After a leak that had the Hospice Charity shop closed for months, the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers has got it up and running again.

It became apparent the amazing connection that shop staff and volunteers had with our community when unfortunately we had to close our doors to do repairs earlier this year. From people popping by to ask when we were open, to give staff and volunteers kind words and hugs, or people donating items – we knew we had to get the shop up and running again, and the team did just that with us opening again on the 5th October 2026.

At 10am the Mayor of Halton, Councillor Pamela Wallace, gave a beautiful speech:

Thank you for joining us all this morning to officially open our Halton Haven Hospice charity shop here on Queens Avenue. It is lovely to see so many familiar faces, local supporters and friends gathered. For 40 years, Halton Haven Hospice has been a pillar of love, care, and compassion for families across our community.

However, the Hospice does not run on care alone, it relies heavily on the incredible generosity, time and spirit of people living in Halton. This shop is more than just a place to get a bargain, or drop off a preloved item, it is a vital lifeline.

Every single purchase made, every item donated and every hour given by our wonderful volunteers helps fund the specialist end of life care and support local families depend on.

The shelves are fully restocked, the coffee is on and prosecco ready, and our amazing team is eager to welcome you back in. So, with great pleasure and a huge thank you to everyone who has made this reopening possible, I officially declare Queens Avenue shop open.

Thank you, enjoy the browse and remember to sip, shop, and support !

She was then joined by staff, volunteers, and a very eager young charity shop visitor to cut the ribbon and announce our official reopening.

It was a great moment welcoming people back into the shop and see it bustling with shoppers as they looked for a bargain which will help make a difference. With a prosecco and cake (made by wonderful volunteers) in hand, our first customers bought all sorts from books, ornaments, to coats – with every purchase helping to raise vital funds for Halton Haven Hospice. In 25/26 it was this incredible support which helped to raise £47,000 which goes towards adding life to days at the Hospice. We can’t thank our community enough for their ongoing support – thank you so much to all our previous, regular, and future shoppers!

We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who made this possible. Behind the scenes our shop volunteers and staff members have truly put in so much hard work: from cleaning the shop, organising donations, setting up the shop floor and much more. Thank you.

You can browse our charity shop Monday to Friday – come pop in, say hello and help make a difference! You can find us at 23 Queens Avenue, Widnes.

On 22nd of August 2026, over 200 people visited Halton Haven Hospice to join our annual Tea at Three event. Thanks to the incredible support of the community, this years event raised a staggering £8,210 for the Hospice.

Tea at Three is a beautiful in-memory event and this year we hosted a range of activities like afternoon tea boxes, BBQ, bar, tombola’s, local stalls and live music – Tea at Three 2026 truly was a lovely family-friendly afternoon at the Hospice. Luckily for us, the sun came out and shone on the Hospice grounds which were filled with people having picnics, playing lawn games, children creating crafts, and people perusing the 22 local and Hospice stalls.

From donations on our stalls such as ‘blind date with a book’ or our very popular ‘Booze or lose stall’ to donations made in memory of a loved one, every penny raised at the event goes towards ensuring that we can continue providing the best palliative and end-of-life care to those in our community.

The highlight of the event was when our community came together to remember and celebrate loved ones during the butterfly release.

“Tea at Three was a truly special afternoon and I’m absolutely delighted with how the event came together. Seeing more than 200 people enjoying the Hospice grounds, supporting our wonderful stallholders and taking part in our butterfly release was incredibly heart-warming. Most importantly, we raised an amazing £8,210, which will make a real difference to the care we provide to patients and their families. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, ran a stall or helped behind the scenes. Events like Tea at Three simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community.” Tina (Fundraising Manager)

Together, we can add life to days – thank you for being a part of our Tea at Three 2026.

Photos by Moore Camera Club will be posted on the Halton Haven Hospice Facebook page.

On July 4th 2026, volunteers, stallholders, and staff members took to Victoria park in Widnes to put on an event that guaranteed fun for all the family. Haven Festival has been a much loved community event for many years and this years was the biggest yet! From the bacon rolls to welcome back the park runners in the morning to the last artist playing in the band stand, Victoria park, Widnes, was filled with laughter and community spirit.

One of the long standing traditions of Haven Festival is filling the park with free live music for all to enjoy. For some people this provided a perfect beat to their burger and drink while others boogied the afternoon away. All the artists did an incredible job of bringing happiness to the park, however one act in particular got everyone clapping and up on their feet.

Karen Rowe, Fundraising Manager at Halton Haven Hospice, said:

“It truly was our best festival yet and there was something for everyone from beautiful portraits and face painting to tombola’s galore. Our ever-popular Water and Wine Stall once again had the best drumrolls and kept everyone entertained throughout the day. One of my personal highlights was seeing Gideon the therapy pony looking absolutely adorable and bringing so many smiles to people’s faces. The flash mob also created a real feel-good factor and added to the fantastic atmosphere across the park. A huge thank you goes to John and all of the bands who generously give their time and perform for free every year. We are also incredibly grateful to the members of the Moore Camera Club for capturing so many special moments from the day. Finally, none of this would be possible without our amazing volunteers, stallholders, supporters and everyone who came along to enjoy the event. Your kindness and community spirit make a real difference and every pound raised will help us continue providing compassionate care and support to local families when they need us most.“

Due to the incredible community support of everyone who helped make this year’s Haven Festival possible and to everyone who came along on the day, the event raised an incredible £4,395.33 for Halton Haven Hospice!

Proudly supported by Esposito’s and Nyland and Beattie.

In September 2025, Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form College set out to help add life to days when they chose Halton Haven Hospice as their charity of the year. “Our students are ready to go. We’ve got a packed calendar of fun events to kick off the fundraising and are excited to support a fantastic charity.” Katie Hallard –  Enrichment Officer Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form 

“We are proud to have chosen Halton Haven Hospice as one of our charities this year because of the incredible care and compassion it provides to our local community during the most difficult times. Supporting such a meaningful cause has truly inspired both our staff and students, who have embraced every opportunity to fundraise. From bake sales to sporting events, their commitment has been outstanding, especially as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our annual 5K Race for Hope, a milestone that highlights not only our long-standing support for fundraising, but also the passion, dedication and community spirit that continues to drive everything we do.” Katie Hallard –  Enrichment Officer Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form 

In June 2026, online donations were tallied, coins were counted, and students and staff waited to hear if they had hit their ambitious target. After an incredible year of fundraising it was revealed that they had raised an astonishing £10,003! This is an amazing amount which will go towards helping to add life to days at Halton Haven Hospice. Shortly after they also announced that they weren’t done yet – choosing Halton Haven Hospice as Charity of the Year again in 2026.

“Halton Haven Hospice wouldn’t be the place it is today without the incredible community that we have around us. From small to big acts, every staff member and student at Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form College has played a vital role in supporting us to provide the best palliative and end-of-life care to people in our community. It has been amazing to see all of their creative ideas to fundraise throughout the year and be a part of their 10th Race for Hope, highlighting the pillar of support that the colleges have continued to provide to charities across Halton. We feel privileged that they have chosen to support us for another year and are proud to be a part of the community spirit that runs through Halton and both colleges.” Karen Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Halton Haven Hospice

Have you been inspired by the difference students and staff at Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form College have made? Find out how you can get involved by emailing fundraising@haltonhaven.co.uk

Halton Haven Hospice Quality Account 2026 is now available to read HERE.

“This report forms an important part of our commitment to transparency and accountability to the many individuals, families, partners, and organisations who support and engage with the work of our hospice. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the quality of the care and services we provide, to highlight our achievements over the past year, and to share the areas where we are focusing our efforts to continue improving.” Chief Executive Officer, Karen Allen.

What is a Quality Account?

Producing a Quality Account is a requirement of the Health Care Act (2009) and according to the Department of Health, ‘Quality Accounts aim to enhance accountability to the public and engage the leaders of an organisation in their quality improvement agenda’.

What is the aim of a Quality Account?

The Quality Account covers two main areas:

• A review of how we performed last year, covering three main areas of quality: patient safety, patient experience and clinical effectiveness.

• A set of key priorities for improvement next year.

The public, patients and other interested parties can use the Quality Account to understand:

• What an organisation is doing well.

• Where improvements in service quality are required.

• What the organisation’s priorities for improvement are for the coming year.

• How the organisation has involved people who use their services, staff, and others with an interest in their organisation in determining these priorities for improvement.

“Overall, [Halton Havens’] Quality Account reflects a hospice that continues to adapt, develop and respond to both opportunities and challenges, with a clear focus on maintaining high standards of care and improving outcomes for patients and their families.” Fiona Lemmens, Executive Clinical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB

We are proud to announce that our Living Well Programme launched on the 23rd of June.

The Living Well Programme is a 12-week structured outpatient programme delivered by the Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) team at Halton Haven Hospice. It has been designed to support patients earlier in their palliative care journey, providing a proactive, holistic approach to care that focuses on both physical and emotional well-being.

Our aim is simple: To help people live as well as possible, for as long as possible.

The programme provides a safe and supportive environment where patients can access expert clinical care, emotional support, wellbeing services, and practical advice tailored to their individual needs.

At Halton Haven Hospice, we believe care is about much more than physical health.

The Living Well Programme takes a holistic, person-centred approach, supporting:

Emotional Well-being through:

• Supportive conversations
• Anxiety and stress management
• Building confidence

Social Well-being through:

• Reducing loneliness and isolation
• Connecting with others
• Developing new friendships

Practical Well-being through:

• Signposting to services
• Future care planning

What can patients expect from the programme?

Throughout the programme, patients attend regular clinic appointments with ANPs, enabling ongoing clinical review, symptom support, and the development of a strong therapeutic relationship. A key focus of the programme is Advance Care Planning. Over the course of the 12 weeks, patients are supported to explore what matters most to them, including their values, wishes, and preferences for future care and preferred place of care. These conversations are approached sensitively and at the patient’s pace, with the aim that by the end of the programme, patients feel comfortable having their wishes clearly documented and shared with those involved in their care and with their families.

The programme also takes a holistic, person-centred approach, offering patients the opportunity to access a wide range of hospice services. This includes engagement in complementary and holistic therapies, which support wellbeing beyond clinical needs, and participation in our ‘Brighter Days’ initiative—an adult social group designed to reduce isolation, encourage social interaction, and promote enjoyment and purpose.

Changing the Way People Think About Hospice Care

By introducing patients to the breadth of hospice support in a structured and supportive way, the Living Well Programme helps to address common misconceptions about hospice care, demonstrating that our role extends far beyond end-of-life care. It encourages earlier engagement with hospice services, enabling patients and their families to build confidence, develop relationships with the team, and plan ahead in a meaningful way.

It helps people understand that hospice care is about living well now, not just planning for the future. By introducing patients and families to hospice services earlier, we can:

• Provide support sooner
• Build confidence and trust
• Improve wellbeing
• Help people plan ahead
• Ensure care is personalised to individual wishes.

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Ultimately, the programme aims to improve patient outcomes by supporting people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible, while maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life. It also strengthens our connection with the local community, increases access to services, and supports more personalised and coordinated care planning.

If you would like more information about the Living Well Programme email, info@haltonhaven.co.uk

This month, Piet celebrated his 20th anniversary of working at the Hospice.

We can’t thank Piet enough for the 20 years of service and dedication he has given to the Hospice and the care and compassion he has shown to so many patients, families and colleagues over those two decades. From starting with the Hospice on 8th June 2006 as a Medical Officer, to Medical Director and now onto a new role at the Hospice, he has been a constant beacon of kindness and person-centred care at the Hospice.

Piet has worked alongside many other people at the Hospice with some of his colleagues wanting to comment on his 20 year work achievement.

“Twenty years of service is an extraordinary achievement; Piet’s dedication has made an immeasurable difference to our community and helped shape the hospice into the special place it is today. With a caring manner which embodies everything that hospice care stands for, his impact reaches far beyond medicine, touching lives in ways that will be remembered for years to come.” Karen, CEO

“Although we work in different areas of the hospice, one thing that has always stood out to me about Piet is the genuine care and kindness he shows to every patient and family he meets. His friendly nature, dedication and patient-centred approach have been a constant throughout his 20 years with Halton Haven Hospice. He is highly respected by colleagues and greatly valued by those he cares for. Congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone, Piet, and thank you for your years of service and commitment.” Kevin, Director of Finance

“Piet is part of the furniture and is cool as a cucumber. He creates a relaxed and calm environment even when it is extremely hectic. He is knowledgeable, supportive and has the right solution when needed. Piet has a good sense of humour and always likes a great laugh. We are very happy that Piet is part of the medical team.” Janice and Eleanora

Congratulations to Piet! It was lovely celebrating your 20th work anniversary and we can’t wait to see what your continued dedication to working at the Hospice brings in the future.