By Lesley Griffiths MS for Wrexham I’ve previously highlighted in this column the crucial work undertaken by hospices. Not only do they support the NHS, they look after the most vulnerable people and support families through some the most difficult times in their lives. Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices aim to ensure every child with a life-threatening condition and their family get the help and support they need and I recently spent a morning visiting one of the charity’s shops in Wrexham.
In total, Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith need to raise £7.5 million a year to run its services and the shops across the region help the charity raise vital funds and awareness, as well as enabling the hospices to remain connected to the communities they serve. Approximately two month’s income comes from statutory sources and for the other 10 months of the year, the charity is dependent on public support.
Hospices traditionally rely on fundraising and charitable donations to operate. However, the cost-of-living crisis is creating significant challenges. The Welsh Government recently announced additional emergency funding for hospices in Wales, with almost £230,000 earmarked for Tŷ Gobaith and while this extra investment is welcome, it is clear further funds are sought.
As well as discussing national issues, visiting Wrexham’s Tŷ Gobaith shop allowed me to talk about some of the local issues the staff and volunteers are facing. The store relocated to Island Green S.
