We were pleased to welcome Mat Trewern from BBC Radio Manchester to the Hospice to shine a light on our work, as part of a wider BBC project focussing on hospices.
He spoke to our CEO Karen Houlston, Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham and Dawn Winterbottom, who has used our services.
You can listen to Mat’s report, first broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester’s Breakfast show on Wednesday 31st January, by clicking on the play button below:
A new treatment facility has opened at Willow Wood Hospice which provides outpatient physiotherapy and occupational therapy for patients.
The Hospice Therapy Team usually visit patients in their own home but the new clinic room can now be used for physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessments and interventions in the Hospice.
It can be accessed to provide treatment for existing patients from across all Hospice services – including Therapy, Inpatient, Wellbeing and Dementia support – and assess new patients too.
Hospice staff can see patients face-to-face to tailor their care to their needs, create a programme aimed at helping them meet their goals and enable them to make positive steps – whether it is to help with pain management, fatigue, breathlessness or functional needs.
Rebecca Stimson, Community and Wellbeing Service Therapy Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “The new facility will encourage patients to visit the Hospice and helps those who have set their goals on building their strength and mobility to be able to leave their home.
“It will also help them to be able to continue their rehabilitation away from home and in a supported, accessible and safe environment.
“The space is more comfortable and accessible for those whose home environment may not be ideal for treatment. It also gives our Therapy team the opportunity to treat more patients.”
A patient or their carer can access the Community and Wellbeing Services by phoning the hospice on 0161 330 1100 and asking for Wellbeing at The Hive for an informal chat.
By Adam Higgins
Willow Wood’s Christmas tree recycling service has raised a tree-mendous amount towards supporting patient care at the Hospice.
The convenient recycling initiative allowed residents across Tameside and Glossop to register their festive firs online to be collected and responsibly disposed of in the new year, whilst making a donation of their choice to the Hospice.
In total, 498 real trees were collected and £7,175 has been raised, which will make a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness from our local communities.
In Tameside, trees were collected between 8th and 12th January and then chipped by Tameside Council’s Greenspace team, who will re-use them in local parks.
In Glossop, the trees were collected by Amazon and A&D Distribution Services between 10th and 15th January and taken to Hartleys Garden Centre to be stored. They will be chipped by Bankswood Treecare and used by the Pony Patch to lay a new path for the ponies.
Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “On behalf of us all at the Hospice, a sincere thank you to all of our brilliant partners for facilitating the collection and recycling of the trees, and to everyone who registered their trees and donated to Willow Wood.
“We would also like to thank all those who helped to spread the word and raise awareness of the tree recycling service.
“With only 20 per cent of our funding coming from central government, the support we receive from our local communities is absolutely vital.”
Tameside Council Executive Member responsible for environmental services, Cllr Denise Ward, said: “This is a fantastic result and has been a great opportunity for people to so something positive for the environment while also supporting a charity that is important to so many local people and that does a lot of positive, valued work in our community.
“Thank you to everyone who supported the scheme, you have really helped to make a difference.”
The collection and recycling service was also supported by national charity Just Helping, which assists charities, volunteers and businesses to contribute to their community and the environment.
After costs, Willow Wood Hospice will receive 85 per cent of donations and up to 15 per cent will be distributed by Just Helping to other local charities.
By Adam Higgins
A determined woman from Ashton-under-Lyne has braved having her head shaved to help raise vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice.
Karen Roberts decided to lose her hair in support of her friend Debbie Grimshaw, who is undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Karen was due to have her head shaved in December but unfortunately had to postpone it when she got Covid-19.
The 53-year-old has raised a fantastic £1,821.25 – which will help to support the care of patients from the communities of Tameside and Glossop with life-limiting illnesses.
Karen wanted to help the Hospice, where two of her friends sadly died and two more friends currently use Willow Wood’s services.
Supported by family and friends, Karen came into the Hospice to have her hair shaved by Rachel Smith, from Headquarters at the Hayloft in Stalybridge.
Karen said: “Thanks to Willow Wood for being a special place to recover, to be comfortable or to have your final farewell. It’s a peaceful, relaxing and friendly place to be.
“I had my head shaved for a few people I know – Keith, Diane, Debbie and Sue, who are going through chemotherapy treatment and who are all so brave and courageous.
“My partner Keith was diagnosed with lymphoma in March last year. He is now in remission and, with ongoing strength, we can face life together and enjoy 2024 and more years cancer free.”
By Adam Higgins
Willow Wood Hospice is encouraging local residents to start the new year by having a declutter and generously donating any items or gifts they no longer want, need or use.
Did you get more shirts than you’ll ever wear for Christmas, or perhaps a pair of jeans that isn’t your size or style?
Maybe you’ve got a book you’ve already read sitting on a shelf, or a board game you’ve already played gathering dust in a cupboard?
The Hospice is hoping that people will consider donating these new or used items to ensure they become the gift that keeps on giving.
You can feel a lot better knowing that having a clear-out can make the house feel calmer post-Christmas and the items you donate to Willow Wood’s charity shops will be re-sold to help raise vital funds to support the care of patients from the local community with life-limiting illnesses.
The Hospice has six charity shops across Tameside and Glossop, in addition to the Purchase and Donate (PAD) Furniture Shop in Stalybridge and Distribution Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Willow Wood needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue operating and, with only 20 per cent of that funding coming by way of central government, the Hospice relies on the generosity of the community it serves.
Supporting Willow Wood’s shops is one way you can help and our team of dedicated staff and volunteers will gratefully receive any donations of items during opening hours to keep the shelves stocked – with the exception of duvets, car seats and crash helmets.
Furniture will also be accepted at the Purchase and Donate (PAD) Furniture Shop on Shepley Street in Stalybridge.
See where your nearest Willow Wood Hospice shop is and check the opening hours at www.willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations
People can make their donations worth an extra 25 per cent for the Hospice by signing up to Gift Aid. By filling out a simple form when dropping off your donations, Willow Wood will receive an extra 25p from the government for every £1 raised from donated goods and it won’t cost you a penny.
Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “There’s no better time than the new year to clear space in your wardrobe or from your shelves and cupboards. We would be incredibly grateful if you could donate any belongings you don’t want or need any more to our Willow Wood charity shops and we will find a loving new home for them. You will be helping us to be there for our patients and their families when they need us most.
“By extending the season of goodwill and donating your unwanted items to Willow Wood Hospice, you will also be helping to reduce waste.
“Whilst dropping off your donations, you might even spot something you like and bag yourself a bargain.”
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