In its 40th year, the hospice is facing unprecedented financial pressures. Everyone at St Helena has worked incredibly hard to get close to break even this year. But rising costs outside of its control mean that from April, the charity is being pushed back into a major loss in 2025-26.     

St Helena’s Chief Executive, Mark Jarman-Howe, said:

“We cannot sit still and wait for the money to run out. There’s a window of opportunity to address our challenges this year and we intend to take it. We will make sure St Helena safely navigates its way through the current storm.”

The Government’s National Insurance and national living wage increases, and unfunded pay rises needed to ensure clinical staff are paid in line with the NHS, will cost St Helena an extra £1.1m next year alone. In addition, non-pay costs such as utility bills will increase by £200k. Hospices across the country are experiencing similar pressures.

The charity is now looking at ways to innovate to save money to ensure that after 40 years of serving its community, St Helena has a viable future for the next 40 years and beyond. 

Mr Jarman-Howe said:

“Sadly, we need to be honest about what we can do and can’t do. Hospices play a vital role in helping the NHS by caring for people at home and keeping them out of hospital. But the Government and NHS haven’t given us enough financial support over the years. That needs to change. 

“We need the Government to understand that decisions in last year’s October Budget were terrible news for us and go against everything they are saying about shifting care from hospitals into the community.”

There may be a small reduction in staff numbers, but the hospice will be looking to retain as many valued colleagues as possible.  

Mr Jarman-Howe added: 

“We understand that change will be unsettling for our staff and supporters, but now more than ever we ask for people to keep backing us. 

“We’re very proud of the high-quality care we provide and want it to continue. We’re actually better-placed than many other hospices because of steps we’ve already taken to bring in new income – such as running lotteries for other charities, launching our care agency and cleaning business, and opening new shops and cafes.”

St Helena is launching a campaign called #SecuringOurFuture, to raise awareness of the challenge it faces. 

Trustees are due to consider options for reducing costs by June, with any changes implemented before the end of 2025.