St Helena Hospice, established in 1985, is a registered charity based in Colchester, dedicated to providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care to individuals facing incurable illnesses in north east Essex. The organisation extends its support to patients, their families, friends, and carers, ensuring comprehensive care during challenging times. 

 

Comprehensive Care Services

St Helena Hospice offers a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community:

  • Inpatient Care at the Hospice: Located in Colchester, the hospice provides a comfortable environment where patients receive round-the-clock care from a multidisciplinary team, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

  • Hospice in the Home: Recognising the importance of familiar surroundings, this service delivers personalised care to patients in their own homes, ensuring they remain as comfortable and supported as possible. 

  • SinglePoint 24/7 Advice Line: This round-the-clock telephone service offers immediate advice and support to patients, families, and healthcare professionals, ensuring urgent concerns are addressed promptly. 

  • Virtual Ward Services: Utilising technology, the hospice provides remote monitoring and support, allowing patients to receive care without the need for hospital admission. 

  • Bereavement Support: St Helena Hospice offers grief counselling to adults, children, and young people who have experienced loss, irrespective of whether their loved one was under hospice care. 

Community Engagement and Support

The hospice’s impact is significantly bolstered by the generosity and involvement of the local community:

  • Retail Shops: Operating 24 shops across north east Essex, St Helena Hospice offers a variety of pre-loved items. Each purchase supports the hospice’s mission, and donations of goods are always welcome.

  • Fundraising Events: The hospice organises various events and challenges, encouraging individuals and groups to participate and raise vital funds..

  • Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers play a crucial role in the hospice’s operations, from supporting retail shops to assisting in patient care services. Their dedication ensures the hospice can continue its essential work. 

Funding and Sustainability

As an independent charity, St Helena Hospice relies heavily on community support:

  • Funding Sources: Only 20% of the hospice’s income is sourced from the NHS, with the remaining 80% generated through community donations, retail operations, lotteries, and legacy gifts. 

  • Philanthropy and Partnerships: Collaborations with businesses and philanthropic individuals provide additional financial support, ensuring the sustainability of services. 

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, St Helena Hospice aims to:

  • Expand Reach: Double its service reach by 2033 to accommodate the growing needs of the ageing population. 

  • Innovate Care Delivery: Continue integrating technology and innovative practices to enhance patient care and accessibility. 

  • Strengthen Community Ties: Deepen engagement with the community to foster a collective approach to end-of-life care and bereavement support. 

St Helena Hospice remains committed to its mission of helping local people face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them, their families, friends, and carers with compassion, dignity, and choice.