News

As I sit writing this Christmas message to you, I have been reflecting on what a year this has been for Hospice.

We have continued to provide our wide range of services – which we know from the messages we receive are welcomed by all those who come into contact with us. These services make every bit as much of a difference as they always have since Hospice first came into being in 1982.

We have also spent a lot of time thinking about the future. As our population continues to grow and become older, the need for palliative care services will also increase significantly. In October, the End of Life Care Partnership led by Jersey Hospice Care with Health and Community Services launched the Palliative and End of Life Care Strategy for Adults in Jersey – a first for the island. This strategy will ensure we can fulfil our fundamental aims; that all islanders with a life limiting illness will have access and informed choice to the right care, by the right person, at the right time, and in the right place.

To support this work, we have been looking carefully at our fundraising and retail activities to see what more we can do to increase our resources. We saw record numbers at many of our Hospice flagship events, including the Half Marathon, Moonlight Walk, and Tour de Jersey – and we introduced a new remembrance event at St Brelade’s Bay in September, called Candles on the Beach. This was a beautiful event held as the sun set, which allowed us to come together as a community and share a poignant evening while remembering our loved ones. I am also particularly pleased that we were able to hold our annual Light up a Life event back at Hospice earlier this month. All the above events will be on again in 2024.

Your Hospice has always been – and will continue to be – at the heart of the community, making a difference to all islanders now and, with your continued support, long into the future. May I take this opportunity to thank you for all your support and to wish you a happy festive season and New Year.

Mike Palfreman
Chief Executive