THE contribution from the Chelmsford-based developer has gone towards care visits provided by the hospice’s nursing assistants, who provide personal services such as washing and dressing, as well as vital emotional support for patients, their families and carers in the comfort of people’s own homes.

The donation came as part of the Barratt Developments Plc Charitable Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.

Charlotte Durham, Corporate Fundraiser at St Clare Hospice, said: “We are here to support patients, their families and carers when faced with death and dying, helping people to make the most of every moment, no matter how long they have left to live.

“St Clare Hospice is an independent charity. Our services are free of charge to those who need our care, but cost over £5 million a year to run. With limited NHS funding, we need to fundraise the majority of this each year through donations and other voluntary sources.

“We care for patients and their families, providing physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual support, and ensuring they have timely access to skilled, compassionate and sensitive care in a place of their choice.”

The hospice, which cares for hundreds of people across West Essex and the East Hertfordshire border, has a wide range of services including specialist care on its 8-bedded inpatient unit, and care in people’s own homes from its ‘Hospice at Home’ and Community Palliative Care teams.

It offers support from the moment of diagnosis from its Wellbeing Hub, which includes support from physiotherapists and occupational therapists, helping people to live well. Holistic care is available for the whole circle of family and friends by the hospice’s Patient and Family Support team, made up of social workers, counsellors and a chaplaincy team.

Tom Wright, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support St Clare Hospice with the funds to continue its incredible and vital work in Essex and Hertfordshire.

“It’s more important than ever that we support those in need, and when it comes to hospice care, it can make a world of difference for the families involved. Everyone at the hospice works incredibly hard and we are proud to support their efforts.”

For more information about the charity or to learn more about its services, visit the website at St Clare Hospice or call 01279 773 700.

For more information on Barratt and David Wilson Homes and the work they do within Essex communities, visit the websites at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes.