Welcome

to the Autumn/Winter 2022 edition of Life magazine.

P.13 Our year in numbers

Although we’ve largely overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19, we are very aware this year has not been an easy one for many. I couldn’t be prouder of the team for being so quick to adapt and change to new ways of working under every circumstance that we’ve faced as an organisation. Despite setbacks and conflicting demands our staff and volunteers have shown a willingness to embrace change and have ensured a high level of care for all the families we support throughout. I can barely believe we’re already turning our attention towards Christmas, and I hope that this year, the many families who were unable enjoy the festivities together due to restrictions are able to finally enjoy quality time together at such a special time of year. We’ve seen a promising start to the financial year with patient levels returning to pre-covid levels and the Hospice community remaining as supportive as ever with outstanding fundraising efforts and generous donations. Our Edinburgh Hospice at Home team is now established and provided almost 5000 home visits in the last 12 months, you can read more about our year in numbers on pages 13 and 14. We have been piloting new ways to deliver our wellbeing service and drawing

P.9 Light up a life P.15 Compassionate Neighbours: A tee-rific match

together plans for its future. To further diversify our income, we are exploring the feasibility of a social enterprise approach to ensure a more sustainable future and increase social impact. We’ve also enjoyed a return to a more normal fundraising calendar, and I join our fundraising team in their joy at seeing the return of our favourite fundraising events this year. From hosting a lavish Black-Tie dinner at Archerfield Estate to enthusiastic teams taking to the water to battle it out in our Dragon Boat Race and of course the up and coming Light up a Life Ceremonies (see p9), it’s been wonderful to see our incredible community getting behind our events and taking part in person again. Finally, I would like to thank you. We are incredibly proud of the work we do at St Columba’s Hospice Care. It is a true privilege to support someone at the end of their life, allowing them to live every minute to the full and when the time comes, enabling a dignified and peaceful death. Your unwavering support ensures that we can be there for anyone who needs us, helping them through one of the toughest times imaginable and supporting their loved ones who are left behind.

With heartfelt thanks,

Jackie Stone CEO

— P.s. When it comes to delivering world class palliative care, your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to know what’s important to you. So, if you have comments or concerns about any aspect of our service please get in touch by emailing info@stcolumbashospice.org.uk.