British Sign LanguageConnect with a British Sign Language interpreter Work for us Call us
British Sign LanguageConnect with a British Sign Language interpreter

Hospice: 01206 845 566

SinglePoint: 01206 890 360

Work for us

What we offer
How you can help us
Search
X
Refer
Donate
CQC

Contrast

Text Size

a a
X

What we offer

We help people in north east Essex face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them, their families, friends and carers.

Find out more

How you can help us

A third of our funding comes from the NHS, the remaining two thirds is raised from the generosity and support of people like you.

Find out more
Search
X
Donate

Taking action

Hospices across the country are facing a fight for survival – and St Helena is no different. Demand for our services has never been higher, but so are the costs.

We’re facing a £1.1m increase in staff costs and £200k in non-pay costs such as electricity bills in 2025-26, with little prospect of more income. These increases are for reasons entirely out of our control: 

  • The Government’s increase in employers’ National Insurance payments, which takes effect in April.
  • Pay rises awarded to our clinical staff, who are on NHS terms and conditions called Agenda for Change. Those increases have been approved by the Government, but we’ve been given no funding for them.
  • Increases in the Minimum Wage and Living Wage.

St Helena is now facing an unprecedented financial situation which would bankrupt us if we carried on as we are. 

A message from our CEO, Mark Jarman-Howe, about the plans:

But we’re not going to let that happen. We have a window of opportunity to address our challenges this year and we intend to take it. 

We need to be honest about what we can do and can’t do – for the people we care for, our partners and our supporters. We’re looking at every aspect of what we do, to reduce costs and remain viable.

There may be some reductions in staff numbers as we readjust. We will do everything we can to be creative to minimise this risk, as we don’t wish to lose any of our amazing colleagues.

We’re not alone. Hospices across the country are cutting jobs and services. But we’re better-placed than many because of the steps we’ve already taken to bring in new income.

Over our history we’ve changed and adapted – adding new services, whilst holding on to our values and ethos. In the last ten years we supported the same number of people as in our first 30 years.

Hospices play a vital role in helping the NHS by keeping people out of hospital. But the Government and NHS haven’t given us enough financial support over the years. That too needs to change.

Our trustees are due to consider options in June and any changes will happen by the end of 2025.

In the meantime, please keep supporting us. We need you now more than ever.

#SecuringOurFuture

Download a summary

Frequently asked questions

Why is the financial situation so difficult?
We all know about the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living in recent years. The hospice is not immune from that. We’ve worked incredibly hard to be close to balancing our books in 2024-25, after deficits of more than £1million in each of the last two years. 

But now we’re facing big new financial pressures which are completely outside our control. More than £1.1million will be added to our costs in 2025-26 by:

•    The Government’s increase in employers’ National Insurance payments, which takes effect in April.
•    Pay rises awarded to our clinical staff, to keep in line with NHS terms and conditions called Agenda for Change. Those increases have been approved by the Government, but we have been given no funding to match them.
•    Increases in the Minimum Wage and Living Wage.

In addition, we face an increase in non-pay costs including electricity bills of £200k. At that rate, our reserves will be exhausted in 3-4 years, leaving us effectively bankrupt. We have to change if we want to continue our important work.
Is St Helena alone in having these challenges?
No, St Helena is not alone. All hospices are experiencing severe financial challenges, particularly because they are facing the same additional external costs. Some have already announced redundancies and cuts to their services.

The Government and NHS haven’t given hospices enough financial support over the years, even though we play an important role in helping the NHS by keeping people out of hospital. That needs addressing.
What actions will be taken?
To reduce our costs, we’re looking at every single aspect of the organisation – what we do and how we do it. It’s too early to say what changes will be made, but we will share news of any decisions once they’re taken.
 
What about other hospice ventures?
We’re actually better-placed than many other hospices because of the commercial steps we’ve already taken to bring in new income:

•    Running lotteries for more than 30 other charities across the country.
•    Developing our new cleaning and care social enterprises, which we expect to generate profits for the hospice in coming years.
•    Acquiring the Slice of Colchester café, which achieved £4,000 sales in its first week. 

We will continue with these activities, as well as our partnership in the project to redevelop Holy Trinity Church. This has attracted grant funding and there is no cost to St Helena.
What are the job implications?
There may be some reductions in staff numbers as we readjust. We will do everything we can to keep that to a minimum, as we don’t wish to lose any of our amazing colleagues. 
When will the changes happen?
Our trustees are due to consider options by June. Any changes will happen by the end of 2025.

Make a difference

Your donation, large or small, can make a big difference, giving more local people dignity and choice at the end of life.

Read stories Donate
 

Need some help finding something?

Visit our help centre

Go to the help centre
 
Go to basket

Go to basket

0
X

Processing fees

When you make a donation to St Helena Hospice, we are charged transactional fees by other companies, including fees for processing payments made to us, looking up addresses and validating bank account details.

We are very grateful to our donors who offer to offset some of these fees with a minor addition to their total amount. This is however completely optional and we are very grateful for your support whether or not you choose to contribute to processing fees.

Close
X

About Gift Aid

We are able to claim an extra 25p on every £1 on your donation amount for no extra cost to you, as long as you are a UK tax payer; have paid enough income tax or capital gains tax in that tax year; and are donating your own money. If you pay less income tax and/or capital gains tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all of your donations in that tax year it is your responsibility to pay any difference. For more information about Gift Aid, please visit https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid
 

Close
X

How many years would you like to display your leaf for?

Reminder: At the end of the display period, you will be given the option to renew your dedicated leaf or have it returned for you to keep.

Cancel Continue