zoe's place coventry newsletter - spring 2015
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
Zoë’sPlace
Spring 2015
024 7636 [email protected]
@ZoesPlaceCovwww.zoes-place.org.uk/coventry
Zoë’s Place Coventry Call Zoë’s Place
Open all hours At Christmas our Trustees announced the wonderful news, that due to the fantastic efforts of our supporters and fundraising community, we can recruit staff to enable the hospice to open round the clock every day. We are very much indebted to the many people who, either in groups or individually have supported us by raising money doing events and challenges or requesting donations to Zoë’s Place instead of birthday or anniversary gifts. This announcement is what we have been striving for since the hospice opened 4 years ago. We are very excited about it and we are recruiting now to that aim.We are all aware of how much the families who come to Zoë’s Place value the service. Our parents tell us regularly how much they need the respite we offer and our care team love having the children who come to us. A mother of one of the children who comes to Zoë’s Place regularly recently wrote expressing her thanks to us saying how much her little boy enjoys himself at Zoë’s Place, how he has grown in confidence from the one-to-one support he has here and how she feels supported in the many aspects of his care. She says she does not know where she would be without this support. Our hope is that very soon we will be able to offer such support to many more families as the service grows and we finally do get our doors open every day of every week.
It takes a while to build a care team of people, nurses, care assistants, play workers and others who are
particularly dedicated to working with such families and are prepared not only to provide the specialist care they need but also to be prepared to walk alongside our families on
their often unpredictable and sometimes difficult, even harrowing journeys, some of them very sadly to the end of their child’s life. We are also currently facing a national shortage of children’s nurses and a lot of competition with other excellent children’s services in our area who are also struggling to recruit. However I am hopeful that our current recruitment, with adverts in the national nursing press, will bring rewards. We are also looking for more care assistants to support our qualified nurses. We will need people with appropriate experience in child care and especially with special needs children. When people come to Zoë’s Place to look around they are often struck by the bright, friendly and happy environment. The staff we have tell me they feel very lucky to be working in such a great place where they can play with the children they care for and make such a difference to their lives and the lives of their families. We will of course continue to need the support we are receiving at the moment as the fundraising goals need to be met year upon year. We are very much aware of the way in which people have taken Zoë’s Place to their hearts and we are constantly amazed at people’s generosity and good wishes for all the children and their families who depend on it so much. Thank you all again for your support.
Ruth, Head of Care
Zoë's Place Baby Hospice, Coventrynewsletternewsletter
Zoë’sPlace
It doesn’t seem that long ago since I was writing my piece for our Autumn newsletter and now here we are in April already and it’s time to produce our Spring edition!The Spring newsletter contains Corporate and Community fundraising achievements, information about our brand new Sibling Support Group and an article from one of the Trusts who have supported us. You can also read about our Fundraising Manager, Mick McCann’s trip to Kilimanjaro. Our volunteers are a vital part of Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice and without them we would be unable to spread the word about who we are and what we do. We’ve included an item from one of our long-standing volunteers, Judy, about what inspired her to become a volunteer with us. A warm welcome is extended to all members of staff who’ve joined us since the last edition.On behalf of everyone associated with Zoë’s Place Trust, I would like to extend sincere congratulations to our Founder, Professor Jack Scarisbrick who received a well-deserved MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.Hope you all enjoy a long, hot, and most importantly, happy Summer!
Kath, Editor
“ The Freemasons Grand Charity (London) and the Warwickshire Masonic Charitable Association both make donations on an annual basis to hospices throughout the country. In the last few months, Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice has received £1,744 from the Freemasons Grand Charity (London) and £2,500 from the Warwickshire Masonic Charitable Association.
The Warwickshire Masonic Charitable Association, operating independently from the FGC, donates funds from Freemasons in Warwickshire and the West Midlands to Registered Charities in the immediate area. Many individual Masonic Lodges will make their own donations, however this donation is from the central fund of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire. Freemasons from throughout the Province are pleased to support registered charities, and your particular organization is fully qualified to receive our support. We are confident that this donation will be of benefit to the charity and its recipients. On behalf of both organisations, I am happy to confirm that our support will continue in future years, and offer our best wishes to the hospice and patients. I was pleased to visit the hospice again in November, and to see your representative at our awards luncheon in February, and look forward to our continued liaison.”
John Hayward Provincial Charity Steward – Warwickshire
Dear Friends
Freemasons Grand Charity (London) and the Warwickshire Masonic Charitable Association
We are delighted to have received the welcome support of 22 Charitable Trusts and Foundations this year. Grants ranging from £200 to £25,000 have been received so far for a variety of projects, including the installation of an air conditioning system in the hospice, sensory equipment and toys for the children, a much needed storage shed to keep the children’s toys safe and clean and even a grant towards the repair of our heating and water system!
In addition to these projects some of the grants received have enabled our Head of Care to start recruiting more children’s nurses in line with our Trustees’ commitment to increase the opening hours of the hospice. A range of projects are always available for funding and we are extremely grateful for grants of any size. If you are a Charitable Trust or other grant-making body interested in supporting our work we would love to hear from you. Please contact [email protected] who would be happy to talk to you about our current projects. Alternatively, if you would like to visit the hospice please email Janet and she will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.
Not taking it for Granted...
Professor Jack Scarisbrick
Zoë’sPlace
We support siblings of all ages who are growing up with a brother or sister with any disability, long-term illness or life-limiting condition.
Being a sibling of a child with a disability can be quite daunting. So many questions to ask, feelings to cope with and at times they can become quite isolated.
During our sibling groups, we aim to help overcome and help deal with any feelings and anxieties brothers or sisters may have. We do this through planning fun games and activities for them to take part in. It also gives siblings a chance to meet and make friends with others who are in a similar situation.
So far we have had 2 group sessions which have both proven to be a success and we are very excited to see the group develop.Sibling support is open to children aged 5-16 years who have a brother or sister who attends Zoë’s Place.
If you would like any more information then please feel free to contact our nursery nurse, Claire Mawson, at the hospice or email [email protected]
We now have a Sibling Support Group here at Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice. The group has been set up and run by our nursery nurse, Claire, and is supported by care assistants and nurses from the care team.
Zoë’sPlace
We don’t have space to thank everyone, so here’s just a few...
Zoë’s Place inaugural
Casino Royale Ball raises
over £15,000!Guests were stirred – but not shaken – by a host of
attractions at the James Bond themed “Casino Royale”
Ball that took place on Friday 6th November 2014 in
the marquee on the grounds of medieval Coombe
Abbey Hotel.
The ball raised over £15,000 including a surprise
donation from Joe Richards Ltd of £2,500!
After last year’s success we will be hosting our
2nd Winter Ball on Friday 6th November 2015 at
The Hilton Hotel, Walsgrave, Coventry – further details
to follow. For table and ticket bookings please email
and not forgetting...The Village Hotel, Ken & Sylvia Hamilton, Sainsbury’s plc, Nicola Baker,
Squire Patton Boggs LLP, Major-Boyd Carpenter Cup, HSBC, Coventry
Telegraph Cups, Guy Salmon Jaguar, Scimitar War Games, Isaac Cole,
Coventry Charity Cup, TATA Technologies, Coventry Road Cycling Club, Caitlyn
Mulholland, Nuneaton Over 50s Club, Coventry Telegraph Magic Millions
appeal ... plus the many, many others who have helped raise funds for us
over the last few months – your support means so much to us.
Tommies Childcare Ltd - Making a DifferenceCaroline Fooks, Founder and CEO of Tommies Childcare Ltd said “As passionate providers of childcare with over 13 Nurseries throughout Coventry & Warwickshire, Tommies Childcare has always strongly believed in supporting local charities that make a difference to the lives of young children. When we heard about the work that Zoë’s Place does we knew instantly that we wanted to help. Zoë’s Place is an amazing charity and the quality of care that they offer cannot be overstated.”
Willmott Dixon
Conference Care
Coventry Building Society
Harrison Beale and Owen
Zoë’sPlace
We don’t have space to thank everyone, so here’s just a few...
and not forgetting...The Village Hotel, Ken & Sylvia Hamilton, Sainsbury’s plc, Nicola Baker,
Squire Patton Boggs LLP, Major-Boyd Carpenter Cup, HSBC, Coventry
Telegraph Cups, Guy Salmon Jaguar, Scimitar War Games, Isaac Cole,
Coventry Charity Cup, TATA Technologies, Coventry Road Cycling Club, Caitlyn
Mulholland, Nuneaton Over 50s Club, Coventry Telegraph Magic Millions
appeal ... plus the many, many others who have helped raise funds for us
over the last few months – your support means so much to us.
Strictly FUN raising Our Community Fundraiser, Jane
McGaffney, took to the dance floor for
two nights in Strictly Coventry. Jane,
along with 8 ladies and 8 men who were
complete dancing novices, learned in
only 6 weeks to do the Cha Cha Cha and
the Quick Step.
All the contestants and dancers managed
to raise over £10,000 for Zoë’s Place.
Special thanks to Mark Jefferies of
Dancing Feet who choreographed and
taught the dancers and Tiziana Jones of
Step By Step who organised the event.
Golf Club swings in to help Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice was
bolstered by £6,792 thanks to
kind-hearted members of Oakridge
Golf Club. The huge sum was raised
through various Captains’ Charity
events including a sponsored walk,
cricket and football matches and
various golf events.
Patron raises FundsBob Brolly MBE, our new Patron of Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice visited us to hand over a fantastic cheque for £10,000.
During the year Bob and his friend Chris Roddis have tirelessly been raising money for Zoë’s Place. Bob loves to pop in for his cup of tea and a chat with the staff and children.Bob said: “I really wanted to do something for Zoë’s Place and our aim was to make £10,000 and to fulfil that obligation was a dream come true”.
Coundon lights up our ChristmasPaul Grant and Richard Burbidge spent three weeks putting up 22,000 lights at their home in Barkers Butts Lane and asked for donations from people who came to view the house. They thought they might raise a few hundred pounds but as you can see they raised quite a few thousand! This year they have vowed to make it even bigger and better. We can’t wait to see what they come up with this time!
Simply B Nails
Harris School
Warwickshire Golf & Country Club
St John’s C of E School
Zoë’sPlace
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough Our very own Fundraising Manager, Mick McCann, took on the challenge of climbing Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, to raise funds for the hospice.Mick managed to conquer the challenge reaching the peak at 19,341 feet and raising over £8,000 sponsorship.“The experience was amazing and our entire group managed to reach the summit, which is most unusual due to the effects of high altitude sickness. There was a diverse range of terrain, from lava boulders to snow tracks and desert paths and temperatures changed from -25 degrees at the summit to mid 70 degrees within hours!”
Charge of the Yellow Brigade Over 150 enthusiastic joggers and racers joined Team Zoë and participated in the Coventry Half Marathon on Sunday 1st March and turned the streets of Coventry yellow wearing t-shirts kindly donated by our sponsor, Coventry Runner.The team then enjoy post-race hospitality including refreshments provided by Joe Richards Ltd, Fruiter and Grocer, and a well-deserved massage at the Britannia Hotel, just a stone’s throw from the finish line.Thanks to each and every one of you that took part. It is hoped that the event will raise over £25,000 in sponsorship.
Wet and Wild Cycle in Capital City
Three cycling friends from Binley Woods took on the challenge of riding 100 miles in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 event around London and Surrey and raised over £1,500 for Zoë’s Place. The trio have a combined age of 170 years and took on the challenge when Barry Johnson inspired his friends and neighbours, Martin Orrill and Laurence Daly, to join him for the challenge after hearing about the work of the hospice. “Although the event was held in August the weather was so atrocious with the tail end of Hurricane Bertha hitting the London/Surrey area on the morning of the event, it turned a long distance bike ride into a real challenge” said Martin who is Head of Energy Technology and Innovation for British Gas Business Services.We would like to thank the trio for their efforts and support.
Upcoming Open Treks and Challenges 2015 • Coventry to Amsterdam Cycle Ride • Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 1002016 • Morocco, Mount Toubkal Trek • Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Machame Trail TrekIf you would like to get involved in a Trek or a Challenge please e-mail [email protected] for further information on dates and costs.
Zoë’sPlace
Summer Fete at Zoë’s Place Baby HospiceSaturday 27 June Come and join us for our Summer Fete being held on Exhall Grange School Playing Fields. Fun for everyone, enjoy the bouncy castle; buy some jewellery; get your face painted and last but not least, treat yourself to a slice of cake!If you would like to run a stall at this event, please email [email protected] by no later than 18 May for further details and a Booking Form. The charge for a pitch is £10.00 and the event runs from 12.00-3.00 pm.
Grin and Bear It Obstacle ChallengeSunday 7 June
War Memorial Park, Coventry The Grin and Bear It Challenge is a new,
exciting event for people aged 6 years and
over who want to get muddy, get wet, and
have a lot of laughs whilst tackling a variety
of obstacles!
Email [email protected]
for further details on how to get involved.
Visit website to register:
www.zoes-place.org.uk/coventry
Morrisons Great North Run 2015Sunday 13 September Join Team Zoë for this year’s Great North Run. The route covers 13.1 miles starting at Newcastle, crossing the Tyne Bridge then through Gateshead and finishing in South Shields. Each entrant must be over the age of 17 to participate.Email [email protected] for further details about joining the team.
BEAR ITGrin andGrin and
OBSTACLE CHALLENGE
Thinking of organising a 3rd party event?We rely so much on individuals and businesses organising events on our behalf.We can provide you with an A-Z of Fundraising, a Fundraising Pack, Balloons and Banners... and we may even be able to arrange a visit from Zoë’s Bear! If you need our support – just ask and we’ll be pleased to help.
Zoë’sPlaceZoë’sPlace
©
Zoë’sPlace
Call us at the hospice on:
024 7636 1675Zoë’s Place Baby HospiceEaster Way, Coventry, CV7 9JG
Registered charity no. 1092545 Company limited by Guarantee number 4446416
Find us on FacebookZoë’s Place Coventry
Follow us on Twitter@ZoesPlaceCov
Zoë’sPlaceZoë’sPlace
©
www.zoes-place.org.uk/coventry
Volunteering with Zoë’s Place My Volunteer Journey with Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice “My journey began in 2009 when I read an article about plans for a hospice specifically for babies and toddlers in the Midlands.Having worked with young children and their families I had seen some of the impact living with a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition can have on the whole family. Not only are the children amazing, but their families are amazing too. They need and deserve all the help possible, so I wanted to support such a worthwhile and important cause.Initially we were raising monies to build the hospice; no easy task at the start of a recession, but the local community rose to the challenge and soon the hospice opened to the first group of little ones.As a volunteer I am an ambassador for the hospice, spreading the word by helping the Fundraising Team.
Initially we had a very small group of volunteers and I helped develop a recruitment strategy and establish a support group where volunteers can meet together with fundraising staff to share ideas, plan events and keep up-to-date with developments.My favourite volunteer activity is giving talks to raise awareness and encourage support. I also help at events, both internal and external, and help cover reception at the hospice.Volunteering for Zoë’s Place gives me enormous satisfaction. You only have to see the happiness on the children’s faces and speak with the parents to realise what a special place it is. I feel privileged to be part of it.”Judy Warner
We need help with:
• Running Stalls at events
• Awareness building
• Events – organising and running
• Talks and presentations in the community
• Being responsible for placing collection boxes in your local area
• Fundraising initiatives in the community
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, our contact details are below.
Would you like to become involved?We have opportunities for you, whether you wish to be a part of our regular Volunteer Voices group, or if you would like to work independently.