Latest news with #HospiceUK
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bardwell designer creates his final RHS Chelsea Flower Garden
A multi-award winning garden designer created his tenth and final garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Hoblyn, who lives in Barwell, Suffolk, designed a sensory garden for the end-of-life charity, Hospice UK called Garden of Compassion. "I jumped at the chance at doing this," said Hoblyn, who has also designed gardens for children's hospices Haven House, in Woodford Green, east London and The Nook, near Norwich."There's a desperate shortage of gardens in hospices; they play a vital role in creating a positive atmosphere for end-of-life care." Hoblyn said it was important to create a design for the show that "grounds people in nature, and to activate all the senses"."Smell, sight, sound, touch is particularly important in a hospice garden," he added. The garden was inspired by Mediterranean themes, which allowed him to use very bright colours as well as heavily scented flowers, such as the Spanish broom, Spartium junceum."The fact you're using a lot of Mediterranean plants means you attract a lot of insects, so you get a lot of noise too," he many gardeners may have been mourning the lack of rain this spring, Hoblyn's dry and hot garden has not. "This is my 10th garden for Chelsea, and it's never been without rain before, so this is an absolute blessing, this is great," he said. 'We need to make way for young people' Explaining why this was his final Chelsea garden, he said he had spent 18 months on the Garden of Compassion. "It's a lot, and I do have real work I should be doing," he said."It's also time, we need more young people in horticulture, we need to make way [for them]."He added he would now like to devote some time to mentoring young people for designer has been involved with pieces at the London horticultural show for the past 25 years, winning many accolades."We've done well, but it's not just me - I just surround myself with the best people," he back, he said his highlights included winning the People's Choice award at Chelsea in 2012, again for a Mediterranean garden. "To get People's Choice is so rewarding, it's not just based on judges, but the people's views," he said. Hoblyn's garden was funded by Project Giving Back. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
People on certain benefits can claim up to £2,100 to help pay for funeral costs
The average cost of a simple funeral in Scotland has reached a record high of £4,345. With the start of this year's Dying Matters Awareness Week, the Executive Director of a Scottish charity is encouraging people to use the help that's available for funeral costs. Dying Matters Awareness Week (5 - 11 May), organised by Hospice UK, aims to break down the stigma and taboos surrounding talking about death and dying. Social Security Scotland is using the awareness week to encourage people to talk about the difficult topic of how to pay for a friend or relative's funeral. Those who need help paying for a funeral, and who get Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits, can apply for Funeral Support Payment. The average payment in 2024/25, up to December 31 2024, was just over £2,100, which can be used towards costs for a baby, including stillborn babies, a child or an adult. Funeral Support Payment can help towards the cost of; burial or cremation, travel, moving the person who died and the relevant documents. Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said: 'Research carried out for the Marie Curie charity found that people want to commemorate the life which has ended with meaning and dignity. There are strong emotions around funerals and how much they cost. 'Funeral Support Payment supports people in their grief. While it doesn't usually cover the full cost of a funeral, it does help people respectfully mark the life of their friend or relative without the fear of funeral poverty." Helene Rodger, Executive Director with the Passion4Fusion multicultural charity said: 'I'd never heard about the funeral payment until we lost a community member to cancer who I'd supported through her illness. 'I was asked to step in and claim for the funeral fund. When I called, I expected it would be very intrusive with lots of questions but that was far from the truth. 'The adviser treated my enquiry with so much respect and grace. The process was very easy and smooth and eventually I got the money for the funeral cover. The professionalism and empathy that I was treated with was amazing.' A report published earlier this year indicates that the average cost of a simple funeral in Scotland has reached a record high of £4,345, with one in five families struggling to pay. A simple funeral, which includes an attended burial or cremation, funeral director, doctor and celebrant fees, a coffin and limousine has risen by 7.8 per cent since 2023, according to the latest SunLife Cost of Dying report. The cost of a direct cremation funeral in Scotland has risen for only the second time by 5.4 per cent to £1,468 from £1,393, but remains the cheapest option. Funeral Support Payment can be paid either to parents and families, or the funeral director who is helping to plan the funeral. People can apply any time after the person has died until six months after the date of the funeral. Funeral Support Payment rates 2025/26 Higher rate: £1,279.15 Lower rate: £156.10 Medical device removal rate: £25.80 Who can apply for a Funeral Support Payment? You can claim for a Funeral Support Payment if all of the following apply: you live in Scotland you or your partner are getting certain benefits or tax credits the person who died lived in the UK the funeral is being held in the UK or in some circumstances , another country you're applying after the person has died, until 6 months after the date of their funeral you or your partner are responsible for the funeral costs it's reasonable for you or your partner to accept responsibility for the funeral costs Guidance on states: "Usually, it is reasonable for the nearest relative of the person who died to accept responsibility for the funeral costs. "A nearest relative could be a partner, child, parent or sibling. If you or your partner are not the nearest relative, you'll need to explain to us [Social Security Scotland] when you apply, why it's reasonable to have accepted responsibility." Benefits and Tax Credits you or your partner must receive to qualify You or your partner must get one or more of the following: Universal Credit Income Support Pension Credit Housing Benefit Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), not contribution-based JSA Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), not contribution-based ESA The guidance adds: "If you or your partner are waiting to hear about your application for one of these benefits, you can still apply for Funeral Support Payment. However, we'll only be able to let you know if you're able to get Funeral Support Payment once we know the outcome of your other benefit applications." How to apply Before applying for Funeral Support Payment, you should: register the death of the person who died check that you're eligible for Funeral Support Payment consider giving your funeral director consent to speak with Social Security Scotland about your application To complete this form, you will need: your National Insurance number details of the funeral director any travel receipts or funeral bills you have so far your bank account details, if you'd like Social Security Scotland to pay you and not your funeral director People can choose to apply online, via a paper application form or by calling Social Security Scotland's specially trained bereavement team free on 0800 182 2222 -full details on here.
South Wales Argus
04-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Gwent properties taking part in the National Garden Scheme
The family-run flower farm, situated around a renovated Tudor cottage and barn in Langstone, will be open to the public on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29. Katharine Noteley runs the flower farm Little Caerlicyn (Image: Supplied) It offers stunning views over the Severn Estuary, wildflower meadows, ancient trees, and a peaceful woodland walk. Katharine Noteley, owner of Little Caerlicyn, described her motivation for opening the garden to the public: 'It feels so important to me. It's such a beautiful part of the world, and I feel very lucky to be here, so I want to share it with others, not keep it a secret.' Little Caerlicyn (Image: Supplied) Little Caerlicyn is one of more than 3,500 private gardens across the UK taking part in the National Garden Scheme this year. The charity has raised £74 million for health and nursing charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Hospice UK through garden openings, refreshments and events. Ms Notley added that she had followed the National Garden Scheme for years through her family: 'Ever since we've been here, I wanted to get involved. I've been aware of it for a long time.' This dream became a reality when she opened the farm to the public last year, raising nearly £2,000 and hosting more than 100 visitors. 'We went through 18 cakes,' she said with a laugh. Little Caerlicyn opened to the public last year and raised almost £2,000 (Image: Supplied) Founded in 1927, the National Garden Scheme has grown into one of the UK's most significant charity supporters, whilst promoting the positive impact gardens can have on individuals' wellbeing. Beyond raising charitable funds, the scheme actively promotes the benefits of time spent in nature and funds community gardening projects across the country. For Ms Notley, flower farming is more than a business, it's a philosophy rooted in care and sustainability. 'We've inherited this space for such a short amount of time, I want to add to it, not take away from it,' she said. 'It's not ours to take from, it's ours to be a part of.' Alongside the farm itself, visitors will be able to enjoy homemade cakes, teas, and coffees in the courtyard, explore the grounds, and even take part in activities such as willow weaving, essential oil making, and sewing. A small selection of freshly cut locally grown flowers will also be available to buy on the day. Little Caerlicyn (Image: Supplied) Entry to Little Caerlicyn is £5 for adults, with children admitted free of charge. Pre-booking is not required, but visitors are encouraged to check the National Garden Scheme website for the latest opening times and accessibility information. The atmosphere promises to be relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal outing for garden lovers, families, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature. Wenallt Isaf is a hillside garden (Image: Supplied) Further north, yet another personal story unfolds at Wenallt Isaf, a hillside garden that reflects the dedication behind the National Garden Scheme. Perched 650 feet on a north-facing hillside, Wenallt Isaf is a three-acre garden with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. It has been lovingly developed by Debbie Field and her husband over the past 12 years. Wenallt Isaf has been developed over 12 years by Debbie Field and her husband (Image: Supplied) The garden is rich with life and character, with bluebells blossoming in the spring, towering hydrangeas in the summer, and wildlife that ranges from green woodpeckers to chickens. This year, Wenallt Isaf opens to the public on Sunday, June 1, for one day only, with additional group visits available by arrangement between May and October. Guests can expect stunning views, peaceful surroundings and homemade cake served on the lawn. Wenallt Isaf (Image: Supplied) Beyond Wenallt Isaf, Mrs Field plays a key role in making the National Garden Scheme thrive in the region. As county organiser for Gwent, she helps coordinate garden openings, offers support to new participants, and ensures the continued success of a scheme that last year raised more than £50,000 locally for nursing and health charities. Wenallt Isaf is opening for one day only (Image: Supplied) She's also encouraging more people in Wales to get involved with the charity, especially in the Newport area. 'We'd love to have more gardens for people to enjoy,' she said. 'It doesn't need to be huge, either a small plot with interesting flowers or even neighbours combining gardens. As long as it's got something to offer, it's worth sharing.' Mrs Field began opening Wenallt Isaf 12 years ago, 'as a dare,' she joked. She then took on the role of county organiser around three years ago. Since then, she's helped welcome new garden owners into the scheme and supported national fundraising efforts. 'We're Macmillan's biggest single donor, and we've supported them for over 14 years,' she explained proudly. Her dual role as both gardener and organiser makes Wenallt Isaf not only a beautiful destination, but also a hub for the wider NGS story in Wales. The National Garden Scheme's reach across Wales is significant. Susan Paynton, Regional Chair for Wales and The Marches, is ensuring that Welsh gardens and communities are represented at a national level. 'As chair, I support our county organisers across Wales and represent garden owners at national board meetings,' she explained, to ensure Wales receives the funding and attention it deserves. Having volunteered with the charity for several years, Paynton said she continues to be inspired by the scheme's impact. 'When you see what good is done and what has been achieved, it's quite extraordinary', such as the £2.5 million raised and donated to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital's palliative care unit. Whether you're there for the flowers, the fresh air, or the homemade cake, these gardens offer a reminder of what grows when communities come together.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Campaigners warn NHS 'cannot afford hospice cuts'
A campaign group has warned the NHS cannot afford to take on extra pressure from widespread cuts to hospices. Hospice UK, which works to protect and promote the sector, has spoken out after Leicestershire-based Loros became the latest in a string of hospice groups across the UK to announce it was looking to cut jobs due to a funding shortfall. The Department for Health and Social Care has said it is providing an extra £25m to hospices with a further £75m to come. Hospice UK says the funding is welcome but it is only a start to helping cover the costs of the 310,000 people hospices look after each year, who would have "nowhere else to go" without their services. Charlie King, deputy director of social affairs at Hospice UK, said: "A lot of people probably do not realise just how reliant hospices are on charitable fundraising. "Most hospices on average get only a third of their funding from the government. "In a civilised modern society it's not quite right to fund such vital services for people at the end of life with such a heavy reliance on charity. "Hospices take the pressure off the NHS because every person who is cared for by a hospice does not need to be cared for by the NHS. "To put it bluntly, the NHS cannot afford for the hospices to continue to reduce their services, because where else are these people going to go?" Loros, which provides end of life care in patients' homes as well as at its base near Glenfield Hospital, costs £932 an hour to run and needs to raise £9m every year to cover its costs. It receives only about 20% of its funding from the public purse. Rising costs including higher utility bills, coupled with a reduction in donations from legacies, have left the organisation with a £1.5m funding gap. It has been forced to announce plans to restructure its services, which include consulting a number of staff on the future of their jobs. In his annual fundraising letter, which was sent to supporters of the charity since the consultation over jobs started, chief executive Rob Parkinson warned hospices "simply won't be able to care for every patient" without ongoing support. Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester, he said: "We are doing everything we can to try to bring costs down in a way that has as little impact on patients as possible. "But it will still have an impact and there will inevitably be some reduction in what we do." He added: "Over the next 20 or so years, we are going to see a large increase in the demand for end of life care and we need to prepare for that, not just at Loros, but as a community." Loros has said it is grateful for the extra government funding, but pointed out it can only be spent on building projects and not to pay staff wages, which is its largest cost. Ryan Archer was told his cancer was terminal around eight years ago and organises a festive tractor run in Lutterworth to support Loros as a thank you for the help and support he has been given by the charity. He said: "I receive care from the NHS in Nottingham, but I do not have a direct line to the doctor, I do not have a direct line to care in the community, I do not have a direct line to a nurse. "I was in dire straits recently with pain in my spine and there was no one at the NHS I could get hold of to help me, but Loros were there at the end of the phone and said 'come in for a few days and we will help you get your pain under control'. "They are amazing and supported me immediately - and where else am I going to get that support?" A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government committed to finding a long-term solution to ensure the hospice sector is sustainable as it is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals. They said: "Hospices carry out incredible work to ensure patients get the care they need in the most appropriate setting. "That's why we recently announced the largest investment in hospices in a generation. "This £100m capital funding boost – £25m of which has already gone to hospices - will improve facilities and allow them to focus wider resources on patient care. "We are also providing an additional £26m revenue funding to children and young people's hospices this year. "We are working to make sure the sector is sustainable overall in the long term and this government is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community through our Plan for Change." Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Funding boost will only go so far, say hospices Hospice leaders warn hundreds of beds out of use Hospices face redundancies and cuts, bosses warn 'I don't want to say goodbye to hospice staff' 'Extra hospice funding will not help with cuts' Hospice announces redundancies amid 'funding crisis' Hospice could end at-home care over funding fears Loros Hospice
BBC News
19-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Campaigners warn NHS 'cannot afford hospice cuts'
A campaign group has warned the NHS cannot afford to take on extra pressure from widespread cuts to hospices. Hospice UK, which works to protect and promote the sector, has spoken out after Leicestershire-based Loros became the latest in a string of hospice groups across the UK to announce it was looking to cut jobs due to a funding shortfall. The Department for Health and Social Care has said it is providing an extra £25m to hospices with a further £75m to come. Hospice UK says the funding is welcome but it is only a start to helping cover the costs of the 310,000 people hospices look after each year, who would have "nowhere else to go" without their services. Charlie King, deputy director of social affairs at Hospice UK, said: "A lot of people probably do not realise just how reliant hospices are on charitable fundraising. "Most hospices on average get only a third of their funding from the government. "In a civilised modern society it's not quite right to fund such vital services for people at the end of life with such a heavy reliance on charity. "Hospices take the pressure off the NHS because every person who is cared for by a hospice does not need to be cared for by the NHS. "To put it bluntly, the NHS cannot afford for the hospices to continue to reduce their services, because where else are these people going to go?" Loros, which provides end of life care in patients' homes as well as at its base near Glenfield Hospital, costs £932 an hour to run and needs to raise £9m every year to cover its costs. It receives only about 20% of its funding from the public purse. Rising costs including higher utility bills, coupled with a reduction in donations from legacies, have left the organisation with a £1.5m funding gap. It has been forced to announce plans to restructure its services, which include consulting a number of staff on the future of their jobs. In his annual fundraising letter, which was sent to supporters of the charity since the consultation over jobs started, chief executive Rob Parkinson warned hospices "simply won't be able to care for every patient" without ongoing support. Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester, he said: "We are doing everything we can to try to bring costs down in a way that has as little impact on patients as possible."But it will still have an impact and there will inevitably be some reduction in what we do."He added: "Over the next 20 or so years, we are going to see a large increase in the demand for end of life care and we need to prepare for that, not just at Loros, but as a community."Loros has said it is grateful for the extra government funding, but pointed out it can only be spent on building projects and not to pay staff wages, which is its largest cost. Where will I get the support? Ryan Archer was told his cancer was terminal around eight years ago and organises a festive tractor run in Lutterworth to support Loros as a thank you for the help and support he has been given by the said: "I receive care from the NHS in Nottingham, but I do not have a direct line to the doctor, I do not have a direct line to care in the community, I do not have a direct line to a nurse."I was in dire straits recently with pain in my spine and there was no one at the NHS I could get hold of to help me, but Loros were there at the end of the phone and said 'come in for a few days and we will help you get your pain under control'. "They are amazing and supported me immediately - and where else am I going to get that support?" A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government committed to finding a long-term solution to ensure the hospice sector is sustainable as it is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals. They said: "Hospices carry out incredible work to ensure patients get the care they need in the most appropriate setting. "That's why we recently announced the largest investment in hospices in a generation."This £100m capital funding boost – £25m of which has already gone to hospices - will improve facilities and allow them to focus wider resources on patient care. "We are also providing an additional £26m revenue funding to children and young people's hospices this year."We are working to make sure the sector is sustainable overall in the long term and this government is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community through our Plan for Change."
