£36,000 awarded to Alice House from Durham Freemasons
Duncan Maw from Durham Freemasons with Karen Gibson from Alice House Hospice(Image: (Picture: Keith Blundy))
Patients and families in Hartlepool and East Durham struggling with the hidden financial pressures that come with end-of-life care are set to benefit from a £36,000 grant awarded to Alice House Hospice by Durham Freemasons.
The grant will fund a specialist role to support patients and families facing loss of income and rising costs at the end of life. Working with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, the role will focus on identifying financial hardship early and helping people access advice, benefits and support services.
Working alongside the North Tees Specialist Palliative Care Team, the specialist will support earlier intervention, ensuring that patients and families are signposted to available support before financial pressures escalate. This includes guidance on benefits, referrals to support organisations and providing reassurance during a critical stage of care.
During the process, Duncan Maw from Durham Freemasons met with Karen Gibson from Alice House and members of the hospice team to discuss how the funding would be used, including plans to invest in the dedicated role to strengthen the in-reach service.
A small hardship fund has also been established to provide limited practical support, such as travel costs for families visiting loved ones.
This grant follows an earlier £3,000 award from Durham Freemasons Charity and comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Durham Freemasons raise and distribute more than £100,000 each year to support local good causes, helping to turn generosity into practical service within communities.
Karen Gibson said: “We’re very grateful for the continued support from Durham Freemasons. This funding will make a real difference to local people at an incredibly difficult time and ensuring patients and families can access the care and support they need.”
Duncan Maw added: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Alice House. Our continuing backing for the Hospice will help ensure families receive care, dignity and support when they need it most.”
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