About Hospice in the Weald

Hospice in the Weald provides specialist advice and support for people with life-threatening illness, their families and the bereaved. Our Hospice is based in Pembury and serves a community of approximately 300,000 over an area of 400 square miles of West Kent and East Sussex. Hospice in the Weald is a charity dependent on voluntary support and only around 10 per cent of the £4M a year running costs are provided by the government.

No charge is made for the services which are provided on the basis of need rather than ability to pay.

Established since 1980, Hospice in the Weald comprises a 17 bed In-Patient Unit and a Day Therapy Centre offering a range of treatments, complementary therapies and clinics. A team of Community Nurse Specialists provide 24 hour advice and support to the local community and all nursing and medical services are backed up with family support, bereavement counselling, spiritual care and a health information service.

The charity relies very heavily on fundraising activities and the generosity of the community, which supports through donations and legacies. Local fundraising groups, its charity shops, the Hospice Lottery, local companies and grant making trusts and many organisations all support with donations and many fundraising events.

Our history

1980 The beginning

Initiated by a local resident, Hospice at Home set up as a Charitable Trust to care for patients in their own homes, with a staff of three nurses and a doctor.

1989 Developing the service

A bereavement service was developed using volunteer bereavement counsellors and home volunteers, working with patients and their relatives.

1995 Hospice at Home became Hospice in the Weald

A new education department started and a Development Campaign fund was launched.

1998 A new home

The Team moved into the new Hospice. The goodwill and support of the local community ensured that the fundraising target of £4.3 million was reached and the National Lottery granted £145,000 towards furnishings and equipment. The first patients were admitted with 8 beds open.

2005 Our 25th anniversary

In its 25th year the Hospice in the Weald had 12 beds open, 700 volunteers, 11 shops and 20 community fundraising link groups.

2006 A new clinic established

The Hospice opened a much needed Lymphoedema Clinic staffed by nurses with specialist training in the assessment and management of this disease.

2007 Our expansion continues

Embark on a major extension to our Day Therapy Centre to increase patient facilities and include more clinics including a new Music Therapy room.

2008 Building work completed

Everything finished - on time and on budget. All In-Patient beds open.