 when it was auctioned at Wotton Auction rooms on behalf of Cotswold Care Hospice. The bear which was donated to the charity shop in Wotton was an rare red colour and fetched bids and int

erest all the way from across the pond in the United States! Makes you wonder just what you might have stored away gathering dust in your attic? Why not have a clear out and see what you can uncover! Please visit our shops page to find out where you can donate any unwanted saleable items!

Gloucestershire Northern Senior League supports Cotswold Care

Bill Phillips, Chairman of the Northern Senior League management committee presented a cheque to the hospice for £300 at a visit to the hospice in July. The donation came from proceeds of the league cup competition played during the early part of the 2007/2008 season. Many thanks to all involved in helping to raise this money which will be used to help pay for the essential care that the hospice provides to hundreds of patients and their families each and every year from across Gloucestershire.

First ever Midnight Walk a phenomenal success!

OVER 1,200 women put their best foot forward for a midnight walk in Cirencester Park on Friday to raise money for Cotswold Care Hospice.

Bond girl Fiona Fullerton was joined by actress Helen Worth who plays Gail in Coronation Street and Lady Apsley, who is vice president of the hospice, for the first ten-mile walk of its kind.

Organisers hailed the event a success as some women were so keen they headed off before the official start.

Head of the hospice’s fundraising Peter Rowbottom said: "Midnight came and the ladies were off but we were still registering the last few ladies, leaving Bond girl Fiona Fullerton, who was meant to be starting the race behind. That’s girl power for you.

Before the ten-mile walk got underway staff from the Cotswold Academy were on hand to offer massages and soothe limbs at the end.

Women joined in from Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Swindon and Stroud.

Event Manager Vicki Hayward said "The atmosphere was unbelievable, people were meeting old friends, walking as families