Next week is very special for the staff, volunteers, and supporters of Bury Hospice, as we will be marking Hospice Care Week from October 9 to 15.

This year’s focus is on workforce, and the theme is #wearehospicecare, a motto that encompasses so much for us; from the clinical treatments administered onsite or in patients’ homes, to the bereavement counselling that helps people to heal.

From the extensive community outreach we provide, to the compassionate conversations shared every day.

Hospices in the UK support more than 300,000 people every year, however, research shows that the need for hospice care is growing at a rate that surpasses the workforce.

To commemorate Hospice Care Week we will be focusing on hospice care delivery in all its forms.

Members of staff will be wearing accents of yellow throughout the week, a colour that we hope conjures up some hopefulness in what is often the greatest time of need for our patients and their families.

Bury Times: Bury Hospice chief executive Helen LockwoodBury Hospice chief executive Helen Lockwood (Image: Bury Hospice)

It cannot be overstated how much coordination goes into making sure support systems are set in place and are running effectively, in order to provide the best palliative and end of life care.

We value the dedication of all staff at the hospice and we are always seeking volunteers who can commit some of their spare time to take on wide ranging responsibilities, which aid us in providing the best care possible.

We also offer placements to young people aged 16 or over who are seeking work experience (as required through their educational institution).

During these work placements the young people are able to gain comprehensive insights into the many services the hospice provides and they also obtain a direct understanding of what it takes to ensure our ongoing sustainability.

We hope that such opportunities grows the workforce over time, in efforts to help maintain the necessary levels of support needed in hospices across the UK.

Essential support also comes in the form of generous funding from individuals and organisations within the local community, of which the hospice relies heavily upon to ensure its financial sustainability.

Anyone can get involved in Hospice Care Week and we encourage you to do so by putting a fundraising idea into action in support of what we do.

Why not host a Brew for Bury – a tea party for family, friends or colleagues to pledge donations to?

The ways of raising vital funds for the hospice are vast and you can choose a challenge or activity that best suits you or your team.

We greatly appreciate the local people who value the work that we do within Bury, and we want you to join us in celebrating Hospice Care Week.

To find out about any vacancies, volunteering, or work placement opportunities, head to https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/working-for-us.