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Frequently asked questions

We know that sometimes, it can be difficult to find the information you need when you need it. We hope that the below will help answer your questions about:

Our Care

Supporting us

You can find FAQ's about specific events & challenges here:

Press and media enquiries

Frequently asked questions about press & media enquiries

Are spokespeople available for media interviews?
Yes, St Helena Hospice can provide spokespeople for interviews about hospice and palliative care. 
For interview enquiries, please contact the St Helena press office by emailing press@sthelena.org.uk.
Can I film at St Helena Hospice?
Unfortunatly, most filming requests will be denied to protect the privacy of the people using our services.
However, we may allow filming for news purposes with the permission of the press office team.
How do I get permission to use or write a story about St Helena Hospice?
You cannot use any of our stories without explicit permission from our stories manager.
To contact them, please email stories@sthelena.org.uk.
How do I contact the St Helena Hospice press office?
You can contact the press office by emailing press@sthelena.org.uk.
 
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Our care:

Frequently asked questions about our care

What does St Helena Hospice do?
St Helena Hospice provides specialist palliative and end of life care to people with incurable illness across north east Essex.
We support patients, families, friends and carers by helping people live as well as possible, with dignity, comfort and choice, from diagnosis through to end of life and bereavement.
What services do you provide?
St Helena Hospice provides a range of services for patients, families, friends and carers when facing incurable illness and bereavement.
We provide special palliative care services at the hospice and in your home.
We take a holistic approach to our care, including complementary therapies, respite care and spiritual care.
We offer bereavement support for adults and children as well as our 24/7 helpline SinglePoint.
We also offer a paid for additional home care service across Colchester and Tendring called Care & Support.
Who can receive care from St Helena Hospice?
Anyone with an incurable illness living in north east Essex may be able to receive care from St Helena Hospice.
Support is not limited to cancer and includes help for adults with a wide range of conditions, as well as support for families, carers and those experiencing bereavement.
Is your care free of charge?
Yes, all St Helena Hospice palliative care is provided free of charge to patients and families. We also provide some additional paid for services.
Our hospice care is free of charge. We are funded through a combination of NHS support and the generous support of our local community, helping ensure our care is always available when it’s needed most.
How do I access your services or get referred?
You can access St Helena Hospice care through a referral from a healthcare professional, filling out a referral form, or by contacting us for advice.
Our SinglePoint 24/7 advice line offers guidance and can help direct you or your loved one to the right support at the right time.
Do you support families, friends and carers as well as patients?
Yes, St Helena Hospice supports families, friends and carers as well as patients.
We offer emotional, practical and bereavement support to help loved ones cope during illness and after a death, ensuring no one has to face this journey alone.
Is care provided at home or in the hospice?
St Helena Hospice provides care both in people’s homes and at the hospice, depending on individual needs.
Our teams support patients where they feel most comfortable, whether that is at home, in the community or within our hospice, working closely with families and other healthcare professionals.
 
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Donating:

Frequently asked questions about donating

How is St Helena Hospice funded?
St Helena Hospice is a local charity and relies heavily on community support to fund its care.
While we receive some NHS funding, 80 percent of our income comes from donations, fundraising, gifts in Wills and income from our charity shops.
How can I donate to St Helena Hospice?
You can donate to St Helena Hospice online, by phone, by post, or in person.
We welcome one‑off donations, regular monthly giving, fundraising support and donations via our charity shops, with every gift helping fund vital hospice care for local people. Find out more here.
How does my donation make a difference?
Every donation helps St Helena Hospice provide compassionate care to local people facing incurable illness and bereavement.
Even small, regular gifts can fund vital services such as clinical care, emotional support and practical help for patients and families when they need it most.
Is my donation secure?
Yes, donating to St Helena Hospice is safe and secure.
We use trusted, encrypted payment systems to protect your personal and financial information, and we are committed to handling all donations responsibly, transparently and in line with UK data protection standards.
Can I leave a gift in my Will?
Yes, you can leave a gift in your Will to St Helena Hospice, helping future generations receive compassionate care.
Gifts in Wills play a vital role in funding hospice services, and even a small legacy can make a lasting difference to local people and families.
Find out more here.
 
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Our shops:

Frequently asked questions about our shops

Where are your charity shops located?
St Helena Hospice charity shops are located across north east Essex and beyond.
Our shops are easy to find and offer a wide range of good‑quality donated items, with every purchase helping to raise funds for hospice care in the local community. You can find your local shop using our shop finder.
Where can I donate to your charity shops or donation centre?
You can donate small amounts of items at St Helena Hospice charity shops or make large donations at our dedicated donation centre.
Donations are welcome during opening hours, and larger items such as furniture can often be arranged separately to make donating as easy as possible.
What items can I donate to St Helena shops?
St Helena Hospice shops accept a wide range of good‑quality donated items.
This includes clothing, shoes, books, homeware, accessories and furniture, as long as items are clean, safe and suitable for resale, helping us maximise funds raised for care. You can find more information here.
Do you offer furniture collection?
Yes, St Helena Hospice offers a furniture collection service for suitable donated items.
This service helps make donating larger items easier, while supporting our retail income that funds hospice care. Availability may vary depending on item type and location.
How does shopping with you support the hospice?
Shopping with St Helena Hospice directly helps fund care for people facing incurable illness and bereavement.
As well as being a more sustainable way to shop, money raised through our charity shops supports patient care, family support services and our 24/7 advice line, making every purchase meaningful.
 
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Volunteering:

Frequently asked questions about volunteering

What volunteering opportunities are available?
St Helena Hospice offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities to suit different interests and skills.
Roles include supporting care services, maintenance, helping in charity shops, fundraising, administration and community events, all contributing to the care we provide.
How much time do I need to volunteer?
Volunteering at St Helena Hospice is flexible and designed to fit around your availability.
Some roles require a regular weekly commitment, while others are more flexible or event‑based, allowing volunteers to give time in a way that works for them.
Do you provide training and support for volunteers?
Yes, all St Helena Hospice volunteers receive training and ongoing support.
We ensure volunteers feel confident, prepared and valued in their roles, with training tailored to each position and continued guidance throughout their volunteering journey.
Can I volunteer if I don't have healthcare experience?
Yes, you can volunteer with St Helena Hospice without any healthcare experience.
Many volunteer roles do not require clinical knowledge, and full training is provided, making it possible for people from all backgrounds to make a difference.
 
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Fundraising:

Frequently asked questions about fundraising

What ways can I fundraise for St Helena Hospice?
There are many ways to fundraise for St Helena Hospice, whether as an individual, group, school or organisation.
Popular options include sponsored walks, runs, challenges, community events, workplace fundraising and online campaigns, all helping raise vital funds for hospice care. Get creative with your fundraising!
Do you provide fundraising support?
Yes, St Helena Hospice provides fundraising ideas, guidance and support to help you get started.
Our fundraising team can offer advice, materials and encouragement to help make your fundraiser enjoyable, successful and impactful.
Can I fundraise in memory of someone?
Yes, many people choose to fundraise in memory of a loved one supported by St Helena Hospice.
Memorial fundraising offers a meaningful way to celebrate someone’s life while helping others receive compassionate care.
How can my business help fundraise for St Helena Hospice?
Businesses can support St Helena Hospice through partnerships, sponsorship, fundraising activities and donations.
From charity of the year partnerships and payroll giving to events, match funding and corporate volunteering, working with us helps make a meaningful impact for local people and families. Find out more here.
Can I fundraise online for St Helena Hospice?
Yes, you can fundraise online for St Helena Hospice using recognised fundraising platforms.
Online fundraising is a quick and effective way to collect donations, share your story and reach supporters wherever they are.
Can schools, clubs or community groups fundraise for you?
Yes, schools, sports clubs and community groups are very welcome to fundraise for St Helena Hospice.
Group fundraising is a powerful way to bring people together while supporting local hospice care.
Do I need permission to fundraise for St Helena Hospice?
Most fundraising activities can go ahead without special permission, but some events may require approval.
We ask supporters to let us know about larger or public events so we can support you and ensure fundraising is safe and appropriate.
How can I pay in my fundraising?
You can pay in your fundraising to St Helena Hospice online, by phone, by post or in person.
Funds raised can usually be paid in through online fundraising platforms, bank transfer, cash or cheque, making it easy to ensure your donation reaches us safely and supports local hospice care. Find out more here.
How will the money raised be used?
The money you raise helps fund hospice care for people facing incurable illness and bereavement.
Fundraising income supports patient care, family support services and our 24/7 advice line for the local community. You can see the difference your support makes here.
Who do I contact if I have questions about fundraising?

You can contact the St Helena Hospice fundraising team for advice, guidance or support at any stage.
Our fundraising team can be contacted Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm.

Cash or cheque donations can be made at the fundraising office during the above hours. 

If you are posting a cheque donation please include a note including your details and let us know how or why you are making the donation so that we are able to thank you and register your donation correctly. Do not send cash in the post. 

St Helena Hospice,
Myland Hall, Barncroft Close,
Highwoods, Colchester, Essex,
CO4 9JU

Telephone: 01206 931 468
Email: fundraising@sthelena.org.uk

 
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