CRASH Supports St Michael’s Hospice After Devastating Fire

This year, CRASH is taking an exciting step to extend the practical support we offer homelessness charities to hospice charities too.

Both Hospice and Homelessness charities use their buildings to deliver essential care to people in need. For 20 years, CRASH has been working with the construction industry to create places for those unfortunate enough to have been affected by homelessness. We are delighted that we will now be able to spread this assistance even further, and by working with Hospices, offer our support to people living with life limiting illnesses.

St Michael’s Hospice is an independent 28 Bed hospice which has been providing care for adults with life-limiting illnesses since 1987. As well as providing specialist end of life care to in-patients, the Hospice also runs a range of home support services, local volunteering programmes, day services, bereavement services, professional training and support for family and friends. All of St Michael’s Hospice services are delivered free. They offer 24/7 care, 365 days a year.

The need

St Michael’s Hospice in St Leonard’s-on-sea suffered devastating damage as the result of an arson attack in July last year. The fire has not only had a devastating effect on the building, but also on all of the staff and patients working and staying there at the time.

Since the fire, St Michael’s Hospice has been operating a reduced service at Hastings Court Care Home at great expense to the charity. St Michael’s are now working with CRASH to identify areas where we can add to the cash donation which has been pledged through the skills, expertise, and products of our Patrons and Supporters.

The solution

St Michael’s Hospice have very wisely decided that rather than simply repair the extensive damage left by the fire, they will use this opportunity to refurbish the building completely and make it fit for future patients, staff and visitors by:

Converting the destroyed communal ward into single, en-suite shower rooms
Ensuring all bedrooms are en-suite, and located on the ground and first floors
Refurbishing all patient rooms and improving disability access throughout the hospice
Refurbishing the reception, conservatory, coffee shop and commercial kitchen
Increasing the number of counselling and treatment rooms
Improving the environment for all who stay, work and visit St Michael’s Hospice

Celia and Irene in front of the hospice

“It isn’t hard to imagine how frightened patients and staff must have been when they had to evacuate in the midst of a raging fire. Helping St Michael’s to get back on their feet so they can continue to offer their vital services to people in the community is a real privilege and I am truly grateful to all the individuals and companies from our industry who are helping CRASH to deliver the important help that is needed.”

Francesca Roberts

Chief Executive at CRASH