Introduction to the Charity

One of the slogans of Duchess of Kent House Charity is ‘Fundraising the Future’ and the charity is proud not only to have donated over £1,500,000 to supporting palliative care in our local area in the last five years, but also to plan to increase our contribution by 50% by 2012.

All this is only possible with the help of our donors – individual, corporate, institutional and associations.

Being a small local charity, focused precisely on helping local people and their families suffering from life-shortening diseases you know that any gift or donation you make helps people in Newbury, Reading, Wokingham and surrounding areas. There is no grand London HQ to pay for; nor is the money used outside Berkshire. Our small admin team supplemented by a dedicated group of trained volunteers is on site at the hospice, ready to help and advise.

Because much of what we raise in the fundraising office is used for ‘revenue’ items such as extra beds, services and nursing staff, the charity does not receive or is eligible to receive many grants from trusts, grant-making bodies, or indeed the National Lottery. Our most important givers are therefore local groups and individuals – like you. 

Background

There are approximately 220 hospices / palliative care units in the UK, making Britain a global leader in hospice care. Hospices as a place for the care of those where cure is no longer possible, but dedicated care certainly is have been around for over 150 years. In the UK, the comprehensive coverage we now benefit from is largely a result of local initiatives and fundraising campaigns started 20 or more years ago. Duchess of Kent House is one such example, fundraised under the ‘Buy a Brick for Dellwood’ slogan (Dellwood is the generic name for our site). Although the charitable money raised was from local people and companies the unit, once opened in 1992 was handed over to the NHS to operate. Designed as a full-service hospice, Duchess of Kent House now has 16 in-patient beds, day therapy facilities (3 days a week), out-patients and a Family Support Service (bereavement). In the last 15 years over 12,000 patients have been treated and cared-for by a team of 50 (full-time equivalent) consultants, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists, admin & site staff, etc. This care continues after death for those relatives who wish it through the FSS. All care is provided free of charge, according to need.

As with all parts of the National Health Service there is never enough money to pay for all aspects of what we technically call ‘specialist palliative care’.

This is where the independent charity Duchess of Kent House Charity comes in.

It was formed in 2001 to concentrate fundraising to benefit the House, and consists of one full-time fundraising manager, two part-time helpers and 5 office volunteers. In the financial year 2006-7 we raised through local support over £500,000, our best year yet with 30% coming from legacies.

There are two elements to the support we provide:

1. To extend provision and help more patients than the unit has budget for, and
2. To enhance services or fund services in their entirety that otherwise would not exist.

Extending Provision

Our catchment area covering west and central Berkshire extends from Hungerford in the west to Wokingham in the east, going north of Caversham and south towards Tadley. This area encompasses a population of almost ½ million people. The charity thus funds two additional in-patient beds, otherwise not available to the inhabitants of our catchment area, at a cost of approximately £200,000 per annum. 

Enhancing Services

In common with other NHS hospices, certain services have never been funded by the NHS, or if they have, only to a limited degree. The charity believes these services to be an essential part of the holistic approach to palliative care that is the unit’s philosophy. Therefore, the Charity funds the psychologists, the Family Support Service, the dietician, the chaplaincy, and the aromatherapist. These services cost up to £150,000 a year. In addition, when funds allow, the Charity also pays for additional or replacement medical or general equipment, transport costs for day-patients and gardening supplies. What it does not pay for are individual requests from patients and their carers for help with personal equipment or financial distress though illness. There are three other charities based in Newbury, Reading & Wokingham who can help patients individually.

Here are some comments of patients and their relatives who have been treated at Duchess of Kent House:

“Sensitivity, care, love is at the heart of all we receive at Duchess of Kent House.

My gratitude to staff, volunteers, fellow-patients, fundraisers and generous donors is wholly beyond expression. But, believe me you are appreciated.”

Kate Knollys, Day Therapy patient

“Very many thanks for all that you did for x while he was in your care. I know he was in the best possible place and was happy in your care.”

Next-of-Kin

“Duchess of Kent House is the next best place to heaven.”

In-patient.