Offaly Hospice is a not-for-profit organization providing hospice and palliative care in the Offaly region of Ireland. The organization was founded in 1993 by a group of community volunteers who were passionate about caring for their residents at the end of life. Since its inception, Offaly Hospice has been dedicated to providing excellent care to patients and their families, raising vital resources to support their operations.
The formation of Offaly Hospice can be traced back to a group of local health workers, social workers, and volunteers who recognized the need for a local hospice and treatment facility in their area. At the time, there were no specialist facilities in Offaly, and patients and their families had to travel to other counties to get the care they needed. This was not only logistically challenging, but placed an emotional and financial burden on the participants.
In response to this need, the group came together to set up Offaly Hospice, with the aim of providing compassionate care to members of their community facing serious illness, and supporting their families and loved ones throughout the process
The organization was founded in the belief that everyone should die with dignity and that all who are able should have access to hospitals and palliative care. To support its operations, Offaly Hospice has relied heavily on fundraising efforts over the years. These efforts took many forms, from community events and raffles to corporate sponsorships and donations. One of the group’s most successful fundraising events has been the annual Offaly Hospice Walk, which has been held every year since 1995.
The Offaly Hospice Walk is a community led event that brings together hundreds of supporters each year to raise funds and awareness for the organisation. The event usually includes a scenic walking trail through neighboring states, as well as music, food and other activities for participants. Over the years the walk has become increasingly popular and has become a major event on the local calendar, raising considerable funds for Offaly Hospice in the process.
Annual Walk
As well as the annual walk, Offaly Hospice has also organized many other successful fundraising initiatives over the years. These include everything from concerts and performances to auctions and online fundraising campaigns. The Group has also been the beneficiary of numerous grants and donations from private and corporate sponsors, all of which have helped support its operations and sustainable growth.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Offaly Hospice has continued to provide vital clinical and long-term care services to patients across the region, while also finding new and innovative ways to raise funds and awareness . . . . This led to the launch of a Hospice Coffee Morning campaign in 2020, which encouraged supporters to hold their own coffee mornings and donate proceeds to the organisation.
Looking to the future, Offaly Hospice is committed to continuing its mission of providing compassionate care to patients and their families, while also doing more to meet the needs of the community eyes that are bulging. This includes plans to build a new Midlands Regional Hospice In-care facilityl on the site of Tullamore Hospital, which will provide state-of-the-art care and support for patients in a comfortable and respected setting.
6th September 2022
€20 million in capital funding was announced for a new specialist palliative care inpatient unit for the Midlands. The long-awaited hospice will be built on a site at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore and will serve the counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
Overall, Offaly Hospice has been a beacon of hope and compassion in the community for nearly three decades. The organization, made up of dedicated volunteers, has provided vital care and support to countless patients and their families, while raising awareness and funds for its cause against. Through its efforts and community support, Offaly Hospice is poised to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those in its care for many years to come.
Offaly Hospice can now take donations on their website for those who wish to Donate or donate in lieu of flowers on the passing of their loved ones.
