Autumn Newsletter 2023

Iamdelighted to welcome you to the Autumn edition of St Luke’s News in the 35th year of the Hospice. I know I speak on behalf of all the nurses and clinical staff when I say how privileged we feel to care for and support the patients and families who come through our doors.

In Day Hospice we have extended our support to more people in the community over the past year with the introduction of our Dementia Carers’ Workshops and more recently our weekly dropin sessions for all carers. It has been heart-warming to see the impact these new services are having and you can read more about this on pages 8 & 9.

Your continued support makes our care possible, and I urge you to take a look at the centre pages of this newsletter to see

How to contact us

the difference you have helped to make. Thanks to people like you, we are still here providing vital care in the heart of the community after 35 years!

There are so many ideas of ways to support us in this newsletter. Please share with your family and friends to help us reach even more people and impact more lives. Together we can continue to make a difference.

With my very best wishes

Clare Allman Day Hospice Sister

St Luke’s Hospice, Grosvenor House, Queensway, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1BH

T 01606 551246 E enquiries@slhospice.co.uk www.slhospice.co.uk

Creating memories

78-year-old Maureen Hawley (pictured) whose husband died last year.

She said: “Attending the art sessions and creating memories of a loved one through painting has been really good for me.

"Being around others experiencing loss helped me to feel less alone and all the group explained their artwork of memories which was also really helpful."

We’rehelping families to preserve memories of their loved ones through art.

With the help of local author and artist Gillian Seale, the Hospice has organised two Legacy Painting Workshops. The sessions aim to help bereaved families by encouraging them to create a piece of art inspired by memories of their loved ones.

Gillian said: “It’s always lovely to see the extraordinary care, detail, time and effort that goes into every painting. Each one tells a personal story of a life well lived and happy memories.”

Those who took part in the sessions had also attended our Bereavement Support Groups at the Hospice, including

Helen Summers, part of the St Luke's Family Support Team, said: “The Hospice is always keen to find different ways of enriching the lives of the families we support, and we hope that Gillian will be coming back again soon with her unique approach.”

If you would like to make a donation or raise money to support the care we provide, please call 01606 551246 or visit www.slhospice.co.uk/donate

Maureen Hawley with her artwork

Daniel’s story

DanielStokoe’s world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 40.

As a fitness fanatic who competed in triathlons, the diagnosis was hard to accept for the dad-of-two from Crewe.

He said: "I have always been very healthy, never drunk, never smoked, done a lot of exercise and really looked after myself so to get the diagnosis was a massive shock.”

Over the next eight months Daniel underwent two operations, one lasting

14 hours, and a course of chemotherapy. He made contact with St Luke’s shortly after his diagnosis and has been supported throughout his treatment by our Day Hospice and Family Support Team.

Daniel explains: “Recovery after the surgery was massive, and I underestimated it to be honest. But St Luke’s has been with me all the way through it. They’ve been a huge support with counselling, nurses in Day Hospice to speak to and get advice from, and complementary therapies like Reiki and Reflexology which have been something

To find out more about our Day Hospice and Family Support services please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/ourservices

for me to focus on and get strength from. The people that you meet there are fantastic and without the support of St Luke’s I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“When I first had my big operation I could focus on Tuesdays because that’s when I was going to the Hospice for complementary therapies. I can’t lie, the Hospice was the only thing that got me out of bed on some days.”

One year on from his initial diagnosis, Daniel has been given the incredible news that he is cancer free!

He is now channelling his energies into running community football teams for children, including his own 10 year old son Harry.

The teams have chosen St Luke’s as their charity and Daniel has lots of ideas on ways to fundraise for the Hospice.

“If by sharing my story I can help just one person who is going through something similar then it’s worth it.

“St Luke’s has been that arm to lean on that I really needed when I didn’t know what to expect and I’m so grateful for everything that has been offered to me.

“I can’t thank St Luke’s enough because I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the support and guidance I’ve had. I’ll always be indebted to them and so humbled by what they have done for me.”

Please help us to support more patients like Daniel, and their families, by making a donation at www.slhospice.co.uk/donate or by calling 01606 551246

It’s like a family, the atmosphere is so warm and everyone is so empathetic. It’s got me through my dark days to be honest.

“

Daniel pictured at a Crewe Alex match with his son Harry

Middlewich shop re-opens

for St Luke’s for many years raising thousands of pounds for patient care, her most recent sponsored event being a daring Wing Walk.

The Middlewich Shop is located at 76 Wheelock Street, Middlewich, CW10 9AB and is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Our Middlewich shop opened its doors once again on Wednesday 19th July, after being closed for nearly three years due to vital refurbishment.

The popular shop has been under major renovation including an extension to the rear, as well as extensive foundation work and modernisation internally.

With a fantastic central location, the shop plays a key role in the town centre as well as raising vital funds for the Hospice.

Steven Holmes, our Retail Operations Manager, said: “The Middlewich shop is a key part of the community and we are enjoying welcoming all our lovely volunteers and customers back.”

The shop was opened by Year 5 pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Middlewich, in support of their school’s fundraising initiative.

In addition, the Hospice’s 86-year-old supporter Vera Rogers cut the ribbon. She has been an avid supporter and fundraiser

Shop . Donate . Care

We are happy to accept donations across all of our shops as well as at our Furniture Warehouse in Winsford. We always welcome good quality clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, games, books and furniture. If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider signing up for Gift Aid and make your donations worth 25% more to us!

To find your local St Luke's shop visit www.slhospice.co.uk/shopping

The shop boasts a great clothing range

Middlewich shop opening

Opening doors to dementia support

Wehave been so overwhelmed by the reaction to our Dementia Carers’ Workshops, since they launched 12 months ago, that our Day Hospice is now also offering a weekly drop-in session to provide even greater support to carers.

The drop-in sessions, run by volunteers, allow carers to meet with others in a similar situation, share experiences over a cup of tea and a biscuit and also speak to nurses each week.

Nurse Siobhan Brown explains: “Being a carer is such an important role and yet carers, in particular those caring for people with dementia, can often feel lonely and abandoned and can find it very hard to access the right local support and information.

“The reaction to our Dementia Carers’ Workshops has been amazing but each course only runs for eight weeks and we are conscious that carers need access to regular support throughout the year. We have therefore now launched weekly drop-in sessions which are open to all carers."

Dementia Carers’ Workshops

• Eight week structured course for carers of people with dementia.

• The person with dementia can accompany their carer and will be cared for in a nearby room.

• Workshops are limited to 12 carers.

• Covers topics including financial advice, legal matters, advanced care planning and practicalities of care.

Carers’ Drop-in

• Every Wednesday 10am - 12noon.

• Held at Day Hospice in Winsford.

• Open to all carers known to the Hospice, not just those caring for a person with dementia.

• Run by hospice volunteers with nurses available to answer questions or signpost to other services.

To find out more about our Day Hospice services including those for carers please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/dayhospice

Volunteers Jane Dodd (left) and Abi Clegg (right) with Nurse Siobhan Brown

Annette

Harris from Middlewich has attended our Dementia Carers’ Workshop for support in caring for her husband Joe.

Joe was diagnosed with dementia in 2018 and since then Annette and her family have struggled to access support and information, with Annette feeling increasingly isolated.

Annette said: “You are given a diagnosis of dementia and then you are left to it. I didn’t know anything about what was available locally until I came to the workshops. Everyone has been so supportive and Siobhan the nurse has been absolutely wonderful, providing us with so much information. What I liked was that we went to one room and Joe went to the one next door. So I found that very reassuring because I was close by if he needed me.”

Annette attended the workshops each week with either her daughter Elaine or granddaughter Lynsay and they feel the support for the whole family in caring for Joe has been brilliant. Elaine added: “We came to the workshop and just learned so much, not just from the nurses but from other carers who shared their experiences. If we hadn’t come to the workshops I think we’d still be online now trying to find out what is available for my dad and to give my mum a little respite.”

Thanks to the workshops, Joe is now attending some day care sessions in the community. They also attend our new weekly Carers' Drop-in at the Hospice.

“I look forward to coming to the Hospice each week,” added Annette. “I can unload to the nurses or volunteers with things I don’t want to bother the girls with. Plus I’m meeting other carers and taking strength from them so it’s great.”

Please help us to support more families like Annette, Elaine and Lynsay by making a donation at www.slhospice.co.uk/donate or by calling 01606 551246

Pictured in our Day Hospice garden: Lynsay Bowyer, Annette Harris, Elaine Bowyer

Simple ways to support us...

Thereare so many simple ways to support the Hospice - you could play our Lottery each week or take part in one of our events. Every way you support us, however big or small, makes a difference to the Hospice allowing us to continue making an impact in your local community.

Regular Giving

£5 doesn’t buy much these days - a magazine or a coffee and a slice of cake? But for just £5 a month you could help run vital services including Counselling, Lymphoedema Clinics, Day Hospice and our Inpatient Unit. Why not become our ‘Friend’ by setting up a regular donation to the Hospice? Sign up today at: www.slhospice.co.uk/friends

Like, Share and Follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to help raise awareness of our vital services.

Donating to our shops Take part

Each bag donated allows our shops to raise vital funds for the Hospice. You can donate unwanted clothing, bric-a-brac and children’s toys to any of our shops or Warehouse during their opening hours. Last year approximately 46,000 bags and boxes were donated to our shops and furniture Warehouse. Every bag really does make a difference!

Every year thousands of people support the Hospice by taking part in one or more of our many events! There really is something to suit everyone! Take part at www.slhospice.co.uk/takepart

To find out more about how you can support us please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/supportus

Lottery

Our Lottery is without doubt the easiest way to support the Hospice - and it only costs £1 a week!

Since 1994 our Lottery has grown to become our biggest single source of income and pays for the equivalent of ONE WEEK of care on our Inpatient Unit EVERY MONTH. Every penny we raise in profit supports local people who are cared for by St Luke’s, so you’ll be supporting your local Hospice whilst having a great chance to WIN BIG cash prizes every week – it’s a win-win! Join today at:

www.slhospice.co.uk/lottery

Little Houses

A little bit can go a long way and our collection boxes and ‘little houses’ are proof of that! Every year, spare change collected in our charity boxes, placed in businesses and homes across the area, raise thousands of pounds for patient care at the Hospice.

You can request a little house by emailing community@ slhospice.co.uk

Volunteering

Volunteering can be a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and give a little something back to your community. Our shops play a very important role in not only raising vital funds for the Hospice but as a key part of each local community. If you can spare just a few hours a week, and are aged 16 and over, we would love to hear from you. Visit:

www.slhospice.co.uk/volunteer to find out more.

Enter our Raffles

Each year our summer and winter superdraws raise thousands of pounds for patient care. You can enter for just £1 and be in with the chance to win big cash prizes too! Don’t forget to buy your tickets for our Winter Warmer Superdraw! (see page 7)

FREE Furniture Collection

Take advantage of our FREE furniture collection service. Last year over £220,000 was raised for the Hospice through furniture sales alone. You can arrange your collection online at www.slhospice.co.uk/free-furniturecollection

To find out more about how you can support us please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/supportus 13

Occupational Therapy

We are lucky to have an Occupational Therapist, Anna Mackland, who works to support patients in both our Day Hospice and Inpatient Unit. We caught up with Anna to find out more about her role:

Q. What do you do as an Occupational Therapist for the Hospice?

A. My role is to support patients to live the best life they can. When a person is accessing hospice care they tend to be struggling with some aspects of daily life, whether it's self-care or engaging in the things that they love to do, such as reading or a hobby, something that makes them tick and makes them who they are. I work with them to help them stay as independent as possible and engage in what matters most to them.

Q. In what ways can you help?

A. I might show them how to modify an activity to make it easier, or give them equipment to help. Equipment can range from something large like a wheelchair to something as small as a sock aid to help them put their own socks on each day. It can be a really simple thing but it can make a huge difference to someone who wants to be independent.

I’ve recently developed an activity space on the Inpatient Unit, including arts and crafts resources, games, books, jigsaws, sewing and knitting. Engaging in activities that are meaningful can help people to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

To find out more about our services please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/ourservices

Q. Do you also support patients to manage their symptoms?

A. Yes, I look at physical symptoms but also patients’ mental wellbeing too. I work with patients to develop coping strategies for pain they may be experiencing, fatigue, anxiety or breathlessness. I also run workshops with groups of patients which are really interactive, encouraging them to share their experiences and tips for coping with symptoms to reduce the impact on daily life.

Q. Do you also work with patients in their own homes?

A. I do a lot of work with patients to prepare them to return home after a stay with us. Some of it involves building their confidence – helping them to mobilise, dress themselves or prepare a meal or

drink. I’ll often visit their home and meet with their family to see if there’s any equipment they need ready for their return, and I’ll also liaise with community teams to ensure they have further support once they are home.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?

A. For me, just making a difference to someone and improving their quality of life, even if it’s in a really small way, is incredibly satisfying. Being there for someone at a difficult time is really rewarding and I’m so lucky to be able to spend time with patients and their families to establish what’s important to them and what their goals are. It’s fantastic to be part of that and to work with such a wonderful team.

"St Luke's has changed my life" Steve

Davies from Weaverham struggles with severe breathlessness as a result of COPD. He says Anna has been brilliant in giving him coping mechanisms to ease the symptoms.

"When you live on your own and you're struggling to breathe it's terrible, really terrifying. I get anxious and then that makes my breathing more uncontrolled. The techniques Anna has taught me really do help me to control my breathing and bring me back to a level.

"I tend to try to do things too quick and it gets me down not being able to do the

things I used to, but Anna has helped me to slow down and adapt. I come to the Hospice and talk to people like Anna and the nurses who are all amazing. It's changed my life coming to St Luke's. "

Anna pictured with Steve Davies in Day Hospice

Makinga Will can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. But we all know how important it is to plan for the future.

This is why, ten years ago, we introduced our ‘Make a Will Week’ – a mutually beneficial campaign which makes it easier for you to get your Will written, but also raises vital funds for St Luke’s.

From 16th – 20th October, local participating solicitors have agreed to waive their entire fee for Will-making in return for a donation to the Hospice.

By waiving their usual fees, 100% of your donation comes to St Luke’s and of course you’ll get the same great face-toface service from a local solicitor.

Once you’ve completed the face-to-face Will writing process, you’ll receive your Will, then make a donation to St Luke’sthe recommended amount is £150 for a single Will and £250 for a double Will.

To book an appointment please contact the participating solicitors directly, making sure to mention St Luke’s so that you’re allocated the correct slot.

Tick a task off your to-do list and take care of those close to you by joining us in making a Will this October.

You can find a full list of participating solicitors at: www.slhospice.co.uk/ willweek

Your Gift, Our Future

Did you know that a gift of just 1% in your Will to St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice will make a difference to future patient care.

To find out more visit: www.slhospice.co.uk/will or email claire.langston@slhospice.co.uk

For information about 'Make a Will Week' or leaving a gift in your Will to St Luke's please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/will

Let's talk Wills...

We caught up with some of the solicitors taking part in Make a Will Week to answer some of your most commonly asked questions when it comes to making a Will.

Why should I get a Will?

If you die without a Will, the intestacy rules dictate how your money, property and possessions should be allocated. This may not be the way that you wished these things to be distributed - better to put everything down in black and white to give you peace of mind.

What should be included in my Will?

This is the big question, but we can break it down into 4 simple parts:

1. Who you would like your executors and trustees to be. Your executors will distribute your assets in accordance with your wishes and be responsible for settling any liabilities. Your trustees will manage any assets that are put into trust on behalf of the beneficiary(s).

2. How you would like your estate to be distributed.

3. Who you would like to appoint as legal guardians for your children if they are under the age of 18.

4. Your funeral wishes and after death arrangements. For example, whether you would like to be buried or cremated.

My situation is complicated. I don’t know where to start?

People come to us from a whole range of backgrounds and situations, such is the rich tapestry of life! So we are used to hearing about different circumstances and complexities. Remember, making a Will is a personal thing and it’s all about working with YOU.

There seems to be a lot of jargon around Wills?

You’re not wrong! However, we try to simplify everything, which is why it’s always best to make your Will face-to-face with a solicitor – we will take you gently through the whole process.

Give the gift of time...

Hereat St Luke’s, you’ll find incredibly selfless volunteers in every area of our Hospice, willing to dedicate their time to make a difference to the lives of local people. Over the last year, 640 people volunteered for us either at the Hospice, at events, in our shops, on reception or in the local community. We place volunteers at the heart of everything we do as we know we simply couldn’t run the Hospice without them.

To find out more about volunteering please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/volunteer

Christmas Wonderland

This year we are hosting our first ever Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church in Nantwich. Immerse yourselves in an enchanting display of individually decorated Christmas trees created by local businesses and individuals.

On arrival you will be able to rent a pair of personal silent headphones, where you can listen to the ‘Sounds of Christmas’ as you peruse the display of Christmas trees. Choose between Christmas music or an audio history of the church.

Sponsor a Christmas Tree

If you would like to sponsor a tree at the festival please email events@slhospice.co.uk

Friday 24th November, 10am - 8pm for trees, drinks and music

Saturday 25th November, 9.30am - 3pm for trees, drinks and music

4.30pm - Silent Headphone Cinema: (Family Film) Polar Express 8pm - Silent Headphone Cinema: It’s a Wonderful Life

Sunday 26th November, 12noon - 5pm for trees, drinks and music

To find out more and to book your tickets visit www.slhospice.co.uk/treefestival and www.slhospice.co.uk/cinema

To the next 35 years...

At St Luke's, our goal is to ensure we are here for you and your family. We are so pleased to be celebrating our 35th year, a huge milestone when you think about the number of lives and generations we have touched in that time.

If you feel you would be able to support us with a regular donation, it would mean such a lot! Being a Friend of St Luke's and donating monthly enables us to have a stable foundation and ensures we can continue to provide our vital care for families now and in the future. Funded by your kindness, regular donations help us plan for our costs and this helps us care for those who need it at such a difficult time.

Signing up is simple and only takes a few minutes. You will also receive our lovely 'Friends of St Luke's' welcome pack, which includes a loyalty badge, car sticker, book mark and more...

When you become a St Luke's ‘Friend’ by setting up a regular donation to the Hospice, your generosity doesn't just support our work; it helps us grow, expand our reach, and create new services for the local community. You are helping to make a lasting impact for the next 35 years.

Sign up today from as little as £5 a month at: www.slhospice.co.uk/friends @stlukescheshirehospice @StLukesHospice