Hospice UK
How is Hospice UK working with the MCF?
We’re working with the MCF to identify innovative projects focussed on providing bereavement support for those who care for loved ones. We’re able to draw on an extensive professional network of hospices as well as expert knowledge about end-of-life care to identify gaps in service provision and help the MCF fund the best, most impactful projects.
What kind of projects have been funded so far?
This year, the MCF has funded nine projects including an allotment for bereaved men in Sussex, bereavement therapists in Wales, a ‘make do and mend’ space in Barrow-in-Furness and a support group for dementia carers in Kent.
Why is this partnership important?
Working together, we will be able to deliver significant change in the palliative care sector by targeting funding where it is most needed. Freemasons already have a long history of supporting hospice services; building on this legacy, this partnership will enable hospices to initiate, build or develop locally-delivered approaches to bereavement care, tailored to the needs of their communities.
Hospice UK
Karl Benn, Head of Grants
Supporting bereaved men in Sussex
Martlets Hospice in Hove received £16,000 to fund an allotment project aimed at supporting bereaved men.
Led by a trained counsellor, the Earthworks allotment offers bereaved men a welcoming and supportive environment and the chance to get together to grow and harvest vegetables, flowers and fruit.
This grant allowed Martlets to run six eight-week programmes, helping 48 men who have experienced loss.
“Before the Earthworks project, there wasn’t any specific provision in the city for bereaved men to come together as a group for counselling or peer support; which makes this project unique.
The allotment creates a safe environment where the men can gain mutual support, use nature as a source of healing and begin to share their experiences of grief.
It’s an opportunity to get outside, socialise and draw strength from others who acutely understand what loss feels like.”
Jane Cato, Counselling and Bereavement Services Manager
