Hope rises with every donation
While our costs continue to rise and demand for our care continues to grow, the government funding has not kept pace with the true cost of providing compassionate, specialist hospice care. This gap places enormous strain on services that families rely on at the most difficult times of their lives.
Our local community already gives so generously, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our town and our supporters. We truly could not continue without you.
Alongside working hard to improve efficiency, we are actively strengthening partnerships with government and larger corporate supporters to secure more sustainable funding. If you are able to donate at this time or discuss corporate partnership opportunities, you will be helping to ensure that compassionate hospice care remains available for those who need it most.
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
A message from the Chief Executive of Ardgowan Hospice
To achieve the Scottish Government’s stated aspiration of funding parity, Ardgowan Hospice required £575,000 this year; however, only £157,000 was awarded. We continue to engage with the Scottish Government on longer-term funding solutions, but as a small local charity we cannot rely on reserves while waiting for these issues to be resolved.
As a result, Ardgowan Hospice has undertaken a significant organisational restructuring to protect frontline services. This has included the difficult decision to remove senior management roles and to create new shared-service partnerships to reduce costs. These changes were not taken lightly, but they were necessary to ensure that our essential patient and family services remain unaffected.
Despite these challenges, for now our doors remain open, our services remain unchanged, and our commitment to compassionate, specialist palliative care is unwavering.
Thank you from all at Ardgowan Hospice for your support and commitment during this challenging time.
Best wishes,
Graham Gardiner
Chief Executive of Ardgowan Hospice
Other ways to support this appeal
A Call to Corporate Leaders
While the Inverclyde community has always shown incredible generosity, the Hospice is now making a direct call to larger corporates and local businesses to step forward where possible:
-Corporate Partnerships: Businesses can support the appeal through "Charity of the Year" initiatives, match-funding schemes or employee-led fundraising challenges
-Strategic Support: Beyond financial aid, the Hospice is eager to engage with firms that can offer pro-bono professional services, volunteering hours, inventory for retail shops, or sponsorship for upcoming events
Other ways to support this appeal
Supporting Beyond the Wallet
Recognising the ongoing cost of living pressures, Ardgowan Hospice emphasises that there are many vital ways to get behind the appeal that do not require a direct financial donation:
-Volunteer Your Time: The Hospice relies on over 200 volunteers to function. Opportunities range from helping in charity shops and offices to fundraising events and ward support
-Donate Goods: High-quality unwanted clothes, books, and homeware are urgently needed for the Hospice's retail shops
-Spread the Word: Raising awareness of the appeal within social circles and workplaces is a powerful, cost-free way to help the message reach those in a position to support the appeal
FAQs
Dr Holly McGuigan
Consultant in Palliative Medicine
“As a Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Ardgowan Hospice, I see every day the difference this charity makes to patients and families across Inverclyde. Ardgowan is not just a service; it is comfort, dignity, and reassurance at the most vulnerable moments of life.
This year, we are proud to celebrate 45 years of Ardgowan Hospice, 45 years of caring for our community when it matters most. We want nothing more than to be here for the next 45 years, ensuring that people in Inverclyde continue to receive the compassionate, specialist care they deserve.
Unfortunately, this future is currently not guaranteed.”
Warm regards,
Dr Holly McGuigan
Consultant in Palliative Medicine
Ardgowan Hospice
