Author: bsa_mar

You may not have heard of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), but it is a new piece of legislation which has taken four years to be drawn up, and will be applied on 25 May 2018 throughout the EU.It will give everyone more protection over how their personal information is used, bearing in mind the impact that the internet and cloud technology has had.It gives you the power to decide who can contact you, and in what way, and how long they can hold your information.

What this means for Willow Wood is that we need your consent to send you any marketing information, and you must tell us how you would like to receive it.For example, if you’d like to continue making your Light Up A Life dedications, but would prefer us keep more of your donation to help with our work, then email is the most cost effective option.

Similarly, if you would like to receive newsletters from us, or an invitation to join one of our fundraising events like the very popular Bubble Rush or Monster March, we need you to let us know that this is OK.Over the coming months, whenever we send out any mail to you, we’ll be asking you to let us know your preferences.It is really important to us that you make your mark and tick yes to support Willow Wood – otherwise you may miss out on something you enjoy and want to be part of.

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Anthony Lord, head of income generation and marketing said “Obviously we need your information to comply with the new rules, but it’s just as important to us that you continue to receive the news and notifications that you want.Our community support is invaluable, and we want you to make your mark and let us know what you’d like to continue to receive.

“We have a Make Your Mark page in the Contact Us section of our website, and there’s a short form to fill in.It’ll only take a couple of minutes and then you’ll be sure of receiving the information you want. If you change your mind at any point in the future just let us know and we’ll amend our records immediately. You have my personal assurance that this information will never be used for any other purpose.”

Are you tired of the same old routine every weekend? Do you long to do something different and put some excitement into your life? Then Willow Wood may have the answer with one of our great challenge events!

How about diving with sharks – you’re not even in a cage, just up close and personal with the apex predators of the sea! We still have some places left for this bucket list challenge on Saturday 10 March, and there’s no need to worry if you’ve never been scuba diving before as training is part of the package.

Alternatively, how about abseiling down the landmark IKEA building – it’s an incredible feeling climbing over the edge with nothing but two ropes to keep you secure. Safety is paramount however, and specialist company Rope Race will keep you safe and sound as you abseil down the 140 foot high building on Saturday 28 April.

Not high enough? Then the following day you can jump from a plane at 10,000 feet! Demand has been so high for our Tandem Skydives that we’re holding two such days this year, on 29 April and 4 August, but like all these challenge events places are strictly limited.

For more information go to our events diary, or contact Chris on 0161 330 7788 or chris.hayden@willowwood.org.uk.

However, the need for funds still continues, and Willow Wood have a very full diary of fundraising events and campaigns throughout the year. These range from afternoon teas to skydiving, the Bubble Rush to the Butterfly Release and many others along the way.

One easy way to support the work of the Hospice is to have a loose change box at home, or one of our charity collecting cans at work. Last month the Treasury released the amazing statistic that 60% of all copper coins (the one and two pence pieces) are only used in one transaction before leaving the cash cycle. Astonishingly, it is believed that 8% of coppers are thrown in the bin!

Willow Wood could make good use of these coins, and we’d be very grateful if your business could place a collecting can on your counter, for customers to pop their change in. Contact Rachel on 0161 330 7788 or rachel.kelley@willowwood.org.uk and she’ll get one to you. A volunteer will then collect and receipt the donations at regular intervals.

If you’d rather have one at home, Rachel can organise a cardboard loose change box for your dressing table or sideboard. We’d be very grateful for this support.

Unbelievably, it’s 25 years since the Appeal for funds to build Willow Wood was launched back in 1993. The very first meeting was held on 28 April and the first fundraising event, a Sequence Ball, held less than a month later on Thursday 20 May 1993.

Thanks to the dedication and commitment of the team of volunteers, including Martin Willescroft who is president of our board of trustees and Pat Walklate, former trustee who still volunteers as a receptionist, the £2million needed to build Willow Wood was raised. Of course, there were many staunch supporters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, notably the late Peter Wood and the late Sydney Rogerson, and Don Newton the chairman of the Appeal who later became the first chairman of Willow Wood.

The trustees, the staff, the volunteers and all our past and present patients and their families extend sincere and grateful thanks to everyone who supported this Appeal. As Karen Houlston, chief executive said, “Without their generosity and commitment Willow Wood would not have been built, and without their continued support we could not continue our loving care for the people of Tameside and Glossop. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Could you go head-to-head in the 2018 Willow Wood Corporate Challenge? Could you make a real difference to your community?Could you take an initial starter sum and make it grow, raising funds for your local Hospice, building team spirit in your workforce, networking with other local businesses and having fun – all at the same time?

We’re looking for teams (and individuals) to join us and show just how enterprising they can be.Each team will be given a nest egg of £50, and we’re really looking forward to seeing all the ingenious ways this will be used to raise funds for us.As Elaine McConnell, the event organiser said “The only limit is your imagination – provided, of course, your ideas are legal and ethical!

“I know there are some great business brains out in Tameside and Glossop, and we’d love them to take up the challenge of raising funds in whatever way they can.They’ll have three months starting on 1 July until the awards ceremony in October to show us just how resourceful they can be.”

If you’d like to find out more, please join Elaine for breakfast at 8am on Friday 27 April here at Willow Wood.Just ring her on 0161 330 7788 to book your place.

Willow Wood is delighted and very proud to announce that Mark Llewellin has agreed to become a patron of Willow Wood.

Bristol born Mark moved to Tameside 25 years ago, as director of marketing at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.He has fundraised for Willow Wood from the very early days, and was involved before the first brick to build the Hospice was even laid.

Chairman Pat McCloskey said “Mark has been a great friend and supporter to us over the years, and we’re extremely pleased that he has accepted this role.”

As joint managing director of Daisy Nook Garden Centre, Mark continues to fundraise and is in fact hosting one of Daisy Nook’s famous afternoon teas for us on 26 April, where he will give one of his highly entertaining talks.Mark commented, “I am thrilled to have been asked to become a patron of Willow Wood Hospice.I have supported it since before it was built and I have seen at first hand just how vital it is for our community.I am very honoured.”

Karen Houlston, chief executive added, “Mark has done some sterling work for Willow Wood over the years, including organising two variety performances at the Tameside Hippodrome.We’re looking forward to continuing such a wonderful relationship.”

Willow Wood is not only committed to providing the best possible service to all patients and their families, but prides itself on its commitment to staff development and training. Indeed, last year we were awarded the Silver Achievement Award from Investors In People, an internationally recognised accreditation held by 10,000 organisations across the world.

Recently our support workers in the START Clinic have been undertaking a structured training programme which has enabled them to take on the new role of clinical assistants.As Nicky Byrne, day services lead said, “We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in our team, and wanted to use this to the full to expand the breadth and depth of the services we offer.As key workers, our clinical assistants have their own caseload and that in turn enables us to help more people from our community.”

Staff have been trained and assessed in a wide range of competencies, from the initial assessment at the patient’s first visit, to checking the chemical levels in the hydrotherapy pool, using the hoist to transfer patients to the pool, taking blood pressure readings, performing mobility assessments, running Looking Good, Feeling Better pamper days and much more.

Our three newly qualified clinical assistants, Lynn Kelly, Glynis Barlow and Emma Craigmyle all agree that are really happy with their new role.Lynn said “I’ve always loved working here, but taking on additional responsibilities means that every day I go home knowing that I’ve really helped our patients and their families. It’s such a wonderful feeling.”

Emma agreed. “Being able to be with a patient every step of the way on their journey through our START Clinic, and to contribute to enhancing their quality of life is a real privilege.”

The final word goes to Glynis: “It’s such a great atmosphere here at Willow Wood, there’s laughter, there’s love and there’s the highest possible standard of care.If you or any member of your family has a life-limiting condition such as Parkinson’s disease, COPD or respiratory failure, heart failure, a neurological condition or cancer please ring us on 0161 330 1100 and see how the START Clinic could help you.”

Willow Wood’s Lottery is an important part of our income generation activities, and it’s an easy, fun way for you to support us.For just £1 each week, you have the chance to win one of 40 cash prizes each and every Friday of the year, and with a top prize of £1,000 it’s certainly worth taking part.

What’s more, you’ll have the knowledge that every penny raised goes to help local people in your community – a really satisfying feeling!

Paul Byrne is our lottery canvasser, and can often be seen out and about in Tameside and Glossop.He said, “I have a great job, because I meet people who have been touched by our care and they give me such great feedback.So many people have positive stories about Willow Wood, whether they’ve been a patient themselves or we’ve helped their family, friends or colleagues.”

Paul’s aim is to sign up new members for our weekly Willow Wood Winners draw, and he’s able to help with any queries you may have about the lottery.It’s really easy to join – you can pay by cheque, by direct debit or even sign up online by following the link on our home page at willowwood.org.uk.

Paul can even help if you need to buy a birthday, anniversary or thank you gift and require some inspiration – one of our Lottery Gift Vouchers! These start from as little as £10 giving ten weekly entries into the draw. It’s a great idea; as well as ten chances to win a share in the £1,500 prize pot you’re also helping us to care for those in our community with life-limiting conditions such as cancer, COPD, dementia, heart failure, neurological disease among others.

To find out whether Paul will be in your area soon please ring 0161 330 1133 where Diane or Maureen will answer this or any other queries.Can’t wait for him to get round? Then our friendly lottery team can take your details over the phone or go to our secure direct debit sign up page.

Shining Stars is a wonderful award scheme for young fundraisers. Here at Willow Wood we’re so very grateful to the young members of our community who not only raise vital money to help us maintain our services, but who become wonderful ambassadors for Willow Wood, that we’ve initiated awards – just for them!

There are three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold.Fundraising can be done by just one or two children, as for example when Annie & Alfie Shaw sold Christmas Flumpets to classmate at the Cheadle Heath Primary, raising the grand total of £100. Or the fundraising can be done over a period of time by a whole school or group.St Peter’s Primary in Ashton have nominated Willow Wood as their Charity of the Year and will be doing lots of activities to raise as much as they can for us over the coming months.Even some of the staff are getting involved with a number signing up for our IKEA Abseil!

Community fundraiser, Chris Hayden is happy to attend school assemblies to talk about Willow Wood, community partnerships and the importance of fundraising. He may even be accompanied by our mascot, Woody who very quickly becomes a favourite of the children he meets.Chris said “We’re very proud when children and young people become involved with us and we want to ensure that they feel proud of their achievements too.Shining Stars is just a small way to show our appreciation of their efforts.”

Download an information booklet, or contact us on 0161 330 7788 or at fundraising@willowwood.org.uk.