Government launches £1m fund to support people at the end of life

The Cabinet Office’s Centre for Social Action has launched a £1m fund to spend on social action projects that will provide compassionate support for people at the end of life.

Organisations with the skills to provide support to vulnerable people and their families are being urged to apply to the fund, which will be run by Hospice UK, formerly known as Help the Hospices.

Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude said: “Many people who are dying have complex needs, yet sometimes all it takes is a friendly face or a hand to hold to brighten someone’s day. Even help with small but important tasks like doing the washing, fetching someone’s groceries or helping people stay connected to the community can make a huge difference to a person’s life.

“That is why we are announcing more support to help people live with dignity and compassion towards the end of their life.”

David Praill, chief executive of Hospice UK, added: “Volunteers offer the human touch that is the hallmark of high quality end of life support, through the crucial practical and emotional support that they provide for dying people and their families.

“This fund will help increase the number of volunteers carrying out this vital activity, as well as supporting the growth of innovative partnerships and the development of new approaches to volunteering. “Volunteers currently have an invaluable role in end of life support. This will become increasingly important in the future as we explore new and different ways we can support the growing number of people in the UK with chronic and complex conditions.”

It is hoped the projects will help provide befriending, peer support and enhanced support networks. They may also give practical support such as transport, dog walking or gardening, and help those in need to find other services and support.

This grant programme is open to applications from charitable and NHS hospices, hospitals, care homes, charities registered in the UK, public bodies, social enterprises and community enterprises. Privately owned care homes will only be eligible where they are working in partnership with a voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) provider and the VCSE is the lead provider.

Find out more about the Social Action End of Life Support Fund and apply online for funding by 5pm on 7 November 2014 at www.hospiceuk.org/our-services/grants/uk-grants/social-action-end-of-life-support-programme/