St Catherine’s Hospice is a charity dedicated to providing specialised end of life care and support to local people, their families, friends and carers.  For over 25 years they have been providing high quality hospice care, free of charge, to people living in Mid Sussex, South-East Surrey, Crawley and Horsham.  Hospice care is based on the belief that each person is more than their illness, and that each of us has unique physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. St Catherine’s responds to the needs of each individual, helping people achieve the best possible quality of life.

Providing this highly personal, holistic approach to care requires time, skill and experience from a multi-professional team.  They care for people in the hospice, in their homes and in nursing homes.  They also offer training, advice and support to other health professionals.  Through expert assessment and regular monitoring they aim to relieve pain and symptoms of illness.
They enable people to receive care, treatments and therapies directly, wherever they live, through liaison with other healthcare professionals and by providing 24 hour telephone support.     
They help people retain their independence and sense of control addressing issues such as the need for practical help, equipment and advice.

They help restore self confidence and well being by giving patients the opportunity to meet socially, gain support from others in similar circumstances, and benefit from relaxation therapies.

They give patients and their loved ones opportunities to discuss their thoughts and feelings, which can relieve fears and anxieties.

They help people plan for the future so that they can enjoy life as fully as possible.

Where possible they support patients’ carers by providing respite care, giving people a much needed break from their caring role.

They provide open and honest explanation to questions, enabling people to make informed choices and have greater control as they approach death.

They support people as their condition deteriorates, helping families, carers and friends to prepare for bereavement.

They provide ongoing support to families and carers in bereavement, from simple practical advice through to counselling services.

They critically rely on voluntary donations and legacies and their care is only made possible thanks to the generosity of supporters and volunteers.

St Catherine’s Hospice depends almost entirely on the support of local people, companies and trusts, with just 19 per cent of their running costs provided by the NHS. Each year they need to raise over £4+ million in voluntary income to ensure they can keep providing their vital services to those who need them.

The East Grinstead based Hospice Charity Initiative was founded in 1999 and funds are raised exclusively for St Catherine's. To date over £247,000 has been raised through Appeals, Donations, the Charity Championship, Charity Concerts and Collections, Grand Prize Draws and Event and Marathon Sponsorships. 

If you can spare a little time and would like to help us continue raising funds for St Catherine’s Hospice please telephone the Charity Initiative Organiser Graeme Forsyth on 01342 321471.  Alternatively ring Lynn Skinner on 01342 324537 if you would like to know more about or join the East Grinstead St Catherine’s Support Group.