TWO local care providers are teaming up for Hospice Care Week 2024 to raise awareness and support for families during end-of-life care.

The initiative is being led by Dorothy House Hospice Care and Prospect Hospice, two organisations dedicated to supporting people with life-limiting illnesses.

Hospice Care Week will take place from Monday, October 7, to Sunday, October 13, focusing on hospices and their staff. This year’s theme centres on hospice retail and its role in funding hospice services.

The week will celebrate the contributions of hospice shops and their staff, while also addressing the need for increased funding to meet growing demands and rising costs.

Wayne de Leeuw, CEO of Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “With over 27 Dorothy House shops across our 800 square mile patch, we are indebted to our community, our staff, and our army of volunteers for helping us to raise vital income that simply isn’t matched by government funding.

“With each warehouse sale we run, we sell an average of 15 rails of clothing - that’s over 14,000 garments saved from landfill each year.

“Our 18 shops are vital to contributing to the work we do,” says Jeremy Lune, CEO of Prospect Hospice.

“In fact, we receive more money from our Prospect Hospice shops each year than we do from our government, which is amazing and quite scary at the same time.

“Every item our supporters buy from us, and every time item we receive makes a difference. Buying a £1 book, is the equivalent to three cups of tea for a grieving family…your purchases are vital.”

During Hospice Week 2024, both hospices will be hosting a series of events, sales and resources to highlight the importance of hospice care and the difference it makes in the lives of those it serves.

By working together, Prospect Hospice and Dorothy House aim to raise awareness of hospice care, challenge misconceptions, and encourage the community to support their vital work through donations, shopping second hand, volunteering in shops and Gift Aid. There are even careers available for anyone seeking a rewarding role in retail.

For more information about Hospice Week 2024 and the events being held by Prospect Hospice and Dorothy House Hospice Care, visit: https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/ or https://www.prospect-hospice.net/.