fbpx

The power of coffee, cake and connections: networking the St Luke’s way

30th September 2024

Networking over coffee and cake

Just like our hospice, good companies recognise the importance of connections and always keeping a compassionate heart for the communities they serve. Last month, it was our great pleasure to welcome representatives from local and regional businesses to the smart, comfortable surroundings of our b.kinda coffee shop* in Plympton for a networking event with a difference, not to mention mouthwatering array of treats!

Over coffee and cake – plus, delicious brownies, buns and flapjacks – familiar faces already generously supporting St Luke’s mingled with ‘newcomers’ finding out about the many facets of our charity for the first time, from patient care to retail, education, fundraising and volunteering.

Meeting members of St Luke’s

As well as making connections and swapping news with each other, it was an opportunity for guests to meet members of St Luke’s hardworking team. In small breakout groups, they put their questions to Cathryn Goodchild, who draws on many years’ experience as a St Luke’s Specialist Nurse in her current role of End of Life Care Education Lead; Robert Maltby, Head of Communications and Marketing, and long-serving Fundraising and Bereavement Volunteer Adrian Frost.

While Cathryn, Robert and Adrian represent different areas of our charity, they are united by St Luke’s vision of a community where no-one has to die alone, in pain or distress.

“We must never take such specialist care for granted”

Andrew Richardson is Founder and CEO of Friends Helping at Home, an independent local care agency with an extensive network of individual care providers. He said: “Listening as members of the hospice team shared from their hearts about what their roles entail – and why they choose to do what they do for the hospice – was a reminder of how very special St Luke’s is and so deserving of our support.

“We must never take such specialist care for granted. After all, none of us knows when it might be our family who needs it.”

“St Luke’s have left an imprint on my heart.”

Wellness Coach Angie Williams, owner of local business Awsome Nutrition, said: “I have raised money for the hospice in the past, and now I’m interested in how I could use some of my spare time to support such a fantastic local cause.

“Hearing Adrian speak with such empathy and warmth about supporting people going through bereavement has really inspired me to find out more about volunteering. St Luke’s is an amazing charity, and I just want to be able to help.”

Angie’s fellow Wellness Coach Marie Hayes, owns B Nutriwise in Ivybridge. She said: “St Luke’s is very close to my heart because when my mum was diagnosed with cancer last year, it was their team who made it possible for her to receive care at home, exactly as she wished.

“Everyone from the hospice was so compassionate, not only to mum but to me and all our family. One of the healthcare assistants even brought some beautiful blooms and put them in a vase beside mum’s bed because she remembered her saying how much she loved seeing flowers. The team was also there for me when I cried and needed hugs. I’ll never forget these and all the other personal touches – they have left an imprint on my heart.

“St Luke’s went above and beyond to ensure that my mum had a peaceful passing, and I cannot thank them enough. I will always continue fundraising for the hospice to keep their vital services running for our community.”

Business networking at its best

St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, Penny Hannah, said: “We simply couldn’t do as much as we do, as well as we do it, without the fantastic support we receive from big-hearted businesses.

“Whether they choose St Luke’s as their charity of the year, sponsor our nurses, support flagship events such as Tour de Moor and Midnight Walk or encourage their staff to volunteer with us, they are more than corporate partners – they are part of our St Luke’s family and we couldn’t be more grateful for their backing.”

There you have it, business networking at its best – not only friendly and partnership focussed but with our community at its very heart. That’s the cherry on the cake!

Are you part of a business keen to support our charity and make a difference to local families going through the toughest of times? Find out more here.

 

* You’ll find our b.kinda coffee shop at St Stephen Rd, Ridgeway, Plympton, PL7 2ZN. Every purchase made pours profits back into St Luke’s, directly supporting the exceptional care our nurses provide to patients and their families. b.kinda isn’t just a brand; it’s our promise to the community – a commitment to finding uplifting and sustainable ways to ensure that our hospice care continues to touch lives and make a difference every day.

Corporate Fundraising

Related articles

, ,

BLOG: Coping at Christmas

Bereavement is hard at any time of year, but the festive season - and Christmas itself -can feel particularly challenging for anyone experiencing grief. No-one understands this more than us. As well as providing specialist end-of-life care for people with terminal illness, we offer their family members bereavement support too. This week (2-8 December) is National Grief Awareness Week, in association with The Good Grief Trust. The aim of the week is to raise awareness of grief, highlight the support on offer and to normalise conversations around it.
, ,

BLOG: It’s party time! Treat yourself to a classy charity shop outfit that looks good and does good

“What am I going to wear?” It’s a cry that rings out across the land every year when the festive party season is on the horizon. The countdown is on to find something elegant and fashionable, that suits you and your budget. Before you start scrolling online, did you know that a trip to your local St Luke’s charity shop could be the answer to all your ballgown and frock dilemmas, not forgetting fancy shoes, evening bags and a touch of bling to complete the look? Partywear – along with Christmas jumpers – is a major focus for our shop managers and volunteers at this time of year. Their mission is to have you looking a million dollars for your special do, without breaking the bank.
, ,

BLOG: CEO George leads us into the future

We’re delighted to congratulate George Lillie on his appointment as the permanent Chief Executive of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. Formerly our Clinical Director and Deputy Chief Executive, last year George stepped into the role of CEO for a limited period at a time when we desperately needed his wealth of experience, understanding and leadership. Following a rigorous and robust recruitment process, with some very strong applications, our board of trustees have confirmed that George was the outstanding candidate.
, ,

BLOG: Men’s Day Out is back for 2025 – with a twist!

An unmissable mix of mates, miles and special memories, the South West’s most popular men’s walk is back - with a twist! - for 2025, raising vital funds for local hospice care. Registration opens on Monday 2 December for the hugely popular Men’s Day Out in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth and the compassionate, expert care the charity provides for local families going through the toughest of times. The flagship event – which last year attracted more than 2,000 sponsored walkers - is taking place on Saturday 22 March.
, ,

BLOG: Holiday time at the Compassionate Café

It sounds like the title of one of those feelgood British films about friends and neighbours pulling together to support one another. Think Calendar Girls, The Full Monty or Fisherman’s Friends the Movie. This scenario features a group of bereaved strangers who meet at the Compassionate Café at their local community hub and agree to one lonely chap’s “silly idea” to go on a seaside coach holiday together.
, ,

BLOG: Opening up the conversation on dying

St Luke’s is launching a brand-new podcast to help open up the conversation about death and dying. The St Luke’s education team are working in partnership with Livewell and Macmillan GP Facilitators from Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon to create a regular podcast for health and social care professionals centred around facilitating good end of life care. The podcast will cover a range of end-of-life care topics, offering top tips and tools to practitioners based on best practice guidance and day to day experience.
, ,

BLOG: Big-hearted cyclists conquer Dartmoor for hospice care

More than 1,000 cyclists saddled up on Sunday for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s thrilling Tour de Moor challenge across Dartmoor, riding as one to raise funds for the charity’s compassionate end-of-life care. Community-spirited riders wearing distinctive branded T-shirts, turned the moor blue in support of the vital services St Luke’s provides for local families affected by terminal illness.
, ,

BLOG: Happy 1st birthday to our community-minded b.kinda coffee shop

It’s a year since St Luke’s b.kinda coffee shop opened its doors in the heart of Plympton and it’s certainly made a strong impression on the local community in those first 12 months. It’s not just about the excellent coffee and the tempting menu. It’s about the dedicated staff who have made it into an inviting place where every customer feels welcomed, looked after and treated as an important individual.
, ,

BLOG: Harry’s time to ride – Tour de Moor 2024

Every time Harry Stevens and his family drove past the Tour de Moor billboard he would always ask to take part, desperate to join the experienced cyclists as they took on the epic rides across Dartmoor, but always being just a little bit too young for the longer routes. Finally, for the first time, it is Harry’s time to ride, the now 9-year-old can ride alongside his dad on our adventurer style 28km route on Sunday.

Our Care

Support us

Courses

Information

BLOG: National Inclusion Week: Safe to be yourself in St Luke’s shop team...BLOG: Caitlin’s flying high for compassionate care