Countess of Brecknock House has received a share of the £80,000 Hampshire County Council is giving to hospices in the county, to support carers of people nearing the end of their life.
People who provide unpaid support to a family member or friend are a crucial, but too often undervalued, part of end of life care. There are at least half a million people in the UK currently caring for someone at the end of life, and this number is rising.
Cllr Liz Fairhurst, Executive member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said, “Caring for someone with a long-term condition or illness can last a few weeks or months or for many years. It can be a difficult and exhausting time. When the person dies, their carer has to deal with this loss but they may also lose a sense of purpose as their caring role ends. Some carers feel they need advice, help and support from others.”
“These grants will help ensure that carers have access to services to help them stay mentally and physically well at a time when they most need it. This could be through the provision of information and advice to minimise the risk of financial hardship, being able to talk to others in a similar situation or by helping them to have a life outside of their caring role.”
Hospices in Hampshire have previously received grants to support carers. The resulting carer led support groups, respite opportunities and subsidised long distance travel to visit family and friends have all been shown to promote the wellbeing of carers.
A one-off grant of £80,000 will be awarded between eight hospices, each receiving £10,000. The other hospices in addition to the Countess of Brecknock are:
- St Michael’s Hospice, Basingstoke
- Rosemary Foundation, Petersfield
- Naomi House Hospice, Sutton Scotney
- Oakhaven Hospice, Lymington
- Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, Farnham
- The Rowans Hospice, Purbrook
- Countess Mountbatten Hospice, Hedge End