Helen’s Trust, which has supported over 1000 people with terminal illness to have the choice to stay in their home at the end of their life, is likely to face closure unless it gets more financial help from the public.
The small local charity, which provides sitting services and equipment to people throughout North Derbyshire to enable them to remain at home in their last 6 months, has experienced an increased demand for their services in 2015, of over 60% compared to 2014, which is resulting in their limited reserves diminishing.
This demand for services is likely to remain high in 2016.
Chief Executive Mrs Heidi Hawkins said the charity is running dangerously close to the level of reserves they protect to ensure 6 months running costs in the event of closure.
“We are making an urgent appeal to the people of North Derbyshire to help us protect and sustain the valuable services which have made such a difference to so many people at an extremely difficult time.
“For those people who came to us in December, we are faced with the tragic but very real possibility that we will not be there to support them in 6 months time, when they will be potentially in their final days and may need our support most.”
Local GP Dr Abigail Waterfall is concerned about losing the services the charity provides.
“In my capacity as a GP I have contacted Helen’s trust several times in 2015. This has helped prevent numerous hospital admissions, where the patient really wanted to be able to stay at home.
“I have always been impressed that the team at Helen’s Trust listen to and understand our patient’s needs, the local area and the services that are available for them. They facilitate problem solving and understand the importance of working towards providing personalised care for each individual person.
“The team have always been polite, efficient and go out of their way to be helpful. They have put in place services for night sits or equipment for our frail, elderly, vulnerable patients within minutes. This enables our patients to be able to stay in their own home if they wish to.”
The charity, which was formed in 2001, needs to raise £230,000 each year. Despite maintaining lean operational costs and making savings wherever possible, the charity is appealing to the local public to help sustain its future.
Helen’s Trust Treasurer Mr Simon Crowther said the charity steps in and provides a vital service when health and social care provision ends.
“We estimate that every £1 invested in Helen’s Trust saves the NHS £3. We pride ourselves on our reputation for providing high quality dependable, responsive and flexible care and support. Our help is free to anyone who needs us and who desperately wants to stay in their own home at the end of their illness, surrounded by everything that is familiar.
“The fundraising landscape has changed dramatically in the past 14 years and there is so much more demand now for donations. Our small team works tirelessly to raise the profile and income we need, but our income projections for 2016 just don’t meet what we need to meet the increased demands for our services.”
Mrs Hawkins said that Helen’s Trust wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of local communities.
“Our Board and staff team are so grateful to the people who have supported us over the years, with donations, time, skills and with pro bono services.
“We help people with any terminal illness. That can be motor neurone disease, cancer, heart disease or a brain tumour. It could be a parent, friend, neighbour, someone you sit next to in church or even on the bus.
“This is the biggest challenge our charity has ever faced. We will continue to work tirelessly fundraising, but we need an additional £100 each day.
“I am appealing to everyone in North Derbyshire to come together to help us provide a solution by considering making a monthly contribution to enable us to make sure your community doesn’t lose Helen’s Trust.
“When someone is dying, night time can be the loneliest and most frightening time for our beneficiary and their main carer, who in many cases is a family member. Our night sitting service costs £150 a night and it ensures that no one is alone. The main carer is able to get some sleep knowing that their loved one is safe and not alone.
“The £150 is considerably less than a hospice or hospital stay and fulfills the wishes of those who want to remain in the comfort and safety of their own home at the end of their life.
“There are many ways that people can help us but, specifically, monthly giving will enable us to plan for a regular income and know that the costs of the help that we give are covered. Any regular donation, however small, will really add up to fund our much needed services.”
Mrs Enid Ellis was supported by the charity when she was caring for her husband John at home after he was diagnosed with Cortical Basal Degeneration, a rare terminal condition which causes gradually worsening problems with movement, speech, memory and swallowing. With the support provided by Helen’s Trust, John died at home, as was his wish.
“Helen’s Trust gives the carer a break which is so needed when you’re caring for someone with a terminal illness. I really don’t know how people who don’t have the help of Helen’s Trust cope.
“For years before we used Helen’s Trust we used to attend their fundraising events, never thinking that we would need their help. There will be so many other people out there attending these events probably thinking the same as we did, but one day they may need the help of Helen’s Trust and it needs to be there for their support, as it was there for our support.”
More information about the work Helen’s Trust delivers, including ways in which you can sign up to regular giving can be found at the charity website www.helenstrust.org.uk or by contacting the charity on 01629 812759.
Heidi Hawkins
Chief Executive
T: 01629 812759
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