Month: March 2018

28 March 2018

Say cheese! Our Cheddar store is looking for versatile volunteers

Our Weston Hospicecare shop in Cheddar is gearing up for the summer season, and is looking for more volunteers to work in this dynamic and friendly store.

From April 3rd- 5th, shop manager Steph Flinders will be holding a special volunteer recruitment drive, where anyone interested is encouraged to call into the store and chat to Steph about all the amazing opportunities which volunteering can bring.

Steph said: “Volunteering in our store gives people the change to give something back to the community, and it’s an excellent use of their spare time.

“We’re sociable and not too serious here; we like to all meet up for events such as Christmas meals, bingo evenings, and so on. I like to make sure our volunteers are as comfortable as possible.

“Right now, we’re specifically looking for cover on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons, and Saturdays. Even helping out for one Saturday a month is a massive help for us. We’re also on the lookout for anyone who’d like to help put out stock on a Friday afternoon”

Volunteering not only benefits Weston Hospicecare as a charity, but it also proves invaluable to the person giving up their time, too.

For anyone looking to re-enter the workplace after a career break, volunteering offers the chance to acquire valuable new skills, or to refresh an existing skill set. It also offers the chance to make new friends and find some company, like Hazel, who is one of the Cheddar volunteers.

She said: “I can do as much as I want here, and there’s always plenty of tea! I live on my own, so it’s nice to come in here and have some company.

“Volunteering benefits the hospice, but it’s a two-way street; I get as much from it as they do.”

With the summer season fast approaching, our Cheddar store will also be opening its outdoor shop; the perfect place to pick up camping equipment or a fully reconditioned bicycle.

28 March 2018

Weston Hospicecare agrees sale of former Mooseheart Hotel

The former Mooseheart hotel in Winscombe has been sold by Weston Hospicecare.

The charity acquired the building (pictured above, courtesy of Weston Mercury) in July 2014 as it planned for future development and expansion.

The following year, hospice leaders conducted a detailed consultation with staff, volunteers and supporters. This research found that the views of the hospice community mirrored the national view that care at home would be more appreciated and helpful than a bigger building with more beds.

There were further concerns that a location outside of Weston could lead to a loss of local support, both financial and those who work as volunteers.

That meant the charity decided against expanding from its base in Uphill’s Thornbury Road, and the Mooseheart building was placed back on the market.

The building’s sale has now been completed, although the buyer has asked for details of the transaction to remain confidential at this time.

Chair of trustees Judi Driscoll said: “We listened to our staff and supporters and have now completed the sale of the old Mooseheart hotel.

“At the request of the purchaser all details of the sale will remain confidential.

“From our Uphill base we will continue to care for terminally ill people in the community, in our Day Hospice, the Well-Being Centre and our 10-bed In-Patient Unit.

“Weston Hospicecare remains a local, unique, charitable organisation which has captured the hearts and minds of many.

“Its closeness to the community is built on trust and a reputation for care, compassion and professional treatment and will continue to do this for many years to come.”

Last year, Weston Hospicecare cared for 137 patients at its In-Patient Unit, and more than 750 in their own homes across Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas.

The charity’s services cost more than £4million a year to run, but only a fifth of that comes from Government funding – the rest is raised through community support.

27 March 2018

Dancers dazzle at Weston Hospicecare’s Strictly debut

Twelve dancing couples thrilled a packed house at the Winter Gardens on Saturday for Weston Hospicecare’s inaugural Strictly Fun Dancing event.

The event – based on the BBC’s hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing – saw a dozen amateur couples compete in a dance contest compered by Homes Under The Hammer host Martin Roberts.

Each couple had undergone eight weeks of dance training from Weston-based Burning Salsa in preparation for the event, which played out in front of a sold-out audience of nearly 400 people.

And with raucous backing from their own teams of supporters, the couples delivered a series of fun, inventive routines which earned lavish praise from a panel of judges which included BBC Radio Bristol’s Emma Britton, the Weston Mercury’s Vicky Angear, dance organiser Chloe Helmore and Emma Sage of Weston’s The Dance Company.

Winners Sarah Woolf and John Harvey earned a huge ovation when their victory was announced; the only bigger cheer of the night came when it was revealed the night had raised £18,000 towards the hospice’s work caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Further sponsorship is still being collected, so the final total is not yet known.

Sarah, a dance movement psychotherapist, runs an expressive movement therapy group at the hospice, and said she and John were thrilled to be able to support a cause which meant a lot to them.

She said: “We were in it to support the hospice and to entertain people, but we also wanted to show through dance what music and creative movement can do to help people relive memories or reconnect with parts of themselves they may have lost.

“Our performance was dedicated to the expressive movement therapy group, but was also themed around Weston-super-Mare – the first routine was based on the old Winter Gardens tearooms and meeting my love, and the second was set on the beach.

“I thought everyone was amazing on the night, and we were gobsmacked to win, so we would like to thank everybody who played a part in the event – it was one of the best days of our lives.”

The event was sponsored by fuel company BWOC, and helped raise money for the hospice – which costs £4million a year to run, of which only a fifth is funded by the government – through ticket sales, sponsorship, donations on the night and a silent auction.

Weston Hospicecare’s event fundraiser Kelsey Dehaney said: “I was very proud of everyone who took part. I have been watching them train from day one, and they have improved so much. Even though a lot of them were nervous, they all did an amazing job.

“I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I am pleased to see that everyone else did too. So a huge thank you on behalf of everyone at Weston Hospicecare to everyone who took part, and everyone who came to support. It was a fabulous night – and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

27 March 2018

Expert help needed for Weston Hospicecare’s trustee board

Medical and financial professionals are being invited to give something back to their community by joining the board of trustees at Weston Hospicecare.

The hospice, based in Thornbury Road in Uphill, cares for around 900 patients a year with life-limiting illnesses, and supports their families too.

The charity’s work is overseen by a group of unpaid trustees, who play a key role in ensuring it delivers on its goal of providing excellent palliative care to people from across Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset.

There are currently three vacancies within the trustee body, meaning the hospice is looking to recruit two new trustees from a medical background – palliative care experience would be particularly welcome – and one with financial expertise.

Chair of trustees Judi Driscoll said: “We are looking to recruit three new trustees who will be able to help the charity achieve its vision and who are passionate about excellence in palliative care.

“The role of trustee is unremunerated and there are six board meetings per year plus various committee responsibilities.

“As a trustee, you will play an important role and – with your fellow trustees – will be responsible for ensuring the good governance of Weston Hospicecare and helping us to deliver our strategy, which is to work to make sure that everyone we care for can live as well as they can for as long as they can.

“Offering your skills and expertise to Weston Hospicecare as a trustee can be enormously rewarding on a personal level, while also playing a crucial role in helping to deliver its much-needed services.”

It costs £4million a year to run the hospice and its community services, but only a fifth of that is funded by the government. Its remaining costs are met by the community in the form of donations, legacies and fundraising events, plus its lottery and shops.

However, all of its services are provided free of charge.

That means volunteer support is vital in keeping costs down, and at present more than 600 people are actively volunteering their time in support of Weston Hospicecare’s 150 staff.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering their time and skills for a trustee role can learn more about the role – and how to submit their interest – here.

Alternatively, they can contact HR manager Sonja Hammond via sonja.hammond@westonhospicecare.org.uk or 01934 423900.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the hospice and will be given the opportunity to discover more about how the charity operates.

23 March 2018

Burnham Blossoms: Spring has Arrived

The snow has only just melted, and there might even be more on the way, but believe it or not, it’s now officially Spring. With Easter right around the corner, the town of Burnham-on-Sea is getting ready for its holiday season to begin. As schools across the country take a two week break, caravan parks will start filling up, and our Weston Hospicecare shops in the High Street and College Street will be ready to welcome residents and holiday makers alike.

If the lack of warmth outside makes you long for something a bit brighter, pay a visit to our High Street store to take a look at their fabulous window display. Put together by our retail assistant, Kim, the display features bright yellow daffodils, colourful mini eggs, and hand-decorated egg cups filled with spring flowers. It’s warm and welcoming, just like the store itself. Shop manager Emily Wagemans, said “We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors to the shop over Easter and into the Summer season. Our shelves are filled with a range of brand new toys and games, and we’ve also got a fantastic collection of clothes. Whether it’s hand-made Easter Chicks, brand new jewellery, or the perfect outfit, we have something for everyone.”

If you live in the area and have some time to spare, why not consider volunteering in one of our Burnham shops? You’re promised a warm and friendly welcome, and whatever time you can spare would be very much appreciated. Not only does volunteering benefit Weston Hospicecare and the community, it’s also a great way to make new friends and learn valuable new skills; ideal if you’re looking to re-enter employment.

If you’d like to know more, contact our Volunteering Department on 01934 423975, or call into our Burnham High Street Store.

23 March 2018

Prizes on offer for Easter treasure hunters

A host of hidden prizes lie waiting to be discovered across Weston-super-Mare this Easter holidays – and treasure seekers can support Weston Hospicecare by joining the hunt.

Lock and Code Escape Room, based at two sites in Weston’s Meadow Street and at West Wick’s Ivy House Business Centre, is a novel attraction which invites participants to try to escape from a locked room by solving a series of puzzles and riddles before their time runs out.

But its creator Matt Russe is taking the game on the road for Easter, and has devised a treasure hunt which is suitable for all ages to run during the school holidays.

He describes it as ‘an old-school treasure hunt’ but says players will encounter some more intricate puzzle elements as they progress.

Cash prizes and vouchers lie in wait for the winners, and entry to the game is free – though Matt is encouraging players to make a donation to the hospice in return for taking part.

He said: “As always we’ve been pretty busy here at Lock and Code and have put together an Easter treasure hunt for the Easter holidays.

“It starts on March 26, with cash prizes and vouchers hidden around Weston-super-Mare for all to find.

“To play, just contact us through our website and request the first clue, map and instructions on how to play and we will reply to you on the morning of the 26th.

“It’s completely free to take part, however if you would like to give a donation for our hard work then please go to https://www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/make-a-donation/ to make a donation to this worthy cause.

“We decided to support the hospice because we didn’t think there was a charity more deserving.

“Although it’s not, luckily, been a place we’ve had cause to visit, I think everyone is aware of its vital work and its role in giving hope and comfort to those who have none.”

Lock and Code was launched in 2016, and now operates a number of different rooms, with its latest – a super hero themed room – set to open on April 1.

To find out more, or to sign up to the Easter treasure hunt, search for Lock and Code on Facebook, or log on to www.lockandcode.co.uk

16 March 2018

‘We’ve made wonderful friends’ – manager’s thanks as shop closes

Weston Hospicecare’s shop in Wedmore closes today, but its manager has marked the farewell by thanking villagers for their support in the eight months it has been running.

The shop in Borough Mews opened last summer, but traded for the final time today before closing its doors.

Shop manager Tracey Franklin-Greenwood said she was sad to see the shop close, but paid tribute to the hard work of the volunteer team which helped run it, and to Wedmore villagers for their support.

Tracey, who began working at the Wedmore shop a month after it opened, said: “Our customers have been so lovely, so I would like to thank them for their support during the months the shop has been running.

“We have made some wonderful friends in Wedmore, and we are sad to be saying goodbye.”

Tracey (pictured, centre, alongside Shirley Wederell, chair of the hospice’s Wedmore Friends group, and volunteer Liz Burton) will move to the hospice’s shop in Winscombe instead, where she will be joined by other members of Wedmore’s volunteer team.

Weston Hospicecare’s Retail Director Gemma Turner said it is never an easy decision to close a shop, but joined Tracey in heralding the support offered by the Wedmore community.

Gemma said: “We of course have a responsibility to manage our resources in the best interests of Weston Hospicecare, and that means ensuring our shops are in the best possible locations.

“That can sometimes mean changes need to be made to our portfolio, and while it’s always a difficult decision to close a shop, we would like to thank the people of Wedmore for all of their support over the past eight months, and to say how much we have enjoyed being a part of the village community.

“Running the shop has been a wonderful experience which Tracey, Lisa and our fantastic volunteer team have really enjoyed.”

Weston Hospicecare’s successful Wedmore Friends group will continue to operate in the village, while the support offered to patients in Wedmore will not be affected by the shop move.

Shoppers – and people keen to donate items for sale – will still be able to support Weston Hospicecare by visiting the charity’s shops in nearby Cheddar, Winscombe and Burnham-on-Sea.

15 March 2018

On the Road Again: Take to the Highways (of Weston) as a Volunteer Van Driver

Our happy Hub is in need of volunteer van drivers, and you could be the perfect fit!

Based on the Oldmixon trading estate in Weston-super-Mare, our Hub is the central location where all our donated goods are sorted. Customers take their donations into one of our many stores in Weston, Clevedon, Burnham or the surrounding area, and our fantastic team of drivers take the donations to the hub where they’re sorted before being distributed back to the shops.

Our existing team of volunteer drivers are incredible, but because the public are so generous with their donations, we’re in need of more drivers to pick everything up, including furniture. If you’re over 21, with a clean driving licence, able to drive a 3.5 tonne vehicle with tailgate, and able to spare 4 hours a week or more, we’d love to hear from you!

The hub is a fantastic working environment; the team are happy, friendly, and always laughing. Volunteering on one of our vans is a great way to meet lots of new people, since you’ll also be out and about visiting other stores and customers. Our ideal candidate needs to be a careful and considerate driver, with good customer service skills. They’ll also be reliable and flexible, and you should also be aware that the role will involve lots of lifting, bending, and carrying. Think of how fit you’ll get!

Full training will be given for this role, so if you’d like to get involved with life at Weston Hospicecare by giving something back to the local community, give us a call on 01934 423975, or take a look at our volunteering page for information.

12 March 2018

New men’s group launches – in Weston Hospicecare shed

A new initiative offering informal bereavement support to men in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas has been launched – in a shed.

Weston Hospicecare’s new Men In Sheds project is now up and running, and aims to offer informal support to a traditionally hard-to-reach demographic, as research has shown bereaved men are often uncomfortable with more typical methods such as counselling.

The idea is that men of any age can take advantage of a welcoming, enjoyable and safe space to meet and enjoy a range of social interests, make new friends and work at their own pace on projects of their choice.

Activities on offer will be shaped by those who take part, and could range from woodwork and gardening, to art and modelling, and to old film screenings and music appreciation.

Men In Sheds is run by three volunteers – Wayne, Philip and Chris (pictured) – who are keen to ensure participants can decide how they want to use the time.

Chris said: “The idea behind Men In Sheds is a really clever one, because men can find it hard to talk about their feelings, so the idea is that they will be fiddling with something or occupied with an activity, and then the words just come out.

“But it’s a question of learning what people want from it. We want it to be flexible so people can take out of it what they want – so we hope people will just come along and have a cup of tea and a chat and it can build from there.”

Men In Sheds originated in Australia in the 1990s, but there are now 439 such sheds operating around the UK.

It is hoped men across the Weston and Somerset area will take the opportunity to get involved, as social isolation – particularly for widowers – can leave people at risk of poor physical and mental health, higher risk of disability, poor recovery from illness and early death.

‘Shedders’ can expect to make new friends, pick up new skills, put practical talents to good use, and experience the camaraderie of working with others.

Weston Hospicecare’s Director of Patient Services, John Bailey, said: “Men In Sheds is a chance for bereaved men to come together to share experiences, ideas and enthusiasm, and ultimately, to help each other through the loss of a spouse, friend or family member.

“The group meets in a big garden shed in the hospice grounds – the ultimate place for leisure, pottering or tinkering.

“You can use the opportunity to pursue practical interests and projects, either as a group or on your own. If you’d prefer, you can simply have a cup of tea and a chat with someone who knows exactly how your life has changed since your loss.

“The group is what you want it to be, and nothing has to be rushed. Make the most of the safe, friendly and inclusive environment offered by the hospice to help you with your grief.”

Men In Sheds will meet from 10am to noon every Tuesday and Thursday at Weston Hospicecare headquarters in Thornbury Road in Uphill.

To find out more about the initiative, head along to one of the sessions, or call the hospice on 01934 423900.

8 March 2018

Fundraisers Brave the Elements to Abseil for Charity

A courageous group of fundraisers have taken to the cliffs to raise money for Weston Hospicecare. On Sunday, March 4^th, fourteen challengers abseiled from the top of Uphill Quarry, overcoming all their fears to conquer the 150 foot drop down the sheer cliff face.

Following on from the ‘Beast from the East’ which had caused major disruptions in the days prior, the event still continued in spite of the rain and the snow still lying on the ground. Challengers took part for a variety of reasons; some tackled the abseil to raise money in memory of a loved one, some volunteers for the hospice took part as a group, and Paul Winspear, our CEO, took on the abseil as a personal challenge to add to the growing list of challenges that he’s tackled for the hospice, which has included walking the Mendip Challenge last year, and taking part in Ride London later this year as well.

Event Fundraiser, Kelsey Dehaney, said: “Our abseil was a fantastic challenge, and we’re very thankful to all our brave participants. Despite the weather, we had a great day, and it’s fair to say the abseilers thoroughly enjoyed themselves after they overcame some understandable nerves!” Take a look at our gallery below, and make sure to share with your friends and family!