Community Support Adds Up to Record Year for Naomi House

Naomi House Children’s Hospice has reported a record year for voluntary income with donations, fundraising events and income from grants, trusts and legacies adding up to £3 million in 2006.

Total income for 2005/06 was £3.9 million with total expenditure amounting to £3.5 million. With less than 1% of its income currently coming from government, the hospice relies almost entirely on the generosity of people in the community to provide crucial care services, free of charge, to children and their families.

Other highlights outlined in the Hampshire-based hospice’s Annual Review include:

• 186 children and their families supported during 2005/06
• Higher levels of occupancy than ever before with 1,895 nights spent at the hospice by youngsters receiving respite care
• Praise for a pioneering new clinical team leadership structure from the Healthcare Commission
• Around 400 volunteers whose help is invaluable in running the charity
• 21 runners in the London Marathon raising £47,320

 “Everybody who has had any part in helping Naomi House can be proud of what has been achieved,” said Khalid Aziz, Chairman of the Wessex Children’s Hospice Trust which runs Naomi House.

“With an increase in the use of Naomi House, we are doing more than ever before to support local families with life-limited youngsters. I am delighted that the Healthcare Commission, which regulates all hospices and hospitals, gave Naomi House a glowing report last year, confirming our high standards of care given in a safe and professional environment.”

Professor Aziz continued: “Support for our work last year was as diverse as ever, with the bedrock provided by our fantastic committees, our shops and committed community and corporate donors. I also want to pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who support Naomi House. Their time and effort is probably worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to the charity, but just as important is the vital role they play in keeping Naomi House close to its roots at the heart of the community.”

The Annual Review not only reflects on the achievements of the past year but also looks forward to 2007 when Naomi House will celebrate its 10^th anniversary. In particular the charity wants to extend its services to meet the needs of older children and to provide a choice in where care is received.

“We cannot rest until we are reaching all the families who could benefit from our help, responding to this unmet need is a huge challenge but, with the continued help of our supporters, I am confident that Naomi House will continue to go from strength to strength,” said Professor Aziz.