For those of you who don’t know, Tradesman Saver’s nominated charity of 2022 is St Raphael’s hospice.
Located in Sutton and Merton, St Raphael’s offers a range of services and support for those suffering with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. Their staff have been taking care of the community for over 35 years and have established themselves as a key part of the local area and beyond.
The charity is 25% funded by the NHS, however most of their funding comes from donations that are crucial to carry out the work they do. A majority of donations are made through fundraising and gift aid, however a Coulsdon based construction company wanted to go a step further. The AJ Building Group has generously built a Men’s Den, completely free of charge, which is scheduled to open this year.
This purpose built cabin will give men the chance to open up in a safe, non-judgemental environment. The den offers a range of activities, including board games, quizzes, darts and pool, as well as member-led sessions. These sessions aim to give men the social and practical support they need to live their lives as comfortably as possible.
Get involved
To raise some much needed money for St Raphael’s, the team at Tradesman Saver have organised some activities over the past year. These events have included a number of successful bake offs and a St Patricks’s day celebration with donations taken to wear green and enter a lottery.
Our next fundraising event will be Tradesman Saver’s first ever annual sports day. Stay tuned for more details.
There are loads of opportunities for you to get involved, too. If you’re into extreme sports then why not raise money by doing a skydive, a wing walk, or bungee jump. You can also take part in sponsored runs, hike Mount Snowdon at night, and walk 25km across London in St Raphael’s Ultra Challenge.
The Ultra Challenge follows a route across London’s historic bridges, walking past some of the finest views in the capital. Head over to the events page to find out what’s happening near you.
Other services
St Raphael’s hospice offers complementary therapies to help a range of symptoms, such as pain and discomfort, breathing difficulties, anxiety and insomnia.
These therapies include:
- Aromatherapy
- Indian head massage
- Reflexology
- Reiki
- Soul Midwives
- Pastoral Care
- Counselling and Psychosocial Services
There are also group activities available three days a week at the charities Wellbeing Centre. Family members and carers are welcome to attend and take part in sessions on music appreciation, nutrition and diet, armchair yoga and relaxation.
For people living with a life-limiting, progressive or chronic illness, St Raphael’s Living Well Programme runs an 8-week self-management course. The course covers a range of topics offering advice and information, as well as a chance to connect with the community.
Upcoming topics include:
- Pain Management & Nausea Control
- Sleep Well and Fatigue Management
- Anxiety, Breathlessness & Relaxation
- Nutrition & Diet
- Your Wishes, Your way
- Benefits, Financial & Practical Support
- Pamper Session
To book a therapy session, take part in a group activity, or join the Living Well programme, call St Raphael’s on 020 8099 1722. Lines are open Tuesday to Thursday 9:00 – 17:00.
Tradesman Saver cannot stress enough the importance of health and well-being, and in recent months we have covered issues around mental health in the industry.
However, for some people, life limiting illness is something they have to accept and live with for the rest of their lives. When a loved ones time has been cut short it’s important they have the support and resources they need to live what life they have left to the fullest. St Raphael’s also offer psychological support to both patients and their family.
To find out more about the amazing work St Raphael’s are doing, head over to their website. And to make a donation, simply visit the Donate Now page and follow the steps and show your support.
