Local savings bank, Kent Reliance, has been supporting Demelza Hospice Care for Children for over 4 years with 2022 being the biggest year yet! From volunteering to taking part in events and creating donation stations, there has been a wide range of support provided by the bank and its employees.
In particular, a strong community focus has come from Kent Reliance Branches throughout the Kent area to the hospice and also their charity shops which Demelza run to raise vital funds. Employees from Kent Reliance branches have joined forces with Demelza shops to help sort donations ready for retail, helped staff fundraising events and help promote the Kent Reliance Demelza children’s savings account*.
Through the support Kent Reliance has provided during 2022, this has helped to provide:
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Over a month of overnight stays at one of Demelza’s two hospices – where a specialised team can help parents and carers have a break, knowing that all nursing and medical needs will be looked after. The children will also have an opportunity to get one-to-one care, play and take part in activities.
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The cost for 135 families to go through the referral process and access support – many parents have reservations about handing care over to someone else but Demelza work hard to show families they can support them to experience joy, for however limited that time might be.
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551 hours of specialist nursing care – providing not just clinical care, but emotional support, practical advice and connections for the entire family.
Christina Fasoli, Branch Manager, Kent Reliance Canterbury Branch said: “I have volunteered at Demelza a few times and each time has been so rewarding! As a branch manager we help support young people in getting a Demelza children’s savings account and it’s amazing to see just how the support Kent Reliance provides is so vital for the hospice service users and their families. The work Demelza do in our local community is inspiring and I try and help support in any way I can.”
The award-winning Demelza children’s savings account is a savings account for all those under 18 years old and 0.25% of the total average annual balances held in these accounts is donated directly to the hospice each year. The account has been making it onto best savings lists and was awarded Best Children’s Savings Provider at the January 2023 Moneynet awards.
Lavinia Jarrett, Chief Executive at Demelza, said, “The partnership between Demelza and Kent Reliance is extremely valuable and continues to flourish. The hands-on support and financial sponsorship they provide is vital to helping us to support local families and provide specialist care and emotional support. The additional funds that are raised via the Demelza children’s savings account are incredible; it also helps highlight the strong local partnership between the hospice and Kent Reliance which is vital to the families we support.”
With a strong local focus, parents and carers can help support their own children and the hospice by opening a Demelza children’s account. These accounts can be opened by post or at one of the Kent Reliance branches.