Question 1

How do I set up a JustGiving page in aid of Weldmar?

Accepted Answer

It’s quick and easy to get a JustGiving page set up for your Weldmar Fundraiser! Log into, or create, your account on the JustGiving website and select ‘Start Fundraising’ on the top menu bar. When asked “What are you raising money for?”, select ‘A Charity’. Search for ‘Weldmar Hospicecare’. You can either select a pre-existing event we have created from the list (for example, our Overseas Trek), or if you are doing your own fundraising challenge or event select ‘Doing your own thing’ at the bottom of the page. Choose your fundraising page URL – this is the link you’ll... Learn more

Question 2

Do I need to be an existing Weldmar patient in order to be referred to Weldmar at Home?

Accepted Answer

Usually, patients that are seen at home by a member of the Weldmar at Home team will be known to us, most often having been referred earlier and seen at home by a Weldmar Community Nurse.  However, we are absolutely committed to ensuring that care can be provided in the home to anyone who has a wish to die in their familiar and comfortable surroundings, so a referral may come to us for patients who, for example, are about to leave hospital without a package of care being in place.

Question 3

Do you use ‘Macmillan nurses’?

Accepted Answer

Macmillan is a very separate charity to Weldmar, and do not have community specialist palliative care nurses working in West Dorset. Our Weldmar nurses are equally as highly trained in specialist palliative care and work in a very similar way. Their role will be to visit you at home and offer expert symptom management relating to your illness. They will be able to support both you and your family through this very difficult time, talk to you about any fears and worries you have for the future and if you wish, help you to plan ahead.

Question 4

How can I be referred for complementary therapy?

Accepted Answer

You can be referred for Complementary Therapy by any member of the Weldmar team who supports you.

Question 5

How do I change my contact preferences with you?

Accepted Answer

We like to make it as straightforward as possible to change the way that we contact you as a supporter of Weldmar Hospicecare.  Please fill out this form if you would like to change how we contact you, or end communication. You can also read our privacy policy.

Question 6

How do I make a complaint?

Accepted Answer

All Weldmar staff are here to help you, and are pleased to receive any ideas, comments, or suggestions you may have for improving our services. We are also anxious to hear if you are unhappy about any aspect of our services so we can make improvements. When a matter is raised, we will try to deal with it promptly. If you would like to make a complaint, please read our complaints procedure.

Question 7

How long will I stay at the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

The average length of stay for patients admitted for symptom control is two weeks, however this is determined by individual need.

Question 8

I have items to donate to your charity shops – will you collect them?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for supporting Weldmar Hospicecare by donating items for our charity shops!  We really appreciate it. Our charity shops do not make collections or deliveries, but our larger outlets do collect larger items such as furniture free of charge in their surrounding areas – these are based in Weymouth, Dorchester (who will collect/deliver from across the west of Dorset), Blandford, and Shaftesbury. Our outlets will also deliver items, but there is a small charge for this service. If you would like to enquire about delivery or collection, please contact your nearest Weldmar Outlet.

Question 9

I would like to volunteer – what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, thank you! We couldn’t do what we do without the help and expertise of volunteers.  You might like to help out in one of our shops, on reception at our Inpatient Unit, at a fundraising event, or driving patients to appointments. You can find more about becoming part of Team Weldmar here, including the current vacancies we are looking to fill with volunteers. Even if you don’t see an opportunity there that suits you, there is a form to fill in to tell us more about what you would like to do, and we’ll be in touch.

Question 10

Is counselling confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, what is said between you and your counsellor remains confidential with some exceptions such as you being at risk of harm.

Question 11

What care does Weldmar at Home provide?

Accepted Answer

The care provided by Weldmar at Home will vary from patient to patient, to fit in with their needs and requirements. Some people tell us that they value care overnight so that their family can rest. Others tell us that they would like a little bit of help during the day for example with washing, dressing or changing the bed sheets. We don’t do domestic chores such as housework or shopping, but can be there to be with the patient whilst other family members do those chores, if needed.

Question 12

What is the visitor policy at your Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

Patients can welcome their close family and friends to visit them whilst they are staying at the Inpatient Unit.

Question 13

What items do you take in your charity shops and outlets – and what can I not donate?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for considering Weldmar Hospicecare as the charity to donate your items to. We welcome any donations of good quality items – there are only a few things we cannot take. If you would like to check whether we will accept certain items before bringing them in, please contact your nearest Weldmar charity shop or outlet, who will be more than happy to help. The whole area of recycling has changed for all charities. We can no longer dispose of any broken, damaged or unsaleable items. We no longer have anywhere to recycle these goods and, in fact, have... Learn more

Question 14

Will I have to go to the hospice for my last days?

Accepted Answer

If you are being seen by one of our Weldmar Community Nurse Specialists, they will be able to have conversations with you about where you wish to be cared for towards the end of life. The majority of people choose to stay at home with their family. If this is your choice, then your Weldmar Nurse will help to coordinate this with our Weldmar at Home team to ensure that your needs are met, and help you to remain comfortably at home.

Question 15

How often will I be seen at home by my Weldmar Community Nurse?

Accepted Answer

Everyone’s needs are different. Following each consultation, your Weldmar Community Nurse will agree with you the date and time of the next visit. This will be dependent on any difficulties or issues you are facing at that time. Whilst they will visit you at home, sometimes interim assessments are carried out by telephone or Skype consultations.

Question 16

How can I raise money for Weldmar on Facebook?

Accepted Answer

Facebook fundraisers are a fantastic way to to fundraise, and best of all they’re very simple to set up! You must set up a Facebook fundraiser on your computer. On your computer, log in to Facebook. On the left, click fundraiser heart coin Fundraisers. Tip: If you can’t see Fundraisers on the left-hand side, then click See more. On the left-hand side, click Raise money. Click Charity. You can either: Scroll to find the charity you want to raise money for Type into the search bar to find the charity you want to raise money for Once you have selected... Learn more

Question 17

Why do I feel ‘abandoned’ by the hospital when they stopped seeing me and referred me to Weldmar

Accepted Answer

Sometimes its hard to accept that there is ‘no more hospital treatment’. However a referral to a Weldmar Community Nurse Specialist will give you chance to address some of these feelings. Their role is about helping you to continue to live life in the best way possible and focus on a good quality of life and what that means to you. By addressing some of the difficult symptoms you may experience and the anxious thoughts that you may have, they can help you to do this.

Question 18

Can I refer myself and ask for a visit from one of your nurses?

Accepted Answer

If you feel this would be appropriate, you would need to talk to either your GP or health care professional involved in your care. If they feel that you meet the criteria for a referral to us, then they can complete a referral form for you. We are not able to accept a self referral.

Question 19

Can Weldmar help me with posters and banners for my fundraising?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can! If you would like us to create a poster for you for your event, we can certainly do that. Please ensure you provide as much notice as you can, and all the information you would like included. TOP TIP: Whilst you want to include all of the key information about your event, it’s a good idea to keep the number of words as low as possible. Keep it concise and clear. To show that you are supporting Weldmar at your event, we can provide banners and flags, subject to availability. If you would like to find out... Learn more

Question 20

Are meals provided at Wellbeing Sessions?

Accepted Answer

Light refreshments will be available throughout the sessions. If you are attending a session at the Inpatient Unit, you may wish to take advantage of our Orangery Bistro where refreshments, hot and cold meals and light bites are available between the hours of 12noon and 2pm. You could pre order a meal to enjoy after your morning session or before your afternoon session. There is a varied menu to choose from, at very reasonable prices. Please order at reception.

Question 21

Can I do a Street Collection for Weldmar Hospicecare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can do street collections for Weldmar. However, there are strict guidelines set in place by The Fundraising Regulator which must be followed. In most cases, if you are collecting on public land you will need a licence or permission from the relevant local authority. On private land you will need permission from the person responsible for the site. Information directly from The Fundraising Regulator: While fundraising, you must not: act in any way that might reasonably cause members of the public to be or become startled or anxious; act dishonestly or manipulatively, or deliberately try to make a potential donor feel... Learn more

Question 22

Can I generate a QR code for my JustGiving page to use on posters etc?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can! Adding a QR code to your posters, leaflets etc, can enable people to quickly access your JustGiving page using the camera on their smartphone, which automatically picks up the link. We would recommend not using QR codes on social media or elsewhere digitally – people will usually be browsing on the device the would scan it from! To obtain a QR code: Set up your JustGiving page (guidance on how to do this is also in this set of common questions). View your page, and add ‘/qrcode’ to the end of the website address in your browser... Learn more

Question 23

Can I just turn up to a Wellbeing Session?

Accepted Answer

No, you can’t just turn up to a Wellbeing Session, as we need to ensure we have enough support staff to assist with the sessions. It is also important that we do not exceed the capacity of the space we use. With this in mind, we ask that you call to book into a session, if possible, with at least 24 hours’ notice on 01305 215206.

Question 24

Can I see a counsellor/supporter with my loved one/significant other?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can see a counsellor with my loved one/significant other.

Question 25

Can I see my counsellor/supporter in person?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can meet in person in a room at the Inpatient Unit in Dorchester, or Trimar House in Weymouth.

Question 26

Can I smoke at the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

A designated smoking area is available at the Inpatient Unit site for patients only, who are able to use it safely and independently.

Question 27

Can I use cloakroom tickets for a raffle in advance of an event date?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately not. For your information: You can sell cloakroom tickets to anyone attending the event. Physical tickets must be provided to participants, the numbers are perforated for you to give the duplicate number to the purchaser. There are no strict requirements for what information must be printed on the tickets, as long as you can identify the winning ones. You have the flexibility to charge any amount for a ticket, and even offer discounted tickets (such as “buy one get one free”). Tickets can also be sold for an incidental lottery to children. Importantly: You would need printed tickets if... Learn more

Question 28

Can my partner attend a Wellbeing Session with me?

Accepted Answer

Attending our Wellbeing Support Sessions gives you an opportunity to have some time to yourself, to make new friends, and have experiences that are just for you. If you feel anxious about attending alone, you are welcome to bring your partner or carer with you for a coffee visit for your first session (where capacity allows), but after that, we encourage you to come alone, as it is a day specifically for you.

Question 29

Can my pet visit the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pets are very welcome to visit you on the Inpatient Unit

Question 30

Can relatives stay overnight at the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

Marion’s Room We have one family room, Marion’s Room, which features a dining area, a large television and sofas, its own kitchen facilities, bathroom, and will allow family members to stay with loved ones in more comfort. It includes both a patient and visitor bed which can be connected together to create a double bed to allow for a couple and families to be even closer together if needed and the room also has a sofa bed so additional family members can stay too. Double doors lead out onto a patio, and access to the gardens outside our Orangery restaurant. Some... Learn more

Question 31

Can you help me with my mobility and accessing the toilet at a Wellbeing Session?

Accepted Answer

We can assist with your mobility, whether it be walking alongside you to provide support, or using a wheelchair to help you get around the building. We have plenty of support workers available to assist. In some sites, we have access to hoisting facilities too. An assessment would be carried out by your Weldmar Community Nurse prior to attending, to ensure we could safely meet your mobility needs.

Question 32

Do I need to get undressed for complementary therapy?

Accepted Answer

Your dignity will be maintained at all times, however therapists are able to adapt or offer other therapies that allow you to remain dressed.

Question 33

Do I need to pay for the services of a physio or occupational therapist?

Accepted Answer

The services of a physio or occupational therapist, including equipment provision, are completely free of charge.

Question 34

Do you collect/deliver donations at Dorchester Clearance at Poundbury?

Accepted Answer

We do not accept or collect donations at this outlet. We do however deliver furniture within the postcodes of DT1/DT2/DT6/DT7/DT8. A small charge is made for this service payable when you buy your furniture. Our Dorchester Outlet, just round the corner on the Marabout Trading Estate, does collect and accept donations of items.

Question 35

Do you collect/deliver donations from your charity shops?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for supporting Weldmar Hospicecare by donating items for us to sell!  We really appreciate it. Our shops do not make collections or deliveries, but our larger outlets do collect larger items such as furniture free of charge in their surrounding areas – these are based in Weymouth, Dorchester (who will collect/deliver from across the west of Dorset), Blandford, and Shaftesbury. Our outlets will also deliver items, but there is a small charge for this service. If you would like to enquire about delivery or collection, please contact your nearest Weldmar Outlet.

Question 36

Do you collect/deliver donations from your outlet in Blandford?

Accepted Answer

We will come out and look at your items for sell, and if they are in good, clean, sellable condition with the correct fire labels on soft furnishings we will take the items away that day.

Question 37

Do you collect/deliver donations from your outlet in Shaftesbury?

Accepted Answer

We will collect furniture donations subject to inspection and our area covered extends to Sherborne, Tisbury, Mere, Zeals and Wincanton. We deliver within the area for a minimum charge of £15, which increases depending upon the area to be delivered to.

Question 38

Do you collect/deliver donations from your outlet on the Granby in Weymouth?

Accepted Answer

We can collect and deliver items. Furniture collection is free.  Delivery of items is from £15 (any items). We collect items in the Weymouth & Portland area – our collection areas are DT3/4/5

Question 39

Do you collect/deliver donations from your outlet on the Marabout in Dorchester?

Accepted Answer

We collect items of furniture from DT1/DT2/Dt6/DT7/DT8. We will come out and look at your items for sell, and if they are in good, clean, sellable condition with the correct fire labels on soft furnishings we will take the items away that day. This is down to the drivers discretion if we take the items. We deliver items of furniture that are bought in our outlet to customers homes, a small charge is made for this service payable when you buy your furniture.

Question 40

Do you work with my oncologist?

Accepted Answer

If you are still being seen by your oncologist, then our nurses do liaise with both them and your hospital clinical nurse specialist, if there are any concerns that they feel they need to be aware of, or symptoms that would best be addressed by a further hospital review or intervention.

Question 41

How can I access the service for input from a Physiotherapist or an Occupational Therapist?

Accepted Answer

You should talk to your Weldmar Community Nurse or GP about being referred to our team for an assessment.

Question 42

How can I promote my event online?

Accepted Answer

Facebook groups are a great way to promote your event! We recommend sharing your event into Dorset event groups (for example, Dorset Music Events, What’s on in Dorset, Things to do in Dorset), and in local village and town news/community groups that are close to where your event is taking place. We also have our very own Weldmar Hospicecare Supporters and Fundraisers where you can share your event with other Weldmar supporters! You can also add your event on to the Dorset Echo website (for free!). All you need to do is complete this form from the Dorset Echo website... Learn more

Question 43

How do I get in touch to arrange a counselling session?

Accepted Answer

You can contact Weldmar Hospicecare directly, via our Inpatient Unit reception.

Question 44

How long will I be able to use the Weldmar at Home service?

Accepted Answer

This really depends on your situation. As with all of our services, we put together an individualised plan based on your needs, and any other packages of care that are available. Even if the care moves to another provider, Weldmar will still be involved in your care at home through your Weldmar Community Nurse.

Question 45

How long will each Weldmar at Home visit be?

Accepted Answer

This really depends on your needs at the time. The minimum amount of time a member of the Weldmer at Home team will spend with you is about sixty minutes, but they could be with you for a number of hours if required.

Question 46

How many Wellbeing Sessions can I attend each week?

Accepted Answer

You can choose up to two sessions to attend each week, depending on which activities you are interested in. Your attendance will be reviewed regularly, and if/when you no longer need us to meet your specialist needs, we may discharge you from the service. Of course, you will be involved in this review.

Question 47

How many complementary therapy sessions can I have?

Accepted Answer

You can normally have a block of 6 therapy sessions, but this can be extended.

Question 48

How many counselling sessions will I have?

Accepted Answer

You are offered an initial six sessions counselling session, which can be extended in some circumstances.

Question 49

How often will I see a member of the Weldmar at Home team?

Accepted Answer

As with all of our services, the care that our Weldmar at Home team provides is very much as individual as you are.  That means we assess what you need and how Weldmar at Home can help, and then see you as often as necessary. This could be either a couple of times a day, a couple of times a week, or somewhere in between.

Question 50

I can’t drive – do you provide transport to Wellbeing Sessions?

Accepted Answer

For patients who are unable to get themselves to our sessions, whether by driving themselves, or getting a lift with family, transport can be provided where capacity allows. We have a minibus, and make good use of volunteer car drivers to bring our patients to us where appropriate. A transport assessment would be completed by your Weldmar Community Nurse prior to attending, to ensure we can safely meet your transport needs.

Question 51

If I want to find out about volunteering in a Weldmar charity shop, who do I ask for?

Accepted Answer

Great! Thank you for considering sparing your time to help us. Volunteers are vital in our shops to enable us to keep Weldmar’s services going. Please pop into the Weldmar Hospicecare shop or outlet that you would like to volunteer at, and ask to speak to the manager or deputy manager. Alternatively, you can get fill out our Volunteer Expression of Interest form at a convenient time.

Question 52

Is internet access available at the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Wi-fi access is available free of charge for all patients and visitors.

Question 53

Is this complementary therapy service available to carers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, complementary therapies are available for patients, their carers and bereaved family members.

Question 54

What complementary therapies are available?

Accepted Answer

The complementary therapies that are available will be discussed with you in an initial consultation when we look at your needs and suggest what treatments may be most beneficial.

Question 55

What if I need to cancel my complementary therapy appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel your complementary therapy appointment, you can do so by either contacting your therapist directly or ring our Inpatient Unit reception.

Question 56

What items can I not donate?

Accepted Answer

The whole area of recycling has changed for all Charities. We can no longer dispose of any broken, damaged or unsaleable items. We no longer have anywhere to recycle these goods and, in fact, have to PAY to have them taken away. We are, therefore, having to be more restrictive on what donations we can accept. This list should help identify items we cannot accept. If in doubt please ask the Store Manager or one of our sales staff. Broken or Chipped China & Glassware Broken or Incomplete Toys / Games Soiled or Damaged Linens / Curtains Soiled or Damaged Clothing... Learn more

Question 57

What shall I bring with me for my stay at the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

Please bring any current medication that you are taking, as well as mobility aids, phone and charger, day clothes, nightwear and toiletries, as well as any personal item you may want to bring along.

Question 58

When can I drop off items that I want to donate?

Accepted Answer

Whilst we are extremely grateful for your kindness and generosity when considering us for your donation of items, it is really important that you only drop goods off to us during our opening hours. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any donation that has been left outside, and it costs us time and money to dispose of them. Dropping off your items during opening hours also ensures that we can add Gift Aid your items (if you are eligible), meaning we can claim an extra 25% of their sale value! If you are unsure about whether we can take particular items, or... Learn more

Question 59

When can I drop off items that I would like to donate?

Accepted Answer

Whilst we are extremely grateful for your kindness and generosity when considering us for your donation of items, it is really important that you only drop goods off to us during the hours specified below. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any donation that has been left outside, and it costs us time and money to dispose of them. At Blandford Outlet, we only accept donations on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, between 9am and 4pm. Dropping off your items during opening hours also ensures that we can add Gift Aid your items (if you are eligible), meaning we can claim an extra... Learn more

Question 60

Where are the nearest places to park at your Blandford Outlet?

Accepted Answer

The nearest places to park at our Blandford Outlet is outside the front of outlet at Glenmore Business Park.

Question 61

Where are the nearest places to park at your Clearance Outlet at Poundbury?

Accepted Answer

We have onsite parking available at our Clearance Outlet at Poundbury. There are a total of 7 car park spaces.

Question 62

Where are the nearest places to park for your Brownlow Street shop in Weymouth?

Accepted Answer

The nearest places to park for our Brownlow Street Shop in Weymouth is right outside for a maximum time of 1 hour.

Question 63

Where are the nearest places to park for your Dorchester Bookshop?

Accepted Answer

The street is pedestrianised although there is parking available in adjacent streets – Trinity Street and Charles Street car-parks are nearest.

Question 64

Where are the nearest places to park for your Dorchester Outlet at the Marabout?

Accepted Answer

We have 6 customer spaces outside the front of our building, but if these are full we have overflow parking around the back of the building. If you are facing up the hill, take a left at the post box, left again and follow the road round to the back of the building.

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How can we help you?

Counselling, Bereavement, and Spiritual Support

Our qualified counsellors provide bereavement and emotional support to patients and to those that are important to them, including their children, and we also provide spiritual support.

If, at any point along your Weldmar journey you feel you need to talk to someone, please ask any member of our team who is looking after you.

Common Questions

We’re there for children, too

Spiritual Care

Related Reading

Information for Patients & Families

Wellbeing Support Sessions

About Weldmar Hospicecare