In 2022-23 the running costs to provide our free palliative care services at Willen Hospice reached £5.9 million. That’s £16,175 every single day to ensure we are always there for people who need us in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
With only 15% of our running costs met by ongoing NHS funding, we are only able to offer our full range of services because our generous supporters have collectively stepped up and filled in the £4.5 million pound gap. Our incredible Supporter Services team compassionately respond to our supporters’ enquiries. Some may want to make a donation in memory of a loved one or maybe organise a funeral collection. Supporter Services often speak with families who are recently bereaved – signposting them to other services we offer and being there for them at such a difficult time.
The team are responsible for showing gratitude on behalf of every one of us at Willen Hospice when our supporters call to pay in their fundraising money. Like all of us, they are incredibly passionate about our local community and their local Hospice. Ryan oversees our supporter services team and he told us:
“In our local community so many people have been touched by Willen Hospice and it’s a pleasure to be able to support them with their generosity, their fundraising, their kindness and their passion.”
Without our amazing supporters and their fundraising activities, we simply wouldn’t be able to fund our care services or look after the families of Milton Keynes. Hospice care also encompasses caring for our incredible supporters, and giving them a warm welcome is so important. We are so lucky to have the very best supporter care team.
The job of communicating the impact of the free services we provide to our community falls to our Marketing and Communications Team. The team need to consider the many ways they can show local people the amazing work we do here at the Hospice and why Willen Hospice is such an important part of our city.
Jennifer, Marketing Communications Officer, told us, “My role involves speaking to patients and their loved ones who have experienced the Hospice’s care. By bravely sharing their story, they have the power to inspire people to support the Hospice, which helps us raise the money we need to keep our services running.”
If you have a story to share about your experiences of Willen Hospice and would like to inspire others, please complete this short form and we’ll be in touch.
