Hospice charity stuggles to keep up with rising costs (From Salisbury Journal)

Hospice charity stuggles to keep up with rising costs

11:00am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News By Corey Ross

THE charity that supports Salisbury’s hospice has launched a new look, new name and new website as it struggles to keep up with rising costs.

The charity launched its rebranded look at its annual meeting held at the Guildhall on Tuesday as it tries to increase its income so the invaluable service the hospice provides can continue.

A spokesman said last year the charity funded 64 per cent of the day-to-day running costs, meaning it needed to raise £1.3million, a major increase on the £454,000 needed seven years ago.

She said: “Sadly the income of the charity has not kept pace with demand and, although generous charity reserves have meant no cuts in hospice services, it has become vital that the charity increases its income for the service to continue at the same level.”

The charity’s chief executive Sara Morley interviewed more than 60 members of staff, patients, volunteers and supporters and found that less than 25 per cent of the people interviewed knew the charity contributed greatly to the day-to-day running costs of the hospice.

With a generous donation it wasn’t expecting, the Salisbury Hospice Charity hired Adept Design Agency to create its new look.

The new logo is a tree, the roots symbolising the idea that the hospice has its roots or foundations in the community with the overarching tree representing shelter, nurturing, community, support and growth.