how we adapt
june/july june/july2020 2019 business edge
Save Our Services Chestnut Tree House
Local hospice launches crisis appeal as they lose 70% of fundraising income Chestnut Tree House has launched a Crisis Appeal, asking the local community for support to ensure they can continue providing hospice care to children and families – now and in the future. For the last 17 years, Chestnut Tree House has been there for local children with lifeshortening conditions and their families, both at the hospice near Arundel and in their own homes across Sussex. No one is ever charged for the care they receive from Chestnut Tree House, but less than 6% of their funding comes from the government. The children’s hospice relies heavily on the support of the local community, through donations and fundraising. But the coronavirus crisis is having a devastating impact on fundraising, with charity shops closed and events postponed or cancelled. This is threatening the future of the children’s hospice and the care and support they provide for local children and families. Rosemarie Finley, CEO Chestnut Tree House said: “Now, more than ever, the hospice and the people who depend on it, need your help. Community support is vital. We appreciate that this is a difficult time for everyone, but if you can afford to, we’d be very grateful for any help you can offer – to keep our services running and bring some desperately needed support to children and families facing some very dark times.” “As I’m sure you can imagine, coronavirus has hit our teams and the people we work with hard,” continues Rosemarie. “Because we care for some of the most vulnerable people in our community, we need to be
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The maths is simple… It costs £400,000 a month to run Chestnut Tree House, most of which comes from fundraising. Right now, the hospice is losing 70% of their monthly fundraising income. It is only a matter of time before they run out of money.
especially careful about how we work. And because our staff are hugely skilled, we have – of course – also been doing all we can to support the wider work of the NHS. We have had to adapt elements of our services as the situation has developed but caring for children and families who need us remains our top priority.
Your support will help children like Lilly Seven-year-old Lilly is profoundly deaf, cannot walk and has very complex needs. Now her family are in lockdown and finding life a huge challenge, as Lilly’s mum Paula said on the phone: “I am just waiting for the phone call from Chestnut to let me know when someone can visit. That couple of hours will be lovely, it will just mean that I don’t have to worry about her for a little while. I can relax knowing someone else is with her to give her everything she needs.” Confined to her home, Lilly and her family are struggling to cope. Your gift could fund a visit from one of the Chestnut Tree House team and give them a few hours of relief and joy.
“We have had to close Chestnut Tree House for respite breaks and day care but we are still providing care for exceptional circumstances, end-of-life care and bereavement support. And our community team are still visiting children and families who depend on us. “Like you, I want to make sure Lilly and her family, get the support they need while Chestnut Tree House is closed for respite breaks. And I need to make sure that there is a hospice here for them to come back to when this is all over. “Please help us so that we can be there for those who need us – now and in the weeks and months to come. Thank you.” To help save Chestnut Tree House visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/sos
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