QueensCourt Hospice launches urgent fundraising campaign as it reports �2 million deficit

QUEENSCOURT Hospice in Southport has launched a Keep QueensCourt in Service fundraising campaign to raise emergency funds for the charity.

The Hospice announced that it is being forced to consider reducing the services it provides for patients. It comes amidst the most financially challenging times it has faced in its 35 year history.

To help support QueensCourt during this immediate funding crisis, QueensCourt is urgently asking for donations to be made via:- QueensCourt.Org.UK.

QueensCourt was founded in 1991 and provides exceptional compassionate care for patients and their families across:- Southport, West Lancashire and Formby.

Our local Hospice has been impacted by a number of financial challenges. This now means that QueensCourt's financial position is untenable. Last year just 24% of QueensCourt's funding came from the NHS, with the Hospice relying on short-term grants, fundraising and personal donations to meet the remaining cost of its services. However, the rising costs of salaries, the impact of new tax initiatives such as:- employee National Insurance, the increase in energy bills and the fact that Government funding has failed to keep up with these rising costs means that QueensCourt is now operating at a �2 million deficit.

Louise Charnock, Executive Director of Nursing Services said:- "QueensCourt has been delivering exceptional compassionate care for 35 years, and as we reach this significant milestone in 2026, we face the toughest financial challenge we have ever faced. Demand for our Specialist Palliative Care services has never been greater. Yet at the very moment need is rising, our everyday costs are escalating sharply, and our charitable income is falling. QueensCourt has been operating with an annual deficit of �2 million for the past 2 years, and the same shortfall is predicted for 2026 / 2027."

This widening gap facing QueensCourt has been created by a:- "perfect storm" of pressures:-

Legacy income has fallen dramatically; from over �1.2 million a year to around:- �250,000.
Employer National Insurance contributions have risen.
Staff salary uplifts are essential to keep pace with NHS pay.
Fundraising is more challenging than ever.
Retail income is declining along with wider high street footfall.

QueensCourt Hospice is not alone. The financial challenges facing QueensCourt is part of a national funding crisis gripping Hospices across the UK. The situation is stark: 2 in every 5 Hospices are preparing to make cuts this year and Hospice UK is also reporting that a total of 380 Hospice beds out of 2000 now lie empty in the UK.

Dr Clare Finnegan, Executive Medical Director said:- "QueensCourt is working tirelessly with our Hospice collaboratives and NHS Integrated Care Boards to secure fairer, more sustainable funding, the kind that would finally bring us closer to the national average of between 35�40% contribution towards Hospice costs. This process takes time, and time is something that our financial position does not afford us. Right now, our situation is unsustainable, and we are being forced to consider the possibility of reducing vital services. This is a step we never imagined we might have to contemplate."

Keep QueensCourt in Service,,, In addition to undertaking the review of its services, QueensCourt is appealing to the local community to explore how they can help support their Local Hospice.

Sam Hawksley, Executive Director of Strategy and Business Development said:- "QueensCourt has an established network of fundraisers across the Region, who have provided vital financial support to our Hospice over the years. This support has ensured we have been able to provide full palliative care and end of life care to patients and families in Southport, West Lancashire and Formby. We desperately need the support of our local community at this time, to ensure that everyone has access to the end of life care and support and to safeguard the future of our Hospice. We need your support to:- 'KEEP QUEENSCOURT IN SERVICE,' your donations, gifts in kind, gifts in Wills and your time taken to volunteer for QueensCourt. These things all make a massive difference to our charity and will do so in the challenging times ahead."

To help support QueensCourt during this immediate funding crisis, QueensCourt is urgently asking for donations to be made via:- QueensCourt.org.UK or by calling its:- 'Fundraising Team' on:- 01704517420, to make a donation over the phone.

Bootle Strand Regeneration is delivering social value through jobs for local people

FANTASTIC social value activities that have been delivered so far through the Bootle Strand regeneration project, which continues to transform the area and create lasting benefits for local people, businesses and communities.

To date, the project has delivered 24 education activities, helping residents gain new skills and explore careers in construction and related industries.

Through 22 weeks of structured work placements and 63 apprentice weeks, young people and job seekers have been able to gain real hands‑on experience and work towards recognised qualifications.

Nine Sefton@Work clients also completed specialist training recommended by demolition company Inglenorth, including:- Demolition Operative preparation, health & safety, and asbestos awareness, equipping them with the skills to succeed.

Community engagement has been at the heart of the initiative, with 25 activities delivered and �102,000 worth of materials and labour donated to local community projects and charities. The economic impact is equally impressive, with 69% of supply chain spend directed to small & medium sized businesses, ensuring that they benefit from this major investment.

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said::- "This progress is the result of years of collaboration and a shared determination to secure a brighter future for Bootle. The project's focus on jobs, skills and community ensures local businesses can continue to thrive while investment lays the foundations for long-term growth."

Employment opportunities have been central to the project's success. Working closely with Sefton@Work, VINCI Building and its partners have helped residents overcome barriers to employment and access real jobs on site.

Hannah Bailey, Social Value Manager at VINCI Building, said::- "Working with Sefton@Work we've helped local people access real jobs on the Bootle Strand project, to date we have hired a welfare cleaner, traffic marshal, and 4 demolition operatives through Inglenorth, our demolition contractor."

The wider project team, including:- K2 Architects, Avison Young, AtkinsR�alis, and WSP, have also played a key role in driving social value activities. Their ongoing commitment ensures that social value is embedded throughout the project, reinforcing a shared vision for inclusive and sustainable regeneration that makes a difference to the local community.

As the project moves forward into the next exciting phase of work to transform the new public square, Sefton Council and its partners will continue to deliver social value through education, employment, and community initiatives, ensuring the benefits are felt across Bootle and beyond.

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QueensCourt Hospice launches urgent fundraising campaign as it reports �2 million deficit

Bootle Strand Regeneration is delivering social value through jobs for local people