New Mayor of Poole chooses Forest Holme Hospice as Charity of the Year
The new Mayor of Poole, Councillor Tracey Newman, has announced that Forest Holme Hospice will be her chosen Charity of the Year for 2026/27, helping to raise both funds and awareness for the much-loved local hospice throughout her mayoral term.
The Mayor recently visited Forest Holme Hospice alongside the Deputy Mayor of Poole, Councillor Steve Hayes, and the Sheriff of Poole, Councillor Rosemarie Stirk. During the visit, they toured the hospice and met members of the team to learn more about the vital services provided to patients and families across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.
Forest Holme Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to more than 1,500 people every year who are living with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, including Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart conditions and respiratory illnesses.
While the hospice is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, significant charitable funding is still required to maintain and enhance services. The hospice charity helps raise around £1 million each year to ensure patients and their families receive the highest possible level of care and support.
The dedicated team at Forest Holme includes specialist doctors, nurses, counsellors, complementary therapists and care professionals who provide support in a range of settings, including patients’ homes, care homes, hospitals and within the hospice itself.
As well as caring for those with life-limiting illnesses, the hospice also offers counselling and bereavement support to patients, carers and family members, recognising the emotional and practical challenges that can accompany serious illness and loss.
Hannah O’Hare, Chief Executive Officer of Forest Holme Hospice Charity, welcomed the Mayor’s support and said the visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the hospice’s work and strengthen relationships with local civic leaders.
The partnership is expected to help raise awareness of hospice care across the area while supporting fundraising efforts that are essential to maintaining services for local people.
With demand for palliative and end-of-life care continuing to grow, community support remains crucial to ensuring Forest Holme Hospice can continue providing compassionate care and support to families when they need it most.
For more information about Forest Holme Hospice, its services or fundraising activities, visit the charity’s website.
