Looking forward - with Carla Pilsworth, Income & Strategy Director
Garden House has been a proud part of Letchworth Garden City since 1990. Our staff and patients have made the Hospice the wonderful place it is today and we are proud of everything that has been achieved. We cannot and should not forget the challenges the last year has brought us, but with our supporters sticking by us, we can look forward with positivity and enthusiasm.
Over the past year, our community stood beside us when we needed them most. Through our Crisis Appeal alone, we raised more than £400,000 of direct income, alongside significant ongoing support through regular giving and future fundraising opportunities. The appeal not only provided vital financial support during one of the toughest periods in our history, but also reminded us of the strength, compassion and loyalty of our community.
The whole team is thrilled to start the new year from a stronger position, enabling us to continue providing accessible, high-quality and compassionate care for those who need us most, now and in the future. However, the challenge does not stop here. This year alone, we must raise £2.7 million - nearly £7,500 each day - to continue delivering our services across the community.
Our ten-year strategy is a bold and ambitious plan designed to enhance our services, expand our reach and redefine the care we provide. This strategy is built on growth, innovation and inclusivity. As we move forward, we aim to double our service provision over the next decade, ensuring that more people receive the compassionate care they deserve.
As ever, our supporters are our lifeblood, and we are grateful to every single person who has donated and continues to donate. It’s not an easy task, but it is one we take on willingly and with passion.
Understanding our funding
To keep our services running and free of charge, we need to raise £6.5m every year. Every £1 donated has an impact, and all our supporters are vital to the running of the Hospice.
£5.16 will run the Hospice for a minute. A few minutes might not sound like much, but a lot can happen in that time. A counsellor can call a parent to help them explain to their children that Dad’s illness isn’t going to get better.
For every £1 donated, 91p is spent funding our patient services. This covers salaries, travel costs, medical supplies, our energy bills, catering costs and raising awareness of our services. 9p is used to raise the next £1.