Strathcarron Hospice opened the doors to welcome its first patients in need of palliative care over 38 years ago.

However, before these doors opened an awful lot of work went on behind the scenes to make the vision become reality. Many local people believed in the vision so strongly to the extent they got behind this by fundraising to get the necessary money to start providing the care they so passionately believed in. And so The Friends of Strathcarron were born. A number of fundraising groups were set up in and around the local communities and they earnestly got to work.

Friends of Strathcarron groups still exist to this day with some of the original members remaining now and, collectively, they donate around £50,000 a year towards the rising costs of providing a range of services for patients and families, either here in the Hospice, or now more commonly in peoples’ homes or normal place of residence. Although the services have expanded and developed significantly since 1981, our core aim remains the same today as it was then in providing care, love and support for those who need it at a critical time in life.

There are number of Friends of Strathcarron groups dotted around the local area however, some of the groups need up and coming members and, of course, we are always looking for new groups to form. The groups are very self-sufficient by organising a variety of events from Tea Parties to Fashion shows and everything in between. The Hospice also has a number of fundraising initiatives which the Friends take part in.

To find out more about how the Friends of Strathcarron provide vital funds for the Hospice and how you can become involved we are hosting an open session on 24th September between 6 and 8pm at the Mayfield Community Centre, Sunnybank Road, Stirling. Members of the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane groups will be there to share their secrets of successful fundraising and, most importantly, what they enjoy about their volunteer work. On hand will also be Strathcarron Hospice Community Fundraiser, Claire Kennedy, to explain her role in supporting the groups and the wider community.

Every penny raised by the Friends of Strathcarron goes directly into care for people living with, and dying from, a terminal illness.

Please come along on the 24th (details above) or if you would like more information now contact Claire Kennedy on 01324 826222 or email [email protected]