News / Jessie May
Bristol24/7 partners with Jessie May for urgent appeal
Bristol24/7 is partnering with Jessie May to highlight their urgent appeal to continue their vital work.
The charity offers hospice care at home for children and young people in Bristol and the surrounding area, with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, through specialist nursing care and emotional support.
Their nurses are also trained to assist with palliative care.
is needed now More than ever
In light of recent cuts to the care sector, the ‘Your Community Needs You’ campaign is asking for donations in the hopes to bridge a £300,000 funding gap to continue to provide crucial care.
Jessie May often step in when a child has left hospital and transition back into home life, a place they can still receive the care they need but while feeling safe and comfortable.
The support they offer often continues for weeks, months and even years. Having been around for 30 years, they have supported thousands of children and their families in that time.
Currently they care for 52 ill children in Bristol, with a further 196 across the South West region.
Izzy Headings has received care ever since she had a kidney transplant as a toddler – photo: Headings family
But the charity is more than hospice care, it is a lifeline for the families who they support, allowing parents to be parents, not carers, for a few hours a week.
For many parents of children in their care, the nurses aren’t just nurses, they become extended members of the family.
However continuing hospice sector cuts, lack of government subsidy and legislative changes, like the employer national insurance contribution, have placed this unique service at risk.
The cost of care has also risen sharply from last year when it cost £1.7m to run the service, this year it’s projected to be nearly £2m.
As a result Bristol24/7 will be platforming the many stories of families who use their services for support until the campaign ends July 14.
CEO of Jessie May, Daniel Cheesman has said: “We are incredibly grateful to Bristol 24/7 for their support during our ‘Your Community Needs You’ appeal.
“At a time when the future of our services is uncertain, it gives a vital voice to our cause.
“Their backing means so much to us because they are deeply rooted in our community – just like we are.
“To have the support of Bristol 24/7 is not just encouraging, it’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when local organisations stand together.”
The life quality of Archie and his families has been massively improved with the support of Jessie May – photo: Jessie May
Hospices play a vital role in the healthcare system, but the entire sector is facing the biggest crisis it
has ever faced and this is not limited to Jessie May.
The rising cost of delivering care over recent years has had a big impact on running costs, as have
the changes in factors like employers’ national insurance contributions.
What are Jessie May asking for?
They’re asking people to support Jessie May however they can.
If that’s financially, that’s great, but it could also be doing sponsored events, or spreading the word on social media.
“We know times are hard and there are lots of good causes out there, but we are providing vital support to
your friends, neighbours and people in your community,” says Daniel.
“People have been so generous so far, the people of Bristol are really rising to the occasion, it makes me feel proud to call this city home.”
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How to get involved:
- Donate at we-need-you.jessiemay.org.uk/
- Be a digital champion as part of their matched campaign; get involved and share their story with your family, friends and colleagues. All funds raised will be matched funded. Email them via appeal@jessiemay.org.uk
- Fundraise: Host an event, take on a challenge, or rally your school, business or community group
- Give regularly: Set up a monthly donation to provide reliable ongoing support
- Write to your MP and share Jessie May’s story on social media
All photos: Jessie May
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