Supporting The Shakespeare Hospice

The Lodders Charitable Foundation (LCF) was delighted to support The Shakespeare Hospice as it celebrated 25 years since opening its doors to patients for the very first time.

About The Shakespeare Hospice

Based in Stratford upon Avon, The Shakespeare Hospice offers outstanding palliative and end of life care to patients, their loved ones and carers across South Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.

The Hospice relies on the generosity of local individuals, businesses, and volunteers to continue its operations and support to individuals and their families, with the local community providing essential financial support through fundraising and donations. In addition, volunteers from the community contribute their time and skills, enhancing the Hospice’s ability to offer comprehensive care and support.

Challenges and opportunities

For 25 years, The Shakespeare Hospice has been a beacon of hope in the local community, offering a haven for those navigating difficult times. But like many other hospices, The Shakespeare Hospice faces its own challenges, including funding constraints across the healthcare sector and the increased demand for palliative care services. Securing sustainable funding remains a critical issue. The Hospice only receives a 10% contribution from the NHS towards its annual income. With an ageing population and rising incidence of chronic illnesses, the demand for hospice care is growing, necessitating the expansion of services and resources.

During the pandemic, the Hospice was unable to accommodate patients due to lockdown rules, so the team used the opportunity to undertake a refurbishment to modernise the day hospice and create more private consultancy spaces. These improvements have helped create a more comforting and supportive atmosphere, enabling the delivery of a more holistic approach to supporting patients and their loved ones.

25th anniversary

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Hospice has been planning many fundraising events, including its infamous Dragon Boat Race. The year of celebrations will finish with a special 25th anniversary ball at Stratford Manor on 7 December.

Looking ahead

Over the next few years, the Hospice aims to expand its service provision and facilities to meet the growing demand for palliative and end-of-life care whilst expanding its community outreach programs. Perhaps most important to The Shakespeare Hospice is that it remains a cornerstone of compassionate care for future generations.

Alison Stone, corporate and community fundraiser at The Shakespeare Hospice, comments: “Support from our corporate partners is essential in ensuring that The Shakespeare Hospice can meet the growing demand for palliative care and expand our services to those in need. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Lodders Charitable Foundation for their generous support this year. Their commitment enables us to continue providing compassionate care and essential services to our community, especially as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.”

Established in 2016, the LCF supports regional charities that make a real difference to their communities. Since it was founded, the LCF has donated more than £90,000 to local independent charities. Find out more.