A GP surgery in Frome will be supporting Dorothy House Hospice Care for the next two years.
Frome Medical Practice has chosen Dorothy House as its charity of choice after the whole team was invited to nominate their favourite charities. Staff then voted on which they wanted to support going forward.
Dorothy House offers care, comfort and compassion to people in the last days of their lives, helping people to live well, die peacefully and feel supported in bereavement. Over the last 50 years, the charity has directly supported more than 75,000 people locally, combining excellent care with practical and emotional support.
Managing Partner at Frome Medical Practice, Karen Creffield, said, “We are looking forward to growing our relationship with Dorothy House. Our fundraising team is already planning a number of fundraising events over the next couple of years and we are looking forward to strengthening our working relationship, raising awareness with patients about the services offered by Dorothy House and ensuring our patients and their families who need it can be supported by the charity.”
In Frome, Dorothy House runs Coffee Connection sessions at the Cheese and Grain, in partnership with another local charity, We Hear You, every Tuesday.
Community Fundraiser at Dorothy House, Katherine Bowhay, said, “Living with a life-limiting illness can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Coffee Connection sessions offer a relaxed space to meet others, share experiences and simply enjoy a warm drink and good company. Our staff and volunteers are on hand if you’d like support and advice.
“We are delighted to be Frome Medical Practice’s new chosen charity, and we look forward to working together to build awareness of Dorothy House with their patients, as we continue to provide free, personalised palliative and end of life care and practical and emotional support to the Frome community and beyond.”
Dorothy House offers its services totally free of charge, either at their site in Winsley, which includes a 10 bed Inpatient Unit, or out in homes and community settings, where more than 90% of care happens. They look after more than 4,200 people each year (including patients, and their loved ones) but estimate that is only just over half of the people in the local population with a palliative care need.
While they work closely with the NHS, only 20% of the total income received by Dorothy House is from commissioners. That means the charity has to fundraise £4 for every £1 received from the UK government. They do this through their charity shops, gifts in wills and fundraising efforts. Costs are rising, so each year they need to come up with new, innovative ways to raise money and pay for their vital services.
Coffee Connections sessions take place in the Cheese and Grain on Tuesdays from 10am to midday and anyone with a life-limiting illness, as well as their family, friends and carers, is welcome to drop in for all or part of the session.
To find out more about Dorothy House, including the services they offer and how you can support the charity, visit dorothyhouse.org.uk
Pictured: Frome Medical Practice fundraising team Steven James and Emily McCaffrey.
