Hospice scoops national award and £30k funding

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON’S Shakespeare Hospice has beaten more than 400 other organisations to scoop a top national award and £30,000 in unrestricted funding.

The hospice learnt that it had won the GSK IMPACT Award, which is run in partnership with the King’s Fund, last week.

The fund recognises charities that show excellence in improving health and wellbeing in their communities.

The money that comes with winning the award will provide a fantastic boost to the organisation’s Hospice at Home service.

The hospice is the only one in Warwickshire that can provide round the clock home care and its award-winning Transition Service, offering respite care and support for 16-24-year-olds, is unique in the UK.

Angie Arnold, Chief Executive officer of the Shakespeare Hospice, said: “I am incredibly proud of the work delivered by our hospice which ensures every adult and child in our community living with a life-limiting illness, and those who matter to them, are supported with the care and compassion they deserve.

“We are continually seeking ways to improve our services in response to the changing needs of our community. A recent example of this is our work with young people. Moving from paediatric to adult services can be a very confusing and stressful time, and this extra support is vital.

“The team at the hospice work tirelessly to ensure we deliver first-class care. This award means an incredible amount to all of us and is thoroughly well deserved.”

The award will be formally presented to the Shakespeare Hospice during a special ceremony at the Science Museum in London on 12th May along with nine other winners. During that ceremony an overall winner will be announced, who will benefit from a further £10,000 in funding.

The Shakespeare Hospice is the only hospice to be named as one of the ten winners, a fantastic achievement in its own right.

Lisa Weaks, third sector programme manager of The King’s Fund, added: “The Shakespeare Hospice is a well-run charity providing essential support for people approaching the end of their lives.

“Its work with young people is particularly important — moving from child to adult services can be a confusing time and this extra support is commendable. The organisation is a model of good practice, with good outcomes working in a vital area. This award is well deserved.”