Hospice hub project benefits from West Scotland's backing

St Vincent’s Hospice in Johnstone has been given a boost after banking a £1,000 donation from West Scotland.

The money will go towards the creation of a new community hub – which will see the hospice’s barn tearoom and upper office block converted. The new hub is where support will be given to people with life limiting illnesses in Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire – both in person and online.

The community hub will support groups of people with activities – for example Tai Chi, relaxation, and music therapy. The families and carers of people living with life limiting illnesses are offered peer support and a chance to pause their caring role for an hour or two, to have a cuppa and chat to others who are also caring for their loved one, which can be a huge benefit. A digital hub will also be housed in the new venue and ensure support can be given to more people in need.

The wide-ranging benefits will include reduced isolation and loneliness, support from others with life limiting illnesses, and access to the hospice’s specialist team who can help with managing symptoms including pain, breathlessness or fatigue. The hub will also facilitate the opportunity to focus on what is important to each person – with the team helping people to live their remaining life well and with meaning.

The money has been delivered through the Community Champions scheme, which sees up to £64,000 donated to good causes across the UK every month. It will go towards the cost of the building work and new equipment for the hub.

Susan McCallum, Director of Care and Quality, St Vincent’s Hospice, said:

“We truly appreciate this very generous donation form Persimmon Homes. This will help us achieve our vision of opening a hub to support people in Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire living with life limiting illnesses and their families. 

“We hope to offer a space where people can meet, support each other and learn techniques that help them live well with their condition.  We will also offer an online support hub where people can access the services we offer whenever they need them.”

Chris Logan, West Scotland Managing Director, said:

“St Vincent’s Hospice is widely recognised for the invaluable support it gives to people across Renfrewshire and I’m delighted we’re able to support the development of their new community hub.

“Persimmon is committed to investing in the communities we operate in and I hope this donation will help to get the hub up and running as quickly as possible and allow more people to benefit from the services the team at St Vincent’s provide.”