A Stroud hospice has launched an urgent fundraising campaign as it faces growing financial pressures threatening the future of its services.
Longfield Community Hospice, based in Minchinhampton, is appealing for public support through its new Love4Longfield campaign, which aims to safeguard vital care for patients and families across Gloucestershire.
The charity said it has been hit by rising staffing and operating costs, a drop in retail income, below-inflation increases in NHS funding and the wider economic climate making fundraising more difficult.
Sally Pearson, Chair of Trustees, said the hospice had already taken “painful but necessary” steps to cut costs and boost income.
“We have reshaped our retail offer, rationalised our head office arrangements and increased fundraising capacity,” she explained.
“Sadly, this has also meant the loss of valued staff. But as costs continue to rise, we need to do more to ensure the future of Longfield’s unique offer to local people.”
The hospice is now reviewing its wellbeing services and looking at ways to make better use of its main site while continuing to focus resources on frontline care.
Ms Pearson added: “We are deeply appreciative of the support we already receive from our community. Longfield holds a special place for many people, and this campaign invites everyone to help secure its future.”
Donations to the Love4Longfield campaign can be made at www.longfield.org.uk