Ashgate hospice

BRM Solicitors continues to support Ashgate Hospice with ‘Make a Will Month’ initiative

With national will-making month around the corner, local palliative care hospice Ashgate are offering the chance to support their vital work – and make a will.

People in North Derbyshire are being encouraged to a make a will next month as part of Ashgate Hospice’s Make a Will Month campaign.

The hospice has partnered with BRM Solicitors who are waiving their usual fees during April and instead they are asking clients to consider a voluntary donation to help fund Ashgate’s care.

People are being encouraged to book an appointment for April now; with each booking there is a suggested donation of £75 for a single will, and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

Last year, BRM Solicitors helped to raise a staggering £17,888.80 towards vital end of life and palliative care for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM Solicitors for once again supporting Make a Will Month and offering such a vital service to our community.

“Making a will is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for when we’re no longer here.

“Most importantly it enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“This April, our Make a Will Month with BRM Solicitors gives you a chance to do this for free while helping us support families at a difficult time in their lives.”

Ashgate Hospice is an independent charity that provides free care and support to patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the hospice and in the community.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Ashgate Hospice again this year to raise funds for a charity that plays such a key role in the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire community. We hope to build on last year’s success and raise even more money for the hospice in 2022.”

Furthermore, the community can support Ashgate by leaving the charity a gift in their will. Every gift, no matter how large or small, will make a huge difference to the care the hospice will be able to provide in the future. In fact, one in five patients are currently cared for thanks to money left to the charity in wills.

Each year, demand for their services increases as the number of people living with a life-limiting illness continues to grow. This year, Ashgate must raise £7 million over and above NHS funding to provide their care.

Jack added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift in your will, or make a donation to Ashgate, we hope people will consider leaving a legacy gift once their loved ones have been taken care of. Even 1% of someone’s estate can go a long way.

“By choosing to leave money to Ashgate, you are helping us safeguard our future and ensure we can continue to support families in years to come when they need us the most.”

Supporters can make their will at BRM’s conveniently located Chesterfield office, with disabled access and free parking. In addition, free home, hospital and hospice visits are being offered to those physically unable to attend the office.

Anyone making a will must book their appointment between 1st April and 30th April to take advantage of this offer.

To find out more about Make a Will Month, and to make an appointment, go to: brm.law/ashgate or call 01246 555 111

BRM Solicitors and Ashgate Hospice support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospice open new clothing clearance store

Ashgate Hospice has opened a new store to offer items that have failed to sell in its existing charity shops, in locations including Matlock, Hasland, Bakewell and Shirebook, at an even more discounted price.

The charity, which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, opened the shop next to its existing charity shop – which has also had a makeover – in Matlock on 10th February, to help generate the funds it needs.

The Matlock store will be the first clothing-only Clearance Shop for the hospice with clothes coming from right across North Derbyshire.

The average price of goods in the shop is expected to range from just £1 to £3, with items including womenswear, menswear, children’s clothing, and accessories.

This opening is set to bring about numerous benefits – not only to Ashgate, through 100% of every sale going towards the work they do – but also to the local community as the cost-of-living skyrockets and items that would have ordinarily been recycled or sent to landfill, are given a second chance of finding a home.

Speaking about the opening of the new shop, Head of Retail Operations Laura Stevens, said: “Ashgate Hospice has always been innovative in the way it operates – we have to be, because of the amount of money we need to raise each year.”

Every year, Ashgate Hospice must raise £7 million to continue the care and services it provides to the North Derbyshire community. £3 million of this comes from its charity shop sales.

Laura adds: “We have to rely on the generosity of people in our local area – through both our fundraising efforts and charity shops.

“But we’re fortunate to have a wonderful community around us, full of generous supporters, who assist us and our charity shops by donating goods, shopping with us and even volunteering to help run our shops.”

Ashgate is looking for volunteers to handle donations, serve customers and maintain the general upkeep of its stores in Matlock, as well as across North Derbyshire.

Audrey Garlick, a proud member of the Dronfield shop team, found that she was at a loose end in her life and decided she wanted to give something back, so she started volunteering at Ashgate Hospice.

Audrey said: “I wanted to give something back to the community and do something to help others. Volunteering in Ashgate’s shop was perfect for me. I love everything about it, I really do – I look forward to the days I go in and the customers who I get to meet.

“At the shop, I get involved in everything from tidying the displays, pricing up items and welcoming our wonderful supporters who generously make donations to us. And it’s so rewarding knowing I’m doing my bit to support care for families all over North Derbyshire.”

Those interested in volunteering at the new clearance shop in Matlock, can visit www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/volunteering and fill in Ashgate’s Volunteer Enquiry Form or pop into their local shop and speak to the manager about opportunities.

And those interested in supporting the new shop can donate whatever goods they can to Ashgate’s existing charity shop in Matlock, which can be found at: Ashgate Hospice Matlock Shop, 22 Firs Parade, Matlock DE4 3AS.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Christmas Treecycle campaign raises record £10,000 for Ashgate Hospice

Residents in North Derbyshire who recycled their tree with Ashgate Hospice this Christmas have helped raise a record of more than £10,000 towards care for families this year.

The annual charity Treecyle scheme, sponsored by Jake Eville Tree Care, saw staff and volunteers travel across the county to collect and recycle people’s trees at the end of the festive season.

Between 7th and 10th January, volunteers worked tirelessly to collect 450 Christmas trees from houses across Chesterfield, Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford.

Ashgate offered the service in exchange for a suggested donation of £15 per tree – and raised a total of £10,259.16 towards the charity, which provides vital palliative and end of life care to families across North Derbyshire.

Not only did supporters of the campaign help raise crucial funds towards care for patients in 2022, but each participant helped do their bit for the environment with every tree chipped and then recycled.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer our Treecycle service to people in North Derbyshire at the end of the festive season.

“Our aim is to provide an easy and green way of disposing of people’s Christmas trees and it’s been great to hear lots of positive feedback about the service.

“I’d like to personally thank everyone who supported the campaign this year – whether you made a donation of £15 or £100, your support will help make a significant difference to people’s lives.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have raised more than £10,000 to help us continue our care for the families who need us most this year. Everyone at Ashgate is so grateful for your generosity – thank you!”

Among those to support the campaign was Lifehouse Church in Chesterfield, which donated £200 to the campaign after the hospice team recycled its huge tree.

Businesses across North Derbyshire came together by donating their time and resources so Ashgate could offer the service to local people.

Those who helped with the initiative included MVIS, Wickes, The Van Yard Ltd, Vertu Toyota, Perrys, Rykneld Homes, PSR Recruitment, Wards Recycling, Yorkshire Vehicle Finance, Hasland Magazine and more.

The support will mean Ashgate can continue to provide its specialist palliative and end of life care, including a wide range of community-based care and support services for people with a life-limiting illness and their families.

Jake Eville, who sponsored the initiative : “It was great to be able to support Ashgate Hospice’s Treecyle scheme this year and we were proud to be able to offer our support as campaign sponsors.

“From everyone who donated to recycle their tree to the volunteers who gave up their time to collect the trees – it’s great to see the community coming together to do their bit for a great cause and the environment.

“Not only will your donations help the hospice fund its vital care for families across the county, but it’s great way to do your bit to be green and sustainable!”

Go online to find out how you can support Ashgate Hospice, at www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/fundraising.

Alternatively, call the fundraising team on 01246 567250 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday or email communityfr@ashgatehospice.org.uk.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Central Technology provides digital support to Chesterfield charity

Chesterfield-based Central Technology has been working closely with local charity Ashgate Hospice, by providing staff with digital support and advice.

Over the last few years, the company has been providing IT Support to the charity, including a recent webinar  which helped staff combat their IT issues.

Three IT challenges have been highlighted during CT’s work within the hospice and charity sector – budget constraints, data protection and agile working for staff.

Matt Corbishley, Director of people and performance at Ashgate Hospice explained why the company was a good fit for the charity:  “I know there’s a lot we don’t know, and having that external support from CT is invaluable”.

Hospices are responsible for sensitive employee data and also the data of vulnerable patients. Data security is at the heart of the service provided by Central Technology, and all parties can be assured that data risks are managed effectively.

The company is accredited with ISO27001 – a certification standard that is recognised worldwide as an indication that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) is aligned with information security best practices.

For Ashgate, Matt stated: “CT were the only provider to have that – that’s beyond digital security… that’s gold standard really!”.

Matt Corbishley, Ashgate Hospice

With the rise in agile working from the effects of COVID-19, Ashgate found it was especially important to implement smart-working practices.

Matt stated: “we wanted a strategy that enabled that remoting working for our teams. The hybrid support that’s emerged in certain years between the developer and operations role is extremely beneficial. Now the full team of clinicians can access SystmOne remotely and don’t have to come back to base which saves time and money, and staff can see more patients”.

The team at Central Technology has experience in supporting hospices by providing a strategic IT roadmap to support their charitable objectives. Its technology advice and solutions align with hospice business goals to ultimately improve patient care. Find out more about the range of support and advice on offer at: https://www.ct.co.uk/pages/contact

Central Technology and Ashgate Hospice support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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The former Royal Ballet dancer helping to look after staff and volunteer wellbeing at Ashgate Hospice

A former Royal Ballet dancer has joined Ashgate Hospice to help champion a more supportive and inclusive culture for its 340 members of staff and 600 volunteers.

Ruth Bailey, aged 32, travelled the world with the Royal Ballet Company and danced alongside some of the most acclaimed dancers, including Darcey Bussell. The professional dancer retired at the age of 24 to focus on her wellbeing and is now 10 years into recovery from anorexia nervosa.

Now, as Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing Advisor, Ruth hopes to use her own experiences of poor mental and physical health to implement a robust support scheme to help make wellbeing a priority for everyone at the charity.

“My own struggles with wellbeing and the barriers I faced when accessing support has been the driving force behind my studies at university, which focused on nutrition, health and lifestyles,” said Ruth.

“I knew that I wanted to support other people to improve their health and let people know that healthy wellbeing takes work every single day.

“I believe that I am now a role model for this, which I absolutely love!”

Since her appointment in August 2021, Ruth has developed a wellbeing offer to help support staff and volunteers through the difficult winter months. This includes 1:1 wellbeing calls, group meetings on nutrition and exercise and 30-minute mindfulness sessions.

Ruth said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen how people have been impacted by the changes to our work and home lives. At Ashgate, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing these issues to ensure we have a well-supported and resilient workforce.

“My ambition is to help make wellbeing a priority for everyone. It can be difficult to give yourself permission to allow time for yourself, however, I believe it’s the key to long term sustainability.

“I hope to build and promote a really strong message that wellbeing should be paramount to healthy staff and volunteers. Human beings have basic needs and I hope to give time, energy, and a safe space for people to acknowledge these in the workplace.”

The charity, which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, aims to normalise conversations around mental health and ensure staff and volunteers have the capability, knowledge and skills to access the support they need.

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance at Ashgate Hospice said: “Supporting our staff and volunteers to stay healthy and well is a key priority for Ashgate. A healthy workplace helps our teams to deliver the very best end of life and palliative care to families across North Derbyshire.

“Supporting all our people to have a well-rounded and happier lifestyle is arguably more important now than ever before. It benefits the work we do, and the healthier habits picked up by our staff and volunteers can be passed on to those who use our services.

“We look forward to growing and developing our ambitious offering even further to ensure that everyone who works or volunteers for us is well supported in everything they do.”

If you want to join an organisation that priorities wellbeing, find out more about Ashgate Hospice and their current vacancies at www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/work-for-us

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Local Hospice encourages residents to take part in ‘Ashgate to the North Pole’ challenge

People from across North Derbyshire are being invited to collectively run, walk, cycle or swim  the distance between Ashgate Hospice and the North Pole, to help the charity be there for the families who need its support most this Christmas time.

The mammoth fundraising challenge, called ‘Ashgate to the North Pole’, will see participants race more than 2,167 miles before Christmas Day.

Whether you’re setting yourself a target of running a couple of miles a day or heading out on a weekly cycle across the Peaks, taking part in the challenge will help fund the charity care for patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

Those who sign up to the free virtual event can compete against friends, family and colleagues in the online league table.

Savannah Redhead, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch our brand-new virtual Ashgate to the North Pole event!

“We’re inviting you to join us on our collective trip to the North Pole so we can bring some festive cheer to our patients both at the hospice and in the community.

“Whether you’re an avid runner or prefer to take the bike out for a Sunday cycle, your efforts will mean so much to us and the families who need us.

“We rely on the generosity of our community to raise millions of pounds each year to help fund our specialist care. And at Christmas time that means helping our patients and their families to create precious memories together.

“So, what are you waiting for? Come and help us achieve our collective challenge of reaching 2,167 miles over the festive period – we know we can reach the goal with your support!”

Everyone who raises £50 in sponsorship or more will receive a festive treat that will be available to collect from the hospice.

Ashgate is hoping that fundraisers who take part will help fund a special gift on its Christmas list to Santa this year:

  • £6 could pay for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for a patient.
  • £15 could pay for a counselling or creative therapy session, to help guide a bereaved person through the darkest of times
  • £18 could pay for a one-hour visit from a Community Nurse in a patient’s home over the festive period.

Participants can choose to use the mobile phone app Strava to track their activity or manually input their miles themselves – it’s entirely up to each individual.

Taking part in Ashgate to the North Pole will help families like Elaine Clarke’s, whose mum, Sheila Clarke, received Day Services support before spending her final days on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Sheila died in October 2015, aged 78, after being diagnosed with vulval cancer the year before.

Elaine said: “I had a really hard time accepting my mum’s diagnosis but was able to receive support from Ashgate Hospice, who helped me through the whole experience tremendously.

“The care my mum had really was second-to-none; she was so well looked after, and I don’t know what we would have done without the support of the team at Ashgate.

“I’ll never forget my mum made a special friend with a lady in the next room to her.

“Over the weeks the friendship became so special between them both that the staff moved them out of the rooms and into a ward area where their beds could be placed side-by-side.

“That’s just one example of how everyone at Ashgate goes above and beyond for each and every family it cares for.”

To find out more about the Ashgate to the North Pole fundraising challenge and how you can take part go to www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/events.

Alternatively, you can contact Ashgate’s Fundraising Team by calling 01246 567250 or by emailing events@ashgatehospice.org.uk.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Families invited to remember their loved ones this Christmas with Ashgate Hospice

A North Derbyshire man whose wife of 50 years died earlier this year is supporting an event to remember loved ones this Christmas.

Bernard Haigh’s wife Jeanette died from ovarian cancer in June this year, aged 72, after being cared for on our Inpatient Unit and at home by Ashgate hospice’s Palliative Care Specialist Nurses.

He is among hundreds of people taking part in the hospice’s annual Light Up a Life campaign in December.

Families are invited to dedicate a star in memory of their loved ones and make a donation to the hospice.

Supporters, along with their family and friends, will also be invited to join the hospice in a service of celebration and remembrance in December, in the grounds of its Old Brampton site.

The Light Up a Life service will include readings and songs, the switching on of Ashgate’s Christmas lights and a chance to reflect and celebrate the lives of loved ones.

Bernard said: “With Jeanette I experienced the incredible care that Ashgate provides.

“It was difficult to watch Jeanette become increasingly unwell, but Ashgate Hospice could not have done more to support us.

“From the excellent community team who supplied us with a hospital bed, stairlift, a bathing facility and more whilst Jeanette was at home, to the incredible Inpatient Unit staff, who treated her with so much kindness and compassion.

“As a result of the care Jeanette was receiving, we were able to spend the time we had left making precious memories as a family.

“Jeanette dedicated her life to helping others. She was a special needs teacher and volunteered with many community groups and cancer charities to help people in need.

“I can’t think of a better way to remember her than by dedicating a star in her memory and donating to help other people who need Ashgate’s exceptional care.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, those wishing to attend the ceremony will receive an invite after dedicating a star. They will also receive a special pin badge, a card with a personalised dedication on it to keep with them wherever they go, and two Light up a Life stars, which they can choose to hang on their tree at home or on the hospice’s tree at its Hasland Furniture Store in Chesterfield.

Those who dedicate a star via the Light up a Life website are also able to share a treasured photo of their loved one to feature on the star along with a special message that will appear in the virtual night sky.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Although Christmas is a time to celebrate, we understand how difficult it can be for those who are missing someone special.

“Light up a Life gives families like Bernard’s the chance to come together to celebrate and remember the life of their loved ones.

“At the same time, it is an opportunity to support the hospice through another difficult winter to help us continue to provide our specialist, compassionate care to patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

“After last year’s virtual-only ceremony, we are pleased to be able to invite supporters back to the hospice to take part in our special Light Up a Life service at our Old Brampton site. Of course, this has been carefully planned to adhere to the hospice’s strict COVID guidelines and will be held outside with those attending encouraged to wear masks.” Following Jeanette’s death, thousands of pounds have been raised for Ashgate in her memory, thanks to the generosity of her family, friends and the people of Bolsover.

Her grandchildren, Florence and Samuel, aged 11 and seven respectively, cycled 16-miles across Birmingham, raising more than £1,600. And the collection at Jeanette’s funeral helped raise more than £1,700 for the North Derbyshire charity too.

Florence and Samuel will feature as special guests at the Light up a Life ceremony as they will turn on Ashgate’s Christmas lights this year in honour of their grandmother.

Now, Bernard is asking people across North Derbyshire to join him in dedicating a star in their loved one’s memory to support Ashgate through what the charity anticipates to be another difficult winter.

For more information about Light Up a Life or to make a dedication in memory of someone, go to: lightupalife.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or call the Ashgate Fundraising Team on 01246 567250.

Alternatively, if you would like to make your dedication in person, you can do so from Monday to Friday at Ashgate Hospice on Ashgate Road in Old Brampton or in your local Ashgate Hospice shop.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Long serving Ashgate Hospice staff member marks 30 “incredible” years

One of Ashgate Hospice’s longest serving members of staff is marking 30 years caring for palliative and end of life patients this month – and her ‘desire’ and ‘dedication’ has been praised by charity bosses.

Pam Garvey, who as a Palliative Care Support Worker, cares for patients and their families in their own homes, celebrated her 30th anniversary at Ashgate on Thursday (21st October).

Over the past three decades, the 65-year-old has been there to provide compassionate and comforting care to thousands across North Derbyshire.

Before starting at the hospice, Pam worked in a role supporting people across the county with mental health problems.

She says although it wasn’t her first job when she started at Ashgate in 1991, she ‘knew quickly after starting that it would be her last’.

After reaching the milestone this week, Pam said: “The past 30 years have passed by so quickly, but I’m so glad that I followed my heart and joined the hospice team back in 1991.

“So much has changed at Ashgate over the years to meet the needs of our patients but our goal has always remained the same: to provide excellent, compassionate palliative and end of life care to the people who need us.

“I meet so many inspirational people, who make me feel so humble and grateful for everything I have. I have learnt something from all of them.

“I feel a sense of pride when I tell people I work at Ashgate Hospice; I still have the letter offering me the post from all those years ago. I just can’t believe it’s been 30 years!”

Pam initially started at the hospice as a volunteer in 1989, before being offered a permanent position on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit two years later.

After a short length of time supporting patients on the ward, Ashgate started caring for patients and their families in their own homes – and Pam instantly knew that was her dream job.

She added: “Two years after starting out on the Inpatient Unit, Ashgate extended our care offering to people in their own homes, and I instantly knew that’s where I wanted to be.

“The role has certainly changed since then, there were no mobile phones or sat navs; our matron, Jean, would wave us off, armed with just a map and the patient’s details – that’s where each day began!”

When Pam started at Ashgate, there were approximately 12 nurses, four health care assistants, a few doctors, three kitchen staff and three office staff.

Today, there are 340 members of staff and 600 volunteers at the charity, which last year cared for more than 2,500 patients across a range of different services.

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospice, said: “On behalf of everyone at Ashgate I’d like to wish Pam a huge congratulations as she reaches her 30th  year caring for patients.

“From starting as a volunteer when we first started providing care on our Inpatient Unit to being involved with the launch of our community services – she’s achieved so much over the past three decades.

“She has helped and continues to help make a positive impact on the lives of so many families – she’s truly one in a million.

“I’m so grateful to Pam for her incredible service over the years and the desire, commitment and hard work she brings to work each day emulates everything Ashgate is about. Thank you, Pam – Ashgate wouldn’t be the same without you!”

Would you like to work alongside Pam and other Ashgate colleagues? The charity is currently hiring for Bank Registered Nurses to join its award-winning ‘Outstanding’-rated team on the hospice’s newly refurbished 21-bed Inpatient Unit.

To find out more about the role and other vacancies at Ashgate Hospice, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/vacancies

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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