Charity: St Raphael's Hospice

St Raphael’s Hospice is an independent charity providing free end of life care and support for adults living in Merton and Sutton, and their families, friends and carers. The Hospice cares for around 1,000 patients every year on its ward and out in the community in patients’ homes. The majority of St Raphael’s patients are cared for at home where Hospice staff work alongside community healthcare professionals offering specialist support and advice. St Raphael’s expert team is made up of doctors, nurses, and their associates, counsellors, therapists and a social worker. The Hospice also provides counselling and bereavement services and its Wellbeing Centre is open to everyone living in Merton and Sutton who is over 18 and closely affected by a progressive life-limiting illness. The Hospice also has over 500 dedicated volunteers who donate their time in a wide range of roles, including on the ward, with the fundraising team or in one of St Raphael’s shops. It costs over £6.5 million each year to run its services and only 25% of its funding comes from the NHS. The charity relies on the generous support of the community to provide its vital services free of charge.