Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It’s quick and easy to get a Just Giving 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 Crek), 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... 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 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

This can vary, patients may be admitted for specialist symptom management, or for end of life care. The average length of stay for patients admitted for symptom control is two weeks, however this is determined by individual need. The Inpatient Unit does not offer long term care. If it is not possible for you to be looked after at home and you do not need to be in our specialist unit, we may need to discuss discharge to alternative care setting such as a nursing home. Any plans for discharge will be discussed in collaboration with you and those important... Learn more

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. For example, if your counsellor feels that you or someone around you might be at risk of harm then confidentiality might be broken.

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

All restrictions related to Covid-19 have been lifted, however we continue to monitor the situation. Please contact the Inpatient Unit on 01305 215300 if you would like further information. We welcome visitors, including children to the IPU and we do not have set visiting hours. In the interest of safety, the main doors are locked out of hours. To gain access, we ask that you press the side door buzzer if visitor out of hours. Visitors who have recently been unwell, particularly with coughs, colds, sickness and diarrhoea, are requested not to visit until symptom-free for 48 hours. Free parking... Learn more

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! 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. The design will be created by our Marketing & Communications team, and be in line with our branding guidelines. 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 more about getting a poster or banners for your event, please get in touch. Head to our Contact Us page and send us a message.... 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 generate a QR code for my JustGiving page to use on posters etc?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Set up your Just Giving page. View your page, and add /qrcode to the end of the URL in your browser – this will generate a QR code for you!

Question 22

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 23

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, some members of our team are able to support couples.

Question 24

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. We can also meet for a ‘walk and talk’ if you might prefer to meet outside.

Question 25

Can I smoke at the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

Weldmar has a no smoking policy including e-cigarettes and vaping. Staff and visitors are advised that smoking is not permitted in any of the charity’s premises and grounds. A designated smoking area is available at the Inpatient Unit site for patients only, who are able to use it safely and independently.

Question 26

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 27

Can my pet visit the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

We know how important pets are and they are very welcome to visit you on the IPU – please discuss with the nursing team.

Question 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

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

Accepted Answer

As with all of the services at Weldmar Hospicecare, these services, including equipment provision, are completely free of charge.  However, there may be some smaller daily living aids that will require private purchase.

Question 32

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 33

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 34

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. It is down to the driver’s 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 35

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 36

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 37

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 38

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 39

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

Accepted Answer

If you feel that you would benefit from an assessment of your Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy needs then talk to your Weldmar Community Nurse or GP about being referred to our team for an assessment.  Alternatively you can call us direct on 01305 215322 to discuss your needs.

Question 40

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

Accepted Answer

You can contact Weldmar Hospicecare directly, via our Inpatient Unit reception on 01305 215300, or operations.admin@weld-hospice.org.uk.

Question 41

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 42

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 43

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 44

How many complementary therapy sessions can I have?

Accepted Answer

Normally a block of 6 but this can be extended depending on individual circumstances.

Question 45

How many counselling sessions will I have?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 46

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 47

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 48

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 49

Is internet access available at the Inpatient Unit?

Accepted Answer

Wi-fi access is available free of charge for all patients and visitors. Please ask a member of staff for assistance.

Question 50

Is this complementary therapy service available to carers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, complementary therapies are available for patients both in the hospice and the community, their carers and bereaved family members.

Question 51

What complementary therapies are available?

Accepted Answer

This will be discussed with you in an initial consultation when we look at your needs and suggest what treatments may be most beneficial. Core therapies available are: Aromatherapy massage Reflexology Reiki Indian head massage

Question 52

What if I need to cancel my complementary therapy appointment?

Accepted Answer

Either contact your therapist directly or ring our Inpatient Unit reception on 01305 215300.

Question 53

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 54

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

Accepted Answer

Please bring with you any current medication that you are taking. You will also need to bring any mobility aids, phone and charger, day clothes, nightwear and toiletries. Please feel free to bring any special personal items such as family photographs. Personal property remains your responsibility during your stay. All bedding and towels are provided.

Question 55

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 56

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 57

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

Accepted Answer

Parking is available outside the front of outlet at Glenmore Business Park.

Question 58

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 59

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

Accepted Answer

There is parking outside the shop for 1 hour. There are also multiple car parks located in Weymouth town centre nearby.

Question 60

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 61

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.

Question 62

Where are the nearest places to park for your Shaftesbury Outlet?

Accepted Answer

We have car parking on site at our Shaftesbury Outlet.

Question 63

Where are the nearest places to park for your Weymouth Outlet on the Granby?

Accepted Answer

There is parking directly outside our Weldmar Weymouth Outlet store on the Grandby.

Question 64

Where are the nearest places to park for your charity shop at Lodmoor in Weymouth?

Accepted Answer

We don’t have any parking on site but plenty of near roadside parking close to the store.

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Related reading…

Making a regular or one off donation

How to donate in memory of a loved one

Events and Challenges in aid of Weldmar