Remember someone special this winter

​

This winter, St Michael's Hospice invites you to remember a loved one at their Lights of Love events - a series of services happening across Hastings and Rother.  Each service includes candle lighting, music, thoughtful reading and a time for reflection.  Some services also feature hymns, while the non-religious services offer a meaningful space for remembrance without religious elements.

At the end of each service, a tree lighting ceremony takes place.  Each locations tree is lit up, filled with the stars lovingly dedicated to you, in memory of someone special.  To dedicate a star to someone you miss, and to find your closest service, visit stmichaelshospice.info/lightsoflove25 or pop along to one of our shops to pick up a star.

Visit our More News - past and present for more information about St Michael's Hospice or click here

​

Christmas tree recycling - can you help?

​​

This New Year, St Michael’s Hospice is inviting local businesses to lend a hand, and a van, for our Christmas Tree Recycling campaign. It’s a simple, visible way to support your community and raise vital funds for your local hospice.

If your team has a volunteering day to use, this is a brilliant way to make it count. Just a few hours of help collecting trees from nearby postcodes can make a big difference. Email fundraising@stmichaelshospice.com for more information.

​

Moments that Matter – Sarah’s story

​

You may have spotted St Michael’s Hospice’s recent Moments that Matter appeal across their social media, in their shops and maybe even through your letterbox. They’re focusing on creating moments that matter for the people they support, and as we approach the festive season it’s important to remember that, for some this year, their last moments will matter more than ever.

Sarah's daughter Emma, who was 28, died at the Hospice last December, just before Christmas. Sarah shared that Emma “was like a summer’s day. She was funny and loved making people happy, she was just a gift to us.” During Emma's stay on the Hospice's In-Patient Unit, the team created special moments for Sarah and her family to cherish. Sarah said; “The Hospice allowed us to focus on Emma and surround her with love. Making sure she always had company in a room full of her favourite things; family photos, a cosy blanket from home and music."

When Emma and James (Emma's boyfriend) wanted to celebrate their love, the Hospice's Spiritual Support Team helped organise a partnership ceremony. Sarah painted Emma’s nails, the room was filled with beautiful flowers, and the team made sure her grandparents in Spain could join the ceremony virtually. Sarah shares, “We sat with Emma during her final days and were just allowed to love her, as her mum, dad, brother and boyfriend again, rather than her carers." To read Sarah's story in full, or to find out how you can help make moments that matter this Christmas, visit stmichaelshospice.com/moments or call 01424 456396.

 

Together in care

​

St Michael’s Hospice has introduced new ways to make care simpler, faster, and more connected, for patients and their carers. Starting with prescriptions, instead of collecting the prescription form in person, they can now be sent directly from the Hospice medical team to a patient’s chosen pharmacy at the click of a button. This small change means big relief for carers and smoother access to essential medication. The Hospice is also improving continuity of care between hospital and hospice services, so patients can be supported by the same doctors throughout their journey. That means fewer delays, faster discharge times, and less travel between appointments. It’s joined-up thinking that puts patients first, wherever they are. Visit stmichaelshospice.com for information about the Hospice and their services. 

 

Support your local Hospice through your Christmas shopping

​

This December, discover everything you need for the festive season in St Michael’s Hospice charity shops, from decorations and homeware, to stylish fashion, their shops offer affordable treasures to make the season bright - and meaningful. You can also add a festive twist to your table with a box of Lottery crackers. *Each one hides a scratch card with prizes up to £1,000 to get 2026 off to a fantastic start. Whether you're creating a Christmas look for a party, decking your home ready for the big day, or looking to add something new to your seasonal traditions, shopping with St Michael’s Hospice supports their work across Hastings and Rother, enabling people to live well with dying, death and loss. Visit stmichaelshospice.com/retail for details of shop locations and opening times. 

*Players must be 18+. Please play responsibly.