To mark Hospice Care Week 2024, Prospect Hospice and Dorothy House are joining forces to raise awareness of the vital role that hospices play in supporting individuals and their families needing end-of-life care.
Between Monday 7 October and Sunday 13 October, Hospice Care Week shines a spotlight on the area's hospices, and their staff.
This year’s theme will be all about hospice retail, and the role it plays in funding hospice services.
The hospices will be celebrating the amazing contribution of their shops, the people behind them, as well as highlighting their work to government because funding has not kept pace with need and rising costs.
“Our 18 shops are vital to contributing to the work we do,” said Jeremy Lune, CEO of Prospect Hospice. “In fact, we receive more money from our Prospect Hospice shops each year, than we do from our government. Which is amazing and quite scary at the same time. Every item our supporters buy from us, and every item we receive makes a difference. Buying a £1 book, is the equivalent to three cups of tea for a grieving family…your purchases are vital.”
Wayne de Leeuw, CEO of Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “With over 27 Dorothy House shops across our 800 square mile patch, we are indebted to our community, our staff, and our army of volunteers for helping us to raise vital income that simply isn’t matched by government funding.
"With each warehouse sale we run, we sell an average of 15 rails of clothing - that’s over 14,000 garments saved from landfill each year. For every penny you spend in our stores, you’re supporting local hospice care and preserving our planet.”
During Hospice Week 2024, both hospices will be hosting a series of events, sales and activities to highlight the importance of hospice care and the difference it makes in the lives of those it serves.
By working together, Prospect Hospice and Dorothy House aim to raise awareness of hospice care, challenge misconceptions, and encourage the community to support their vital work through donations, shopping second hand, volunteering in shops and Gift Aid.
There are even careers available for anyone seeking a rewarding role in retail.