We were privileged to be invited to St Richards Hospice last week and whilst we knew about their work and, by reputation, the quality of care offered, my wife and I were very impressed with the design of the building, the commitment and professionalism of the staff and the very high quality of care provided. St Richards must rate amongst the best in the country, and is a credit to Worcester.

Apart from the medical care, the attention given to create a homely and less hospital-like design and feel must help both those staying there and friends and families visiting. It is a superb example of care, fully orientated to patient and family needs. The lounges are comfortable and engaging projects and artworks are undertaken, in fact all the artworks featured on the walls have been produced by patients or patient groups. The gardens and small lake are beautiful, enjoyed by residents, staff and wildlife alike and are a real asset, providing a lovely peaceful green back drop.

During the year 2014/15 there were 1,526 Family Support Service referrals, a Family Support Caseload of 441 and Family Support Contacts of 6,268. Volunteer support amounted to 1,670 hours and ranged from sitting, companionship, shopping and housework, right through to gardening and dog walking. Eighteen student placements were supported, 303 inpatient admissions, 489 Hospice at Home Patients and 1,740 Hospice at Home Sits. Total contacts for the year amounted to 22,763.

An astonishing record of care and compassion; we are very lucky to have them here in Worcester. To find out more, go to:  http://www.strichards.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/PatientServices2015v5.pdf

The Six Towns Credit Union opened in “The Old Glove Factory” at 13a Lowesmoor, Worcester, WR1 2RS. They are open Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm (closed between 1pm-2pm). The organisation offers to help anyone wishing to open a bank account with them, or wishing to set up an account and ring fence the rent or other bills. This is a service designed to be of help to those in real financial need here in Worcester.

I should make it clear that this week hasn’t all been hard work! We did spend a morning visiting the Morgan car factory, and I did rather lust over a few models on show!!

To end, we had a delightful session over on the Diglis Fields sowing wild flower seeds and spent a charming evening in St Oswald’s Chapel being entertained by The Astaria String Quartet. Life is not too bad!!