THE PRIMROSE Hospice has cited the staggering increase in demand for the services it offers as the main reason behind its Big Appeal which aims to raise £100,000 in 80 days.
The biggest rise has been in the Primrose Children Services which has gone up by 88 per cent in the last 12 months from June 2013, compared to the same period the year before.
In total, 196 referrals have been made to the Family Support Service in the first quarter of this financial year alone – from April to June. That equates to a 28 per cent rise in the demand for the Family Support Service compared to the same time last year.
Of those, 18 per cent was for pre-bereavement support and 49 per cent was for bereavement assistance.
The Primrose Day Hospice services received 220 referrals last year and the Hospice from Home Services, which include outpatients clinics and physiotherapy services, provided 6,500 hours of one-to-one care in people’s homes.
The charity’s chief executive Helen Garfield said: “I have been in post for a little over a year and even in that short time I have seen a huge increase in demand for our services.
“Our Family Support Service and Children’s work are especially needed as people come to terms with losing a loved one.”
And she added, all the financial help received was very welcome.
“We try to run a tight ship here and we rely hugely on the support of our fantastic volunteers to help with all our care services but in these cash strapped times keeping up with demand is a real challenge.
“People need our help at a crucial time in their life and we don’t want to leave people waiting.
“By raising £100,000 we can continue to meet this ever increasing demand.”
Among the comments submitted as part of a feedback report from users of the Primrose Hospice services was one which said: “I could not personally fault any of the services offered by Primrose that I used.
“At an extremely difficult time for my family and I, they were a Godsend.”
Another stated: “There is not enough to say how much the nurses helped my wife and the counsellors helped myself. I am really grateful.”
And a third added: “Words are not enough to express my sincere thanks and my sessions have had an overwhelming positive impact which has allowed me to move forward.”
The Big Appeal, launched in The Standard three weeks ago, is themed on ‘Around the World for 80 Days of Hospice Care’ because £100,000 will pay for 80 days of care at the Primrose.
So far, £25,000 has been raised meaning the charity is a quarter of the way to its target but more donations are needed.
Helen added: “I really hope people will get behind our BIG Appeal and help us to help local people.
“We want people to give what they can and club together to reach our target.”
Those wanting to donate can do so over the phone, by card, by calling 01527 889796, online at
www.primrosehospice.org/bigappeal or by texting PHBA01 £12/£26/£57 to 70070.
Cash can also be dropped off at any of the Primrose’s charity shops and cheques can be made payable to ‘Primrose Hospice and sent to: BIG Appeal, Primrose Hospice, St. Godwalds Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 3BW.
Please include your name and address.
