Philanthropists, Julia and Hans Rausing, announced grants of £8.7 million to 27 hospices across the UK to help them meet the significant increase in their day-to-day costs, brought about by inflation and high energy prices.

Hospices in particular need of support were identified by the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, working with the charity Hospice UK. The Trust analysed data to identify hospices with less than 12 months of funds in reserve, with support focused on regions with the highest proportion of hospices in need, which included East Midlands, East of England, the North East and Scotland, as well as the Trust’s geographical areas of focus, East Cheshire, Gloucestershire and London. 

Research published at the beginning of this year by Hospice UK shows that 96% of hospices had budgeted for a deficit in 2022/23, meaning that many were at risk of depleting their reserves and collectively were facing a deficit of £186m in 2023/24. Just over a quarter (27%) had less than six months reserves available. At the same time, the cost of running hospices has increased dramatically, with an expected 500% increase in energy bills on top of an increase in wages.

In response to these needs, the Trust determined to give funding over the next three years to provide the identified hospices with a level of financial stability for the future. 

Julia and Hans Rausing commented: “The rising cost of living has left hospices in a perilous financial position. We know many are receiving fewer or smaller donations than in previous years, so we hope that these grants can be a lifeline, enabling these wonderful hospices to continue providing care and support in their communities across the UK.” 

Mark Jarman-Howe, St Helena Chief Executive, thanked the Trust: “We serve the population of north east Essex and we were so delighted to receive the grant from the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust. We thank them very much for their generosity and for choosing to support St Helena. The donation came at a really significant time for us when we are supporting record numbers of patients and families and when our finances are under unprecedent pressure."

Toby Porter, Chief Executive of Hospice UK commented: “Julia and Hans Rausing have once again shown themselves to be the most remarkable supporters of essential children’s and adult hospice care services across the UK.

"Their philanthropy will make a huge difference at a critical time to local communities served by the individual hospices who their Trust will be supporting. This could not be more timely or more welcome. Their philanthropy comes as a time when hospices across the UK are facing immense challenges, as costs soar and the current economic climate creates a tough fundraising environment. Adult hospices rely on charitable donations for on average of two thirds of their income, for children’s hospices, this rises to four fifths. At a time when local communities are finding it increasingly hard to give as generously as they have before, we are immensely grateful to Julia and Hans Rausing for helping hospices, providing funding which will help them continue to support dying people and their families."