Your newsletter from St Barnabas House Autumn 2020

Caring through COVID-19Thanks to you, we’ve continued supporting patients and their families through the pandemic

ALSO INSIDE... Helping those in isolation | Meet hospice patients Debbie and Paul | Exciting events to inspire you

Stay in touch Write to St Barnabas House, Titnore Lane, Worthing, West Sussex BN12 6NZ

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Staying connectedYou’re supporting two great services to help us keep in touch with isolated patients throughout the pandemic

Could you be a Community Companion?To find out more, or if you’re interested in becoming a Community Companion, please visit: www.stbh.org.uk/community-companions

Inspiring accoladeWe’re proud to announce that in April, our Community Companions service was awarded the Quality in Befriending Excellence Award. This followed assessments by Befriending Networks, the UK’s leading resource on befriending. Community Companions was praised for meeting all 96 indicators of good practice and 29 excellence indicators.

Since Community Companions first launched in 2012, over 750 local people with terminal conditions have been paired with specially trained volunteers who offer companionship and practical support. You help support this service through your donations, and you’re a big part of its success.

During lockdown, being without a network of family and friends has been extremely difficult for some hospice patients. So we’re delighted that our Helping Hands and Community Companions services are making a difference.

Friendly and accessibleHelping Hands is run by our Voluntary Services team, who coordinate our wonderful hospice staff. They’ve been giving up their own time to support people in our community, collecting prescriptions and delivering essential shopping and medication. They’ve also been making friendly phone calls to keep in touch with patients and help tackle loneliness. Fundraising team member Claudia Pearce has been delivering food shopping and says, “It’s really nice to do something positive and help vulnerable patients in this uncertain time.”

In another big-hearted initiative, our St Barnabas House Community Companions stepped in when home visits stopped at the height of the pandemic. Unable to see their patients face-to-face, volunteers like Anna Ross continued supporting them by phone. Anna has been a Community Companion since 2018, and makes regular calls to Daphne, who lives in Sompting.

THANK YOU!We’ve been overwhelmed by your response to our Emergency SOS Crisis Appeal, to help keep our vital services running during the health crisisWhen coronavirus first struck, St Barnabas House’s income plummeted by 70% per month due to cancelled events and activities, and the closure of our charity shops. But you’ve been amazing! In an incredible outpouring of love and support, our wonderful community has raised an astounding £123,360 to ensure we can continue caring for out patients. Thank you so much.

“Although we haven’t been able to have home visits it’s been great to keep in touch with regular phone calls,” Anna told us. “It’s nice for us both, as we talk about anything and everything and it keeps our friendship going until we can restart the home visits.”

Our thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in both Helping Hands and Community Companions. Keep up the good work!

Anna and Daphne before Covid-19

Email info@stbh.org.uk Telephone 01903 706300 @stbarnabashouse

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Creative collaborationInspired by artist-in-residence Stevan, hospice patient Debbie is embracing art to stay uplifted through the health crisisYou may remember reading about 62-year-old Debbie in your summer 2018 newsletter. Despite having advanced Parkinson’s Disease, this determined lady has continued her love of roller-skating, which helps alleviate her symptoms and improve her wellbeing.

In 2017, while attending our Day Hospice, Debbie met artist-in-residence Stevan. She showed him a clip of her skating and told him how the vigorous exercise helps manage her dyskinesia – the uncontrollable energy and movements Parkinson’s causes. Together they made an award-winning film to highlight the benefits of skating and help change perceptions of people with disabilities like Debbie’s. Stevan and Debbie have stayed in touch, and have been collaborating on another exciting art project during the Covid-19 pandemic, as Debbie explains:

“The idea is that Stevan posts me a piece of art he’s started working on, and then I add to it and post it back,” says Debbie. “One of the pieces is a sheet of paper with holes in. It’s making me think of an essay my father wrote, years ago, which was all about holes. I think I’d like to combine this with the idea of holes in the fabric of time.”

Lively discussionsDebbie has also been in touch with our Lead for Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy, Stephen, during the pandemic. “We talk about all sorts of things,” she tells us. “I’m an ordained Buddhist and he’s an ordained Christian so we have a lot to talk about. We swap readings and teachings. There are so many similarities in our faiths, and we discuss what it is about our faiths that keep us going.”

Lockdown hasn’t been easy for Debbie. She’s been unable to go out and has had to stay in her care home room for most of the time. Staying in touch with Stevan and Stephen has been a lifeline for her.

“What St Barnabas has provided me with during this difficult time is human contact,” says Debbie. “That and the time they’ve been able to offer me has made me feel like an individual.”

Debbie with her artwork

Your moving sunflower memoriesA huge thanks to everyone who supported this year’s Sunflower Memories Appeal, raising an amazing £38,500 to support St Barnabas House In August, the entrance to the hospice blossomed with your beautiful sunflower markers, each bearing the name of a loved one with a dedication in their memory. Sadly, the Covid-19 restrictions meant we couldn’t hold our usual gathering, but you can watch our moving virtual dedication at www.stbh.org.uk/time-of-reflection. You can also still dedicate a virtual sunflower by visiting www.stbh.org.uk/sunflowermemories

“Stevan is always coming up with new ideas and new ways to think about things, which encourages me to keep going. I honestly don’t think I would still be here if it wasn’t for him”

Debbie

Stay in touch Write to St Barnabas House, Titnore Lane, Worthing, West Sussex BN12 6NZ

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We’re joining with other hospices across the country in this nationwide campaign to raise awareness of hospice care Hospice Care Week is about flying the flag for the wonderful care that UK hospices provide, and addressing the misconceptions and fears many people have about them. There are lots of ways you can support St Barnabas House, including fundraising, making a donation, visiting our shops or leaving us a gift in your Will. If you’d like to organise a fundraising event, our Fundraising Team would love to hear from you. Email them now at fundraising@stbh.org.uk or call 01903 254777.

Adjusting and adaptingThey may be slightly different, but our crucial Day Hospice services are back, supporting people like Paul In July 2019, Paul was diagnosed with a brain tumour. After hospital treatment ended, he was told nothing more could be done, and in January he was referred to the St Barnabas House Day Hospice for palliative care.

“It’s hard to put my feelings into words,” says Paul. “But when I came to Day Hospice for the first time it was like being discovered again. Everyone cared so much. They weren’t just looking at my notes and my medication. For the first time in ages, I was asked, ‘how are you?’ and just those few words made such a difference. I feel like I can ask the team anything and I’m so grateful they’ve taken the time to get to know me as a person.”

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic meant we had to halt our Day Hospice services soon after Paul started attending, and he’s been shielding at home for the past few months. Now services have started to resume, albeit in a very different format, we caught up with Paul to find out how he feels about the ‘new normal’.

“My ‘new normal’ started before coronavirus, when I found out I had cancer and started coming into the Day Hospice,” Paul tells us. “I didn’t realise how much I appreciated attending until I couldn’t anymore. It felt like a big hole in my life. But for the last couple of weeks, coming in on a Tuesday and having physio on a Thursday has created a ‘new’ new normal. We’ve been doing activities – exercises, playing games, as well as just spending time chatting.”

There for each otherThe interaction with staff and other patients, and knowing you’re not alone is a big part of the Day Hospice “You see the same people all the time and they get to know you and what you’re going through,” explains Paul. “I really missed that connection when the Day Hospice was closed, so it’s nice to be getting that back now. St Barnabas also helps my family because they know there are other people who can support us. When it’s just them I think they can feel quite vulnerable. So I’m sure it relieves their burden a bit, knowing I can come here and talk to other people. I love it here.”

Support Hospice Care Week 5-11 October 2020

Email info@stbh.org.uk Telephone 01903 706300 @stbarnabashouse

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We’re thrilled that our charity shops have reopened and are delighted to welcome back our loyal customers and generous donorsOur shops are following Government and Charity Retail Association guidelines, and you’ll find a number of changes when you visit to help keep customers and staff safe.

What remains the same is the friendly welcome and range of stock inside. As well as the full range of good quality items you’ve come to expect, we have lots to help you prepare for the festive season. Choose from stocking fillers, festive party wear and gifts for your loved ones – even colourful pet toys to put under the tree for your furry friends! Our new range of Christmas cards for 2020 is available in our shops too, as well as at www.stbh.org.uk/onlineshop

For more information about retail, including our shops, furniture collection and house clearances, please visit www.stbh.org.uk/shops

Retail Volunteers neededWe urgently need more shop and warehouse volunteers to help us bounce back from the temporary closures. For more information, please email our Voluntary Services Team at volunteers@stbh.org.uk or call 01903 706315.

Open for business

Play and help othersJoin our fun weekly Lottery, and help ensure the very best hospice care for local people and their familiesOur weekly Lottery costs just £1 to play, with a top prize of £1,000 and 22 other weekly cash prizes up for grabs. Most importantly, you’ll help local people spend their last days in comfort and dignity, exactly where and how they want to be. Join our lottery now, at www.stbarnabaslottery.org.uk or call the Lottery Team on 01903 871842.Promoter: St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd. Responsible Managers: Rebecca Jupp and Alan Maher. Licensed under the Gambling Act 2005. Registered Charity Number 0256789. www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk Players must be 16 years old or over and a UK resident.

Friends indeedBy making a regular donation to St Barnabas House you’ll automatically become one of our Circle of Friends – just like StefStef’s mother and godmother were cared for by the hospice, and she’s a regular volunteer and fundraiser for us. A few years ago, Stef’s workplace encouraged staff to make a regular monthly donation from their salaries to a charity of their choice. Stef chose St Barnabas House.

“It was really simple to set up the direct debit,” Stef explains. “Making a regular gift is so easy and affordable because you decide what amount you’d like to give. It means you can effectively manage your donations and St Barnabas House can rely on a monthly income that offers consistency and stability.”

Join our Circle of Friends With many of our fundraising activities cancelled or postponed due to the health crisis, we need urgent support to make up the shortfall. If you can, please consider giving a regular gift to St Barnabas House, either online at www.stbh.org.uk/regulargift or by calling 01903 706329. Thank you.

Covid-19 can’t stop our fab supporters! There are loads of ways to raise funds for St Barnabas, and thanks to everyone who already has!

A mile a day, your way

Stay in touch Write to St Barnabas House, Titnore Lane, Worthing, West Sussex BN12 6NZ

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Exciting events

Good luck to......our South Downs Trek walkers, taking on a marathon challenge on Saturday 19 September! Our dedicated team will make every step count as they walk 26.2 miles over the beautiful South Downs for St Barnabas House.

Hit the Downs MTBThere’s still time to enter this exhilarating off-road cycle ride, rescheduled for Sunday 11 OctoberStarting from Adur Recreation Ground, Shoreham, the undulating course will test your mettle with its tricky climbs and rapid downhill descents. Choose from two routes: The 30k route costs £35 to enter and the brand new 80k route costs £45, with no minimum sponsorship. Sign up now, at www.stbh.org.uk/hit-the-downs-mtb

Get set for Fit FebFollowing the success of our virtual exercise challenge, we’re gearing up for Fit Feb 2021Fit Feb is about moving a mile a day throughout February in support of St Barnabas House, whether you choose to run, walk, or swim. The best part is that you don’t need to be super fit or belong to a gym to commit to the challenge.

Join team Fit Feb now www.stbh.org.uk/fit-feb and commit to your mile a day move. Registration is free and closes on 31 January 2021.

Looking aheadWe’re making plans for all our 2021 events and hope to bring you more details in the next few months. You can keep up to date at www.stbh.org.uk/challenge-events or by following our social media. @StBarnabasHouse

A big thank you to…...everyone who took part in the rescheduled Night to Remember – Sunrise edition walk on 12 September. Over 400 of you walked seven miles from your own front doors into the sunrise, raising over £39,000 for the hospice. We’re also grateful to local radio station, More FM, for supporting all the walkers with song requests and good luck messages throughout the morning.

Well done to......all who braved the Emirates Spinnaker Tower Abseil on 6 and 13 September and good luck to those doing their abseil on 4 October. If you’d like to test your nerve, see breathtaking views over Portsmouth harbour and the Solent before descending 320ft down this iconic tower, get in touch now to register your interest!

Festive fundraisers

Email info@stbh.org.uk Telephone 01903 706300 @stbarnabashouse

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Together we can make this Christmas really magical for our hospice patients and their families

Your Will can help St BarnabasOctober is Make a Will Month, when you can have a simple Will written or updated and support St Barnabas House During Make a Will Month, local solicitors will write Wills in return for a donation to St Barnabas House. The cost is £110 for a single Will or £160 for a joint Will, and every penny raised enables us to continue caring for the local community.

Gifts in Wills are critical to us. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them. So, if you’re considering making or amending a Will during Make a Will Month, we’d be really grateful for your support.

To find out how Make a Will Month works and which solicitors are taking part, visit www.stbh.org.uk/makeawillmonth or call 01903 706351.

Choose our Christmas cardsOur gorgeous Christmas cards are designed to suit all tastes, and the money they raise each year is really important to usThe cards come in packs of 10 and you can pick them up at any of our charity shops. You can also buy them online at www.stbh.org.uk/onlineshop or place an order using the form enclosed with this newsletter.

Our celebrations may be a little different this year, but you can still be part of this beautiful Christmas ceremonyLight Up a Life represents everything St Barnabas House

stands for – living life to the full, creating precious memories and making the most of the time we have. Our services usually take place each December, and we invite everyone to join together and celebrate the memory of their loved ones – by making a dedication and lighting a special candle. Unfortunately, the health crisis prevents us from getting together this year, but we’re making alternative plans and will be in touch soon with more information. Meanwhile you can find out more about Light Up a Life at www.stbh.org.uk/lightupalife

2020

for St Barnabas House

Dress up as Santa, wear your favourite Christmas jumper and get your friends and colleagues to join in and donate to St Barnabas

You can ‘Wear it Festive’ any time during December, whether you’re at home, work or school. You could even think up a fab fundraising activity – a mince pie mingle, carol singing or Christmas gift wrapping (all socially distanced of course) – to raise even more for local hospice care. Your support will make a real difference to our patients and their families.

For more about Wear It Festive and to register to take part, please visit www.stbh.org.uk/wearitfestive or contact our Fundraising Team on 01903 254777 or

at fundraising@stbh.org.uk

You’re amazingThanks to you, 2019 was another incredible year of providing care and support for our wonderful patients and their loved ones

14,410 telephone calls and 5,396 home visits

were made by our amazing community nurses, often the first point of contact

for patients.

10,933 patient visits were conducted by our Hospice at Home team,

supporting 381 patients needing hands-on end of life care in their homes.

2,754 sessions were delivered by our Family Services Team, to help families who had lost a

loved one.

We couldn’t do it without you, and we can’t thank you enough.

1,966 patients were cared for, including

1,199 people who were newly referred. 15% of

our patients last year were under the age of 65.

3,200 therapy sessions were provided. Each year

hundreds of patients benefit from the day services,

outpatient clinics, wellbeing classes and complementary

therapies you support.

477 patients were admitted to our In-patient Unit. We provide

end of life care to those diagnosed with cancer and to patients with end stage respiratory, liver, heart, or renal diseases. 32% of patients

we cared for in 2019 had a non-cancer diagnosis.