Month: June 2025

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The scheme helping young people thrive at Willow Wood

In early 2024, our Retail and Volunteering teams embraced a promising new opportunity to support local young people in collaboration with Tameside Council.

The Youth Employment Support (YES) scheme is aimed at helping 16 to 24-year-olds into the world of work, encouraging local organisations to offer at least six months of paid employment.

The scheme provides funding to make it easier for employers to give young people an opportunity.

Last year, we welcomed our first participant, Declan Ranahan, through the scheme—and he quickly made his mark. Declan has since progressed into a full-time role, balancing his Driver’s Mate position with an apprenticeship supported by Clarendon Sixth Form College.

Declan (pictured at the front) has established himself as part of our Retail team
Declan (pictured at the front) has established himself as part of our Retail team

His success has paved the way for others. Since Declan’s start, five more young people have joined our Retail team through the scheme, working at the Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne and our Purchase and Donate Shop in Stalybridge.

Each of them has brought enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a fresh perspective.

Paul King, our Warehouse and Logistics Manager, has been mentoring some of the young people and has witnessed their progress firsthand.

“It has worked really well for us,” he said. “The young people get a lot out of it because they are treated like staff. We support them as much as we can and they are given responsibility. The majority of them do want to stay on at the end of the six months.

“Declan has been an example to others – he’s come a long way in the time he’s been with us and really enjoys his Driver’s Mate role.

“The young people with us have been supporting our van drivers and sorting out stock and serving customers in the Clearance Outlet downstairs. They have been quick learners, have had a positive attitude and have been a massive help.”

For Libby Marshall, 18, from Dukinfield, the role has been eye-opening and empowering.

Libby Marshall in the Clearance Outlet
Libby has been working in our Clearance Outlet

“I wasn’t doing anything so I was looking for a job and this came up. It’s been really nice – the friendly environment and the people I’m working with. I didn’t really know anything about the Hospice before so I’ve learned a lot about it.

“I’ve learned communication skills and just being more confident because before I wasn’t really good at communicating.”

Kaylum Duggan, 19, from Stalybridge, has taken on a Driver’s Mate role since January 2025.

Kaylum Duggan
Kaylum is enjoying being a Driver’s Mate 

“It’s a nice working environment and very cooperative. I’ve learned to work in a team, being prepared and lots of physical skills like manual handling. I feel like I’ve had a good impact and I’m enjoying it.

“I would definitely recommend the YES scheme to others – it helps you get out of your shell and find opportunities that help you grow as a person.”

Emily Kellett, 23, from Dukinfield, brought with her some previous volunteering experience, but says her time at Willow Wood has taken her skills and confidence to new levels.

“I’ve developed skills like customer service, money management and teamwork. It’s been lovely working with Libby and all of the team – I feel like I fitted in from day one and I’ve made some great friendships. I want to stay working in retail.”

For many of these young people, previous alternative education placements or work environments had not been the right fit. But at Willow Wood, they have found encouragement, responsibility, and a welcoming team.

Neil Radford, who is involved in the YES scheme at Tameside Council, has praised the collaboration.

“Some of our cohort have challenges and have struggled with social anxiety, particularly around peers of their own age,” Neil said.

“Since working at Willow Wood, we’ve seen their confidence and self-esteem grow and have encouraged increased social interactions across different age groups and some will now travel on public transport independently. They are also broadening their social activities by attending gyms, watching films at the cinema and going shopping with peers.

“Additionally, they have gained valuable experience in learning about the world of work and the responsibilities of being an employee. Through their time at Willow Wood, they have developed essential skills such as teamwork, time management, and workplace communication, which have further boosted their independence skills.

“We would especially like to thank Paul King and his team at the Clearance Outlet and Lisa Pye for their support, patience and kindness. Without this, our scheme wouldn’t be the success it is today.”

To find out more about volunteering at Willow Wood Hospice, visit willowwood.org.uk/vacancies/volunteer-vacancies

Anyone interested in taking part in the YES scheme can contact the Employment and Skills team at Tameside Council on 0161 342 3111 or email employmentandskills@tameside.gov.uk

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Meet Caroline – our new Dementia Team Lead

Hello, I’m Caroline, and I’m the new Dementia Team Lead here at Willow Wood Hospice.

I’ve been warmly welcomed into the Community Services team and I’m already really enjoying the role.

I’ve worked at Willow Wood for 13 years, most recently as a Sister on the Inpatient Unit. Before that, I was a District Nurse in Tameside, supporting patients in their own homes. I’ve previously had experience of dementia care working in a nursing home, before I trained to be a nurse. After I qualified, I trained at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and worked there for around two-and-a-half years.

All of those experiences combined have taught me how vital it is to truly see the person behind the dementia diagnosis and maintain their dignity at every stage. During my time as a Sister on our Inpatient Unit, I supported many patients with various types of dementia, and I’ve always recognised the importance of supporting their carers too.

I’ve always had a special interest in palliative care and felt ready for a new challenge—something where I could make a difference for people living with dementia and their families. The aim of the dementia services at Willow Wood Hospice is to give dementia patients and their carers a voice, ensure they are heard, and are treated with the dignity they deserve.

One of the highlights so far has been taking part in the Dementia Café. The first one I attended was a VE Day celebration, which was really special. You could see how much joy it brought to everyone there. The team of volunteers are fantastic—they organise different activities for each café, which not only helps stimulate the person living with dementia but also gives carers a space to connect, share, and build friendships. The sense of community and support is truly heartwarming.

In this role, we often visit patients in their own homes, taking the time to build rapport with both the patient and their carer. A big part of our work is Advance Care Planning—helping people make decisions for the future, while they are still able, based on their wishes. That can be something as simple as identifying their favourite music, which can bring comfort in moments of distress, or discussing where they would like to receive care in the later stages of their illness. It can also be ensuring symptoms are managed with optimal medication management.

We also coordinate with other services—liaising with GPs, signposting to the right support, and ensuring everything is in place, from pain management to physiotherapy, occupational therapy or home equipment.

I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Willow Wood Hospice team. It’s a beautiful place with a wonderful workforce. We all support one another and share the same goal—to make a real difference to the lives of those we care for.

Looking ahead, together with Wendy, our Assistant Practitioner, we are going to build on the strong foundations already in place for dementia care at Willow Wood and explore how we can develop the support we offer, whilst continuing to listen closely to the needs of our patients and their carers.

With one in two people in the UK expected to be affected by dementia in their lifetime—either by developing the condition themselves or caring for someone who does—the demand for specialist support will only increase. Here at Willow Wood, we’re committed to being there for as many people in Tameside and Glossop as we can. We have one chance to get it right.

Our Dementia Support services include our Dementia Carers Support Group which is unique in that while a carer attends a small therapy group, we provide activities and support for their loved one in the safe environment of the Hospice.

For more information about our services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk/dementia-support

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Patient fulfils childhood dream with Willow Wood’s support

A patient who was cared for at Willow Wood fulfilled a lifelong dream — with the help and support of the Hospice’s dedicated team.

Joanne Bradburn, from Glossop, was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2024 and was first referred to our Inpatient Unit in April 2025, to help manage her pain and support her ongoing care.

After a period in hospital, Joanne returned to the Hospice, where she received end-of-life care before she died in June, aged 45.

During her time at the Hospice, Joanne shared with our team that she had always dreamed of going on a barge trip — a wish inspired by fond childhood memories.

“I’ve always wanted to go on a barge trip since I was young,” she said. “I used to love watching Rosie and Jim on TV – me and my brother were obsessed with it.

“After my diagnosis, I came up with a bit of a bucket list and one of the things on it was to do a barge trip with my family because none of us had ever been on one.”

Joanne’s family had originally booked two barges that could accommodate 19 people, but as her health declined and she lost her mobility, the plan felt increasingly out of reach.

“My brother Wesley found two barges which held 19 of us which was booked a while ago. But as time has gone on, my condition has got progressively worse and I cannot walk anymore. I’m not mobile so I’m restricted to a wheelchair.

“We were all thinking it was too much and we’re not going to be able to do it.”

That’s when Nicola, one of Willow Wood’s Specialist Occupational Therapists, stepped in. Hearing about Joanne’s dream, she suggested a more accessible option closer to the Hospice – ensuring there was access on and off the boat, safe transport to the barge, and that Joanne’s needs could be met whilst she was on the boat.

“Nicola gave us lots of information about ‘Still Waters’ – a trip boat operated by Tameside Canal Boat Trust at Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, because otherwise we wouldn’t have known about it.

“The barge had an accessible lift and toilet.  To transport Joanne from the Hospice to Portland Basin, she needed her wheelchair to be clamped down in the taxi. We used Hyde Accessible Transport, which we highly recommend.

“My sister Hayleigh contacted them and they accommodated us straight away. It was a shorter barge trip which worked better for me – about two-and-a-half hours up and down Droylsden Canal.

“My whole family came along on the first Bank Holiday Monday in May. There were 19 of us – including my partner Bill, my parents, my two brothers, my two sisters and their children.

“We all managed to get on a very traditional narrow boat. We had an amazing time and the weather was beautiful. The children loved it, they were able to feed the birds too. It really was a dream come true for me.”

Joanne with her family on the barge
Joanne with her family on the barge.

Joanne had other items on her bucket list – including attending her sister Hayleigh’s wedding in Halifax in August.

“I’d love to have a ride in a hot air balloon but my family were a bit sceptical on that one. I think I’d be a bit nervous about that as well but I would like to do a bit more of a daredevil kind of activity – perhaps with my partner.”

Joanne was extremely grateful for the care she has received at Willow Wood, which she described as ‘11 out of 10’.

She said: “I cannot fault it. I’ve been really looked after, in every aspect I could possibly wish – it’s been second to none. The team have been so compassionate – you can see they genuinely care about my wellbeing and make sure that I am okay.

“The surroundings are just perfect. I love the gardens where I’ve spent a lot of time. It’s great that the rooms back onto the gardens. I was able to experience the Flower Festival here too which was lovely – I managed to take part in some of the raffles and tombolas and won a lovely bottle of perfume. It was like a bit of normality.

“My family have been able to visit me regularly as well at any time they like, which has been another good thing. They have said they have enjoyed coming and how beautiful it is. It’s not a scary place to come to.”

Before coming to Willow Wood, Joanne didn’t know about the services we provide — or the scale of funding needed to keep the Hospice running.

“I did not know anything about it before but it’s a place I’ll be shouting about now and I want to do some charity events to help towards fundraising because it’s a lot of money to run the place.”

It costs at least £3.6 million every year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing our vital services to deliver compassionate care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness.

With only around 24 per cent of that total coming from the Government, the Hospice relies on the generosity of the community by making donations; organising or supporting fundraising events; donating or buying goods to its charity shops; leaving gifts in Wills; joining the weekly lottery or volunteering.

To find out more about the care we offer and how you can help, visit www.willowwood.org.uk/together-we-care or call 0161 330 1100.

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Young sisters whisk up support for Willow Wood

Three determined young fundraisers from Stalybridge have raised an impressive £901 for the Hospice through a community bake sale.

Sisters Hazel and Elizabeth Capper, along with their friend Ivy Brownridge, brought the neighbourhood together with traybakes, gingerbread, and homemade crafts, all in aid of patient care at Willow Wood.

With generous donations from Heyrod Village Store and plenty of help from friends and family, the girls turned their home into a hub of delicious treats.

A huge handmade sign outside the house and buzz across the local Neighbourhood Watch group helped draw in visitors.

The girls’ stall offered more than sweet treats – there were also craft items for sale, adding a creative touch to the fundraiser.

The Capper family are no strangers to giving back. This marks the third time the girls have held a charity bake sale – the first before Covid for Alzheimer’s Support, the second in 2023 for Cancer Research, and now for Willow Wood.

It’s a cause close to their hearts, as grandparents John and Pam Capper volunteer for the Hospice – helping to organise our popular fortnightly Dementia Café and supporting with collecting cans in the community.

Elizabeth, a pupil at Longdendale High School, and Hazel and Ivy, who attend Stalyhill Junior School, were recognised for their efforts with a special visit to the Mayor’s Parlour on Friday 20th June after being nominated by their local councillor, Liam Billington.

Lucy Ta’ati, our Community and Events Fundraiser, personally thanked the girls and reminded them just how vital their support is.

“We need to raise around £3.6 million each year to keep the Hospice running,” she said. “Community fundraisers like this are absolutely essential.”

The girls received certificates of achievement from the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Shibley Alam, who is also supporting the Hospice during her year in office as one of her chosen charities.

They were joined by their proud father Tim, as well as the Civic Mayor’s Consort Mohammed Khairul Alam.

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Hospice teams up with theatre behind the scenes

We’ve loved working with Guide Bridge Theatre on their recent production of The Odd Couple.

Our Retail team has been speaking with Vicky from the theatre’s volunteer coordinators team since November to help supply props for their performances – including a table, chairs, and a glass cabinet pictured from the latest show.

By renting selected items from our shops at a much-lower cost than specialist prop hire companies, the Audenshaw theatre saves money and storage space, as well as accessing unique, period-appropriate pieces.

Once the show ends, we simply collect the items and return them to our shops, ready to be sold.

It’s a collaborative way to support a brilliant local theatre, promote sustainability, and raise vital funds for the Hospice.

We’re looking forward to seeing this little project develop!

“This partnership is a win-win,” Vicky said. “We often need unique items to help bring our stories to life on stage — from vintage armchairs to quirky lamps. Being able to source these from Willow Wood Hospice means we can do so affordably, while also contributing to an incredibly worthwhile cause.”

Paul King, our Warehouse and Logistics Manager, added:  “We’re thrilled to be working with Guide Bridge Theatre. It’s wonderful to see our donated goods taking on a second life on stage, helping to tell meaningful stories and entertain local audiences, all while raising funds for hospice care. It’s a beautiful example of community collaboration in action.”

The next Guide Bridge Theatre production is Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced, which opens on Monday, July 28, and organisers hint that several pieces sourced through the new initiative will feature prominently.

Pictured is a scene from The Odd Couple production and our furniture collection van parked outside the theatre.

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Willow Wood unveils bold new five-year strategy

Willow Wood Hospice has officially launched a new strategy, setting out its vision to remain at the heart of the Tameside and Glossop communities it serves.

The 2025–2030 strategy aims to guide the organisation through the next five years with a clear focus on sustainability, community engagement and continued excellence in care.

Developed through a series of workshops, surveys and open discussions, the strategy reflects the shared values and ideas of the Willow Wood workforce – comprising staff and volunteers.

The result is a 24-page publication that not only offers an insight into the Hospice’s services, but also outlines a bold plan for the future, including a key aim to achieve a balanced and sustainable financial position by 2028.

Hospice patron and local councillor Taf Sharif (left) and the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Martin Ainscough CBE DL.

At its core, the strategy identifies four key strategic priorities:

Communication – strengthening internal and external communication, community engagement, and branding and identity.

Quality of care – the care and experience patients receive, support for patients and families, and valuing recognition and feedback.

People – focusing on leadership and management, nurturing a supportive and inclusive team culture, and workforce development and education.

Sustainability – robust income generation, effective financial management, strong governance and rigorous quality control.

To mark the occasion, a celebration event was held at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne on Friday (20th June) with staff, volunteers and invited external partners in attendance.

Among those present were Martin Ainscough CBE DL, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester; Councillor Jodie Brown, the Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council; representatives from Tameside Council’s Adult Social Care team; and NHS Greater Manchester.

Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull (right) with Councillor Jodie Brown, Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council.

The event featured speeches from Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice; Timothy Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Hospice patron and local councillor Taf Sharif.

Some guests also enjoyed guided tours of the Hospice’s tranquil gardens in the sunshine, led by Head Gardener Sophie Cordingley and garden volunteer David Johnson.

CEO Tracy Minshull said: “When I joined the Hospice just over a year ago, I outlined my vision to create a new strategy that would guide us into the future and emphasised that our volunteers and staff combined are one workforce.

“I am proud to launch our plan for meaningful progress over the next five years. By working together with our workforce, supporters and partners, we will rise to the challenges and continue to deliver the high-quality, specialist care that defines Willow Wood Hospice.

“Thank you to our staff, volunteers, trustees and patrons for helping to shape the strategy. Their hard work, ideas and passion have been key in creating a plan that reflects our shared vision and commitment to care. We look forward to delivering our services with their continued support.”

The full strategy document is available to view and download from the Hospice’s website at www.willowwood.org.uk/strategy

Printed copies are also available at the Hospice and in its charity shops across Tameside and Glossop.

Hospice volunteers Barbara Lawton (left) and Eileen Smith with trustee John Maltby.
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Students turn style into support for Willow Wood

The cafeteria at Clarendon Sixth Form College was recently transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and compassion, as first-year Level 3 Fashion and Textiles students hosted their very own Fashion Show and Sample Sale — all in support of Willow Wood Hospice.

From concept to catwalk, the entire event was organised, styled and modelled by the talented students themselves. Their passion and professionalism shone through every outfit and every detail.

Held on Friday 6th June, the event was open to all students and staff at the college based in Ashton-under-Lyne town centre.

The afternoon concluded with a PrettyLittleThing sample sale featuring one-of-a-kind pieces — raising over £575 in just one hour!

Our Head of Retail Pauline Lunt, Director of Fundraising and Communications Sam Duncan, Glossop shop manager Caroline Lillis, and Stalybridge shop manager Julie Wilson were all proud to attend and show their support.

Pauline said: “It was absolutely fantastic to see the creativity and energy the students brought to the event. The amount they raised in such a short time is truly impressive, and we’re so grateful for their support. A huge thank you to all the students and staff for choosing to support patient care at Willow Wood – we’re incredibly touched.”

The students had such a fantastic time that they’re already thinking about doing it again — so watch this space for more fashion and fundraising in the future!

Olivia Kitchen, fashion and textiles student at Clarendon Sixth Form College, said: “The event was amazing and it was great to raise so much money. I found the event gave me an insight into the industry and how fast paced it can be. It was a thrill to be modelling and working backstage and it helped me to realise this is the side of the industry I would like to go into. Considering we only had a few days to plan this event between us, I feel like we pulled it off fabulously. This project has tested our time management skills and allowed us to work as a group.”

Ryan Boulton, fashion and textiles teacher at Clarendon Sixth Form College, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the students for what they achieved with this project. They took full ownership of the task and their creativity, professionalism and teamwork really shone through. Not only did they raise a fantastic amount for a brilliant local cause, which many people in Tameside feel a connection to, but they also gained real world experience that will benefit them hugely as they move forward in their careers.”

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The success of our Purchase and Donate shop in Stalybridge

For over 10 years, the Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop in Stalybridge has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a unique shopping experience while raising vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

Specialising in children’s toys and clothing, bric-a-brac, and furniture, last year this bustling shop generated around 30 per cent of our shops’ total annual income – which directly supports patients from Tameside and Glossop with life-limiting illnesses in our care.

A team that makes it happen

The PAD is a thriving operation, thanks to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep things running smoothly.

Manager Michelle Baxter is proud of the shop’s impact and the commitment of those who support it.

“We are grateful to have a wonderful team who work incredibly hard,” Michelle shares. “We’re lucky to receive fabulous, high-quality donations, and we have a wide range of customers who support us. Knowing that we make a significant contribution to the care of patients at the Hospice makes it all worthwhile.”

Michelle Baxter
Michelle Baxter

 

A treasure trove of items

The PAD shop offers something for everyone. On the ground floor, customers can browse a selection of furniture – including sofas, beds, kitchen tables, coffee tables and mirrors – as well as books, picture frames and even jigsaw puzzles.

The dedicated bric-a-brac section is a treasure trove of unique and quirky finds—perfect for those who love discovering hidden gems.

The bric-a-brac section is a treasure trove waiting for you to discover

Upstairs, the children’s section has seen exciting developments. Since the café closed, Viv Frattaroli and her team have expanded the space to offer even more for families.

“We wanted to make the most of the space and create a welcoming environment for children and their parents,” says Viv. “Now, we have an even wider range of children’s items, from teddies and toys to clothes and prams. It’s fantastic to see families coming in and finding great-quality items at affordable prices.”

Viv Frattaroli
Viv Frattaroli

Pay the PAD a visit

The PAD shop wouldn’t be the success it is without the generosity of donors and customers, and every purchase made directly helps us provide essential care to those who need it most.

If you’re looking for quality pre-loved furniture, you’ll still find a fantastic selection at the PAD.

Some of the furniture available at The PAD

We now a smoother system in place to collect your furniture donations – visit www.willowwood.org.uk/furniture-collection to find out more.

Whether you’re hunting for a bargain, donating items or simply browsing, the PAD shop is a special place where the community comes together to make a difference. Thank you for your continued support!

You will find the PAD at 13/15 Shepley Street (postcode SK15 2AH) and it’s open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.