Welcome to the St Barnabas House Blog

What makes our charity shops so special?

Often the unsung heroes of the hospice sector, retail teams play an important role in raising awareness and vital funds to support the continued delivery of hospice care. We take a look at two of our successful charity shops and the friendly faces behind the tills.

Jan’s story

"Until St Barnabas came on board, I felt so alone. When we were referred to St Barnabas, everything changed."

My cycling journey raised thousands for charity, and changed my life forever

"Although at the time everything just felt so unfair to us all, when I look back now, I see that having the team from St Barnabas available to us was priceless."

Jo’s story

"The NHS is amazing, and really supported Mum through her whole illness, but the care from St Barnabas was on another level."

How knitting helps to bring patients and loved ones closer together

Here's one person's hobby turned into a way of bringing dozens of families closer together.

Dying Matters Week – Helping you talk about death

This year’s Dying Matters Week (6-12 May) will explore the way we talk about death and dying. Our presence and words can build bridges of connection and comfort, as chaplain Sarah Bell explains.

What is the night shift at a hospice like?

"One of the best things about working nights is time. I enjoy feeling that I can give my absolute best to every patient. People feel more vulnerable at night, and we've got the time to offer them a bit more emotional support."

How your business can support your local hospice

Find out how supporting your local hospice is great for morale and staff engagement, as well as making employees feel proud of the place that they work for their commitment to supporting a local cause.

Help with sleeplessness when you’re receiving palliative care

We share some of our top tips for sleeping and relaxation if you're living with a life-limiting illness.

Looking back over 50 years of loving hospice care

St Barnabas House opened in 1973 and fifty years on, the support from our local community has helped care for more than 45,000 local people and their loved ones.

George’s story

"When George eventually agreed to me calling St Barnabas, I felt utter relief as his symptoms were so complex that we couldn’t cope at home."

Fiona’s story

"Despite all this, Mum’s happiness and humour was quickly picked up on by the nurses and it was beautiful to see the connection they had with her. "