Tŷ hafan Helping Hands

helping hands

Your newsletter August 2013 • new starters • hydrotherapy pool • volunteers wanted

Record numbers attend Family Fun Day We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who played a part in making this year’s Family Fun Day our best to date.

A record number of almost 2,500 people flocked to the event on Sunday 30 June and a fantastic £6,000 was raised for Tyˆ Hafan.

Event Organiser Jessica Morgan said: “It was our most successful Fun Day and we’re so pleased so many people came along to show their support. We would like to thank everyone who helped on the day including our wonderful volunteers who did such a fantastic job.”

To see a video of the Fun Day click here All the photos can be found on our Facebook page by clicking here:

Welcome to team Tyˆ Hafan There are lots of new faces around Tyˆ Hafan and we would like to give a warm welcome to all of you.

Terence Rowles - ICT End User Support

It was great to see lots of staff members getting soaked in the stocks, including usual suspect Frank Ady and new starters Jeremy Jackson, Matt Williams and John Mladenovic to name a few.

Sara Webber - Head of Marketing and Central Services John Mladenovic - Lottery General Manager Rosie Clarke - Supporter Liaison Administrator Samantha Moon - Deputy Manager, Newport High Street Jeremy Jackson - Director of Fundraising and Marketing Lynne Carter - Fundraising General Manager Matt Bolger - Lottery Sales Manager Maria Pearce - Deputy Manager, Carmarthen Hannah Murray - Finance Assistant Kirsty McAndrew - HR Administrator (Agency Temp)

date for your diary A few famous faces were also spotted during the day, including Cardiff Blues Captain Andries Pretorius and his wife Rosie along with Casualty star Patrick Robinson, who kindly raised £1,000 for Tyˆ Hafan on ITV’s All Star Family Fortunes.

Staff conference Friday 24 January 2014 Venue to be confirmed

New Director of Marketing and Fundraising to drive Tyˆ Hafan forward Tyˆ Hafan has signalled its ambition to leave no lifelimited child in Wales uncared for and no family left unsupported by appointing Jeremy Jackson as its new Director of Marketing and Fundraising.

“It’s different working in the third sector, and even more so when the benefits are as clear, and the results as immediate, as they are at Tyˆ Hafan. I am, for the first time in 30 years, proud of where I work and the responsibility I have. I can’t stop myself enthusing about the charity outside work.”

Jeremy has ambitious plans to develop Tyˆ Hafan’s marketing and fundraising function and to build on the charity’s foundation as a centre of excellence for children’s palliative care.

He said: “We need to understand what the care needs are in Wales before deciding what our next milestones should be. By assessing the projected needs of life-limited children we can clearly articulate our vision for the future.”

Jeremy brings over 30 years’ experience in marketing and executive management in the enterprise software sector. A chartered engineer and computer scientist, he has held senior international roles for some of the industry’s best known brands including Fujitsu, Unisys, IBM and Oracle.

Jeremy and his wife Alison live in Covent Garden, London, but are now completing the renovation of a farm building in the Black Mountains, Monmouthshire, to which they will soon move.

“You get to a stage in life when you can make decisions that you’ve always dreamt about making,” said Jeremy. “We wanted to relocate to Wales and I wanted to apply the skills I’ve gained by contributing to something truly purposeful and meaningful.

“Tyˆ Hafan is a great achievement, an achievement of which the people of Wales should be rightfully proud. I am delighted to be able to support the further development of Tyˆ Hafan’s care services and their provision in the hospice and, throughout Wales, in the community.”

Jeremy, a father of two and Leeds University graduate, has been impressed by the level of professionalism and passion displayed by Tyˆ Hafan employees.

“Tyˆ Hafan is an incredibly efficient organisation; the team possesses incredible expertise, is professional, dedicated and motivated,” said Jeremy.

“We are fortunate to have an extensive supporter base, a tremendous number of Ambassadors and volunteers and I want everyone who engages to feel a part of our extended family. It is also important for all those who know and support us to trust that every penny they donate, by whatever means they donate it, is used to great effect.”

Interesting fact Jeremy left home at the age of 16 to help convert Minstead Lodge, a rambling Victorian Country House, which had been left in trust to become a Christian retreat. He spent two years there followed by a brief stint in Czechoslovakia before going on to university to complete his degree.

Message from Ray I would firstly like to extend a very warm welcome to all our new starters. It has been a real pleasure to witness the enthusiasm and passion displayed by our new recruits and I’m really looking forward to seeing the organisation improve and evolve over the coming years.

Appointing two new directors signifies a step change in the organisation. Jeremy and Chris have already taken great strides in establishing themselves and have some fantastic ideas about how we can move things forward.

We certainly have come a long way since the initial campaign to build the hospice more than 15 years ago and we can all be immensely proud of what we have achieved in that time.

It is a very exciting time for Tyˆ Hafan and I’m confident we can build on our strong foundations and work together to achieve our vision for all life-limited children in Wales to live a full family life.

All change!

Three new general managers and a new Head of Marketing and Central Services have recently started in the fundraising department. We hear from each of them about their first impressions of Tyˆ Hafan and what their plans are for the future.

Matt Williams, Retail General Manager “I joined Tyˆ Hafan from EE, the UK’s largest Mobile Phone network (operating EE, T-Mobile and Orange brands) where I was a Commercial Manager, looking after Retail and Online.

nine months, developing our leadership team, diversifying our stock portfolio and a few other top secret things!

“I have already seen some great improvements and we are on track to deliver a Retail contribution of over £1m for the first time ever.”

Sara Webber, Head of Marketing and Central Services “I joined Tyˆ Hafan back in May after being released from a six year stretch in prison… as Marketing & Communications Manager at HMP Parc and HMP Birmingham! Yes, we were the ones that had a small PR crisis with the Olympics, which I hasten to add I had nothing to do with!

It brought its rewards and awards, but new pastures were calling.”

“After week one as the new brand police, I felt completely at home and like I had been here for

“I have been at Tyˆ Hafan for eleven weeks but it feels a lot longer, and I don’t mean that in a bad way – quite the opposite. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful that I have been able to hit the ground running with their support, and I have been blown away by the great work that the care staff do.

“There are many exciting plans on the agenda for Retail; opening four new shops in the next

many months – a good sign I think. Now, on week nine, I have been welcomed by all and have been bowled over by the enthusiasm and commitment a very dedicated team of individuals.”

“I hope to empower colleagues to think outside the box, provide non-judgemental support whilst maximising every opportunity that presents itself. Teamwork and collaboration is the future of Tyˆ Hafan so let’s embrace our differences and celebrate our successes.”

Lynne Carter, Fundraising General Manager “I joined Tyˆ Hafan just over a month ago and I’ve been asked to share with you my first impressions

John Mladenovic, Lottery General Manager “During my short time at Tyˆ Hafan I have come to understand the great work that the charity does more clearly. A tour of the hospice highlighted the vital nature of the service that we provide, whilst the professionalism and friendly nature of everyone across the organisation has been evident from my very first day.

of Tyˆ Hafan. What really struck me after being so very warmly welcomed, has been the unexpected emotional impact Tyˆ Hafan has had on me. I have felt admiration for such a dedicated passionate and professional bunch of people, sadness on hearing some deeply moving family stories, hopeful and uplifted by the special memories and happy experiences created and privileged to be part of the whole Tyˆ Hafan family.

“I like to think of fundraising as the engine room of an organisation; providing the financial resources to help drive success and support future development.

My team and I will be working hard over the coming months to explore new ways of raising money as well as reviewing what we already do to make sure it’s as efficient as it can be. I’m very excited about being part of the fundraising team and am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in developing a continuing source of sustainable income for the families and young people across Wales that need us.”

“There seems to be lots of exciting developments taking place throughout the charity and this certainly includes the Tyˆ Hafan lottery. The biggest change is that the lottery is being hived off as a separate limited company. This means that we can offer our expert lottery services to other good causes in order to increase the revenue that we generate, whilst remaining in full legal compliance with the Charities Act. “We are also working hard to expand our player numbers by offering payroll membership to Welsh companies, improving our online marketing and expanding our door-to-door activities, with a focus on areas in west Wales that we have not targeted previously.”

Crackerjackpot Lottery moved into its own limited company on 1 August. Crackerjackpot will be able to offer lottery administration services to other hospices and good causes nationwide. This will enable us to grow the lottery and increase our funds to care services.

Annual Review published e

the family hospic for young lives

The review highlights our key achievements in 2011/2012 and has been designed as a communication tool for political figures, major donors and other key stakeholders.

2012 annual review

You can view a copy on our website: http://www.tyhafan.org/annual-review For a hard copy, please see the marketing department.

Making a splash!

It’s official…the new hydrotherapy pool at the hospice is now open and in full working order. A very excited Harry Baxter was the first to experience the new facility, and boy did he enjoy it!

It’s fair to say we have experienced a few teething problems with the pool, but that was all forgotten about when we saw the delight on Harry’s face.

He was clapping his hands, kicking his feet and his face was beaming as he took in the sight of the bubbles, colourful lights and moving images.

We all drew a breath as he took his first steps into the pool but once he was in, he absolutely loved it!

Of course, there is a more serious side to the hydrotherapy pool as it brings a number of benefits which include being a fantastic environment for therapy, communication, socialisation and play.

In the words of Director of Care Jayne Saunders: “HURRAH! Thank you everyone for getting the pool from a Jacuzzi to a hydrotherapy pool for the children. Splish Splash!”

More details about the official opening of the hydrotherapy pool to follow.

Staff Survey 2013 We will be running our very first staff survey this year and will be inviting all employees to participate and give us feedback in a number of areas including Communication, People Management and Staff Development.

It is the intention that survey results will be shared with all employees at our forthcoming staff conference in January, and these results will also help to inform next year’s Business Plan and People Strategy.

The survey will launch on 30 September and will run for three weeks closing on 18 October.

Administration of the survey will be carried out by Birdsong Charity Consulting which exists to help charities work more effectively with their people, and all surveys will be completed anonymously either on-line or for those without access to a pc a paper survey will be provided.

We will also have the ability to not only view our own results but to benchmark against other charities that partake in the annual Charity Pulse Staff Satisfaction survey.

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More information regarding survey completion will be made available in the forthcoming weeks - look out for further communication material promoting the survey!

In the beginning, there was Sandra….

There aren’t many of us who can say we have worked at Tyˆ Hafan since before opening our doors in 1999, but Therapeutic Services Manager Sandra Dumitrescu can do just that. It’s with great sadness that after 15 years we will be saying farewell to Sandra, as she returns to her roots in lecturing at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen at Tyˆ Hafan?

“The joy I get from seeing people develop, like Paul with his dads’ group as an example, has been a real pleasure. The team have all been fantastic. Tyˆ Hafan has a wealth of very talented and experienced individuals and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with them all.”

What memory stands out the most?

“The growth in care services has been phenomenal. In about 2003 we saw things really change and that for me was seeing my team expanding before we established outreach play a year or so later. Outreach play is one area that I’m really pleased to have seen develop.

It has been a real trailblazer and a service I’m immensely proud of.”

What have you enjoyed the most?

“I would always say supporting and helping the children and their families. They are at the core of what we do and I have had the privilege to support an amazing team who work directly with them.

“When Angela and I went to the cinema with two of our teenage boys, Adam and Sean, we watched a very funny Jack Black film called ‘The Pick of Destiny’. It was quite naughty and there were many times when I covered my face with embarrassment as some of the scenes were quite rude! But the boys absolutely loved it. Adam roared with laughter like a drain, they were throwing sweets at one another and generally being normal teenage lads. Having those special moments with the kids is just lovely.”

Will you keep in touch?

“Of course! I will come back as a volunteer. Any occasion with tea and cake and I will be here to offer my services. Many of the students I’ll be teaching will often come here on placements – so I’ll always have that connection as well.”

WRU apprentice challenge raises thousands for Tyˆ Hafan If you haven’t seen it yet, please take a moment to watch our video taken at the WRU charity shop challenge event.

The Apprentice-themed challenge raised almost £8,000 for the charity, which is fantastic!

Matt Williams, Tyˆ Hafan’s Retail General Manager, said: “It was an amazing day which raised an incredible amount for Tyˆ Hafan. The two shops would normally have made £600 between them so to raise so much from one day is such a fantastic achievement. We are incredibly grateful to the WRU for their support and we’re looking forward to more charity shop challenges to help raise vital funds for Tyˆ Hafan.”

WRU Head of Sales and Marketing Craig Maxwell said: “We wanted to put our marketing team under some pressure and see what they could produce in competition with each other on the Tyˆ Hafan shop floors. To have raised more than £7,500 in a day for Tyˆ Hafan is impressive and I know the charity is extremely grateful but we are grateful to them for allowing us to take over the two shops in Bridgend and Barry for the day, for what was this exercise in team building.

“Tyˆ Hafan is a great charity, which we will continue to support. Our staff will go back to their day jobs now promoting and supporting Welsh rugby, but the fundraising doesn’t stop for Tyˆ Hafan and we all now know just how hard they work and what a tough job they have to do.”

We will be holding further charity shop challenge events with more companies in the near future.

If you know of any companies that would like to take part, please let the retail team know.

? w o n k u Did yo, one donationebs a£g50of rage erat On ave d goods gen te unwan fan. a for Tyˆ H

Pupils turn junk into funk for Tyˆ Hafan Pupils transformed our Maesteg shop window with recycled goods.

We were very impressed with the Barbie doll dress!

positive box The Positive box is a means of us all sharing our messages of support and thanks to our fellow colleagues who have inspired us and made us feel good about what we’ve been doing and achieving in our work. Thanks for all your submissions.

bt that a ”Never dou oughtful p of th small grou itizens can c committed eed world - ind r e th e g n a ch t eve ly thing tha it is the on does”

“Amalia, you did a great job labelling all the files in the cabinet—so much easier to find things, well done!”

Jane Johnson XX

Meade), t e r a g r a (M pson Cath Thom

“Well don e to Paul for izing the three pea organks for the da ds and a team lso good luck to Pa u l a n d J e week wh o are the ff next drivers an cooks for d th luck, I’m s e team – good ure it will be great for them!”

Hayley H

Funday thanks to…. Jayne Jones (and Greg) who came back on Friday evening to help Jasper lay all the gravel on the drive – thanks to them both for making it all look so attractive. Massive thanks to our housekeepers who worked over the weekend of memorial and Open Day – the hospice looked beautiful for all our families and visitors. Special thanks to Michelle and Amalia who did an amazing job transforming all the bedrooms during night shift to make everything look so lovely for the hospice tour. Thanks to Green-fingers Carole Jenkins—you have pulled out all the stops in your gardening skills-amazing flowers; & everyone. Well done.”

Tracy J

h ons to Sara ti la tu ra g n “Co sins ethan Cou Morgan, B ilford who M and Jodie into een made b t s ju e v ff a h bers of sta m e m t n e perman e—you are ic p s o h e th at of the members le b a lu a g v in ’re not goin u o y d n a team !!!!” anywhere

O. x

Mags & C

“Well done to Jenna, she gave a fantastic presentation for the board in respect of individual giving.”

Ray :-)

“Night sta ff working beginnin at the g of June – y o fantastic u were re a pressur maining calm in e situ and Kirsty ation. Camilla w ‘girls, you anted to say ’re aweso me’.”

Anon

Don’t be antisocial!

It may be of interest for you to know that our social media audience has increased by 69% since January.

This is fantastic, but we’re still looking for more likes, followers and subscribers.

Please help us to spread the word about our social media accounts.

Just in case you need a reminder, they are: @tyhafan

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Ty-Hafan

Top of the tweets Cardiff Blues SC: “Delighted to announce that we raised £11,138 for charities last season! @tyhafan @HuggardCentre & April Jones fund were all beneficiaries.” hayley mason @masonhayley12 Jul I’m very privileged to be able to work with the most amazing, beautiful children and families. With the best team in the world. @tyhafan X Rhys Matthew Boggis @RMB20026 Jul @FrankAdy121 my dad says thanks for a lovely day at tiger tiger watching the lions with all the dads and some tyhafan staff x iona joseph @ions7618 Jul Looking forward to seeing my beautiful niece Elain Gwawr @tyhafan tomorrow morning #wonderfulplace pic.twitter.com/WSh6R2uTx3

www.youtube.com/tyhafan And…we have a new LinkedIn page.

LinkedIn is a professional social media platform ideal for networking and information sharing.

If you haven’t already liked our page, please take a few moments to do so by clicking here. or by searching for Ty Hafan on www.linkedin.com

If you like and share our posts we have the potential to reach a lot more people to help further promote our latest campaigns and events.

As ever, if you have any queries about social media please come and have a chat with the marketing department.

New brand and language guidelines We have updated our 2013 brand and language guidelines. They are available to view G:\MARKETING & PR\Brand Guidelines For hard copies, please see the marketing department.

How are we doing?

Children and their families April

May

Start of month

-

240

Admissions

6 3 1

4 3 -

Discharged Deaths

June

241 4 1 -

Fundraising contribution to care services April to June £’000 Lottery

298

Shops

240

Business & Community

65

Events

36

Individual Giving

180

Legacies

127 946

Total Volunteers wanted

Our events team are currently working on the Taff Trail Cycling Challenge and the Swansea Midnight Sleep Walk event. We are looking for some fantastic volunteers – just like you!

We know many of you have helped out at our events in the past and we would love to see you there again. We couldn’t run our events without valuable volunteers like you. There are a number of roles available on the day from marshalling, running checkpoints or helping with event administration.

Event

Date

Location

Roles available

Taff Trail challenge

Sunday 1 September

Brecon, Castell Coch or Bute Park, Cardiff.

Marshalling or running 11am- 3pm a checkpoint along the (approx) route, administration at Brecon, Castell Coch or Bute Park, Cardiff.

www.thetafftrail.co.uk

The LC, Swansea

Registration marshal, fixed position marshal, walking marshal and administration.

www.midnightsleepwalk.co.uk

Midnight Friday 27 Sleep Walk September

Times

8:00pm – 12:00am or 10:00pm – 02:00am (approx.)

Website (for more information about the events)

If you are interested please contact a member of the events team.

Feedback We hope you enjoyed the latest newsletter. We are always looking for feedback and suggestions and would love to hear your thoughts. Simply email Ruth.Kearney@tyhafan.org

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