What St Wilfrid's Hospice does

St Wilfrid's Hospice is a registered UK charity (Charity No. 283686) headquartered in Eastbourne, East Sussex, providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults aged 18+ with any life-limiting illness across a catchment of approximately 245,000 people. Founded in 1982 and operating with 101-250 employees plus 400+ volunteers, the hospice delivers care through three integrated settings: a short-stay Inpatient Unit with en-suite rooms, a Community Nursing team providing Hospice at Home visits across the catchment, and a 24/7 Hospice Line staffed by experienced clinicians. Supporting services include the Living Well Hub (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, complementary therapies, fatigue management and group activities), Therapies, Social Work and Family Support, Spiritual Support, and Bereavement Support including the Seahorse Project for bereaved children aged 6-18.

The operating model is donor-funded rather than commercial: all clinical care is provided free of charge to patients, with the hospice's £22,462/day operating cost covered approximately 70% by voluntary community donations (regular giving, in-memory giving, legacies, corporate partnerships, charity shops) and 30% by NHS grant funding, supplemented by Charitable Trusts and Foundations (approximately £477,000 last financial year). The fundraising operation is anchored by 11 charity retail shops across East Sussex, The Street Café on the hospice site, the Local Hospice Lottery partnership (expected £1.75M over five years from April 2024), an annual calendar of challenge events (London Marathon, Brighton Marathon, South Coast Ultra, Starlight Stroll), and corporate engagement through Business Breakfasts and sector networks.

Strategically, the hospice combines clinical depth (Palliative Care Consultants, NHS-seconded Medical Director, multi-disciplinary therapies team, joint Clinical Services Director role with neighbouring St Michael's Hospice) with a sophisticated community-engagement model (Compassionate Communities, Community Links network of 80+ partner organisations, 400+ volunteers across shops and clinical settings). The technology stack relies on standard sector SaaS integrations (Blackbaud for donations, Better Impact for volunteer management, MuchLoved for tribute funds, Eventbrite/Enthuse for events, Microsoft Teams for online groups) with no proprietary AI/ML components. The hospice holds a CQC Outstanding rating (achieved 2015), Fundraising Regulator registration, Gambling Commission licensing for its lottery, and multiple workplace accreditations including Investors in Diversity Silver (valid to August 2027) and Disability Confident status.

Name

St Wilfrid's Hospice

Legal name

St Wilfrid's Hospice

Website

https://stwhospice.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

St Wilfrid's Hospice is a registered UK charity providing free specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults with life-limiting illness across East Sussex, supported by 11 charity shops, community fundraising, and NHS grant funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospice and Palliative Care

NAICS

Home Health Care Services (62161), Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (623312), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Skilled Nursing Care Facilities (8051), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Hospice Care in Assisted Living / Residential Care Facilities (HLADAHAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community-Based Palliative Care (Home-Based Non-Hospice) (HLADAHAH), Bereavement & Grief Support Services (Hospice-Affiliated/Independent) (HLADAHAL), Bereavement & Grief Support Services (Family Aftercare) (HSABAFAI), End-of-Life 24/7 In-Home Care (Hospice Support) (HSABAHAG), In-Home Hospice Physician / Nurse Practitioner Visits (HSABAFAM), Hospice & Palliative Respite Care (HSABAGAG)

Keywords

• Palliative care services
• Hospice care
• Bereavement support
• End-of-life care
• Community healthcare

Headquarters

HQ city

Eastbourne

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Community Donations: Primary revenue stream (~70% of total funding) from individual donors through one-time donations, regular monthly giving, and event fundraising.
2. Legacies and Wills: Gifts left in wills fund approximately one in three patients. Administration handled by dedicated legacy team.
3. Charitable Trusts and Foundations: Grants from trusts and foundations contributing approximately 5% of annual funding (£477,000). Funding supports core costs, specific projects, capital items, and equipment.
4. Retail Shops: 11 charity shops across East Sussex selling donated clothing, furniture, homeware, and electrical items. Income from selling donated goods.
5. Local Hospice Lottery: Weekly lottery with £2,000 prizes and rollover up to £25,000. Part of hospice-owned collaboration. Local Hospice Lottery provides 60-80% of profits to St Wilfrid's (expected £1,750,000 over five years from April 2024).
6. NHS Funding: Partial government funding covering approximately 30% of operational costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels12 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

St Wilfrid's Hospice provides free specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults aged 18+ with any life-limiting illness across Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield and surrounding East Sussex areas. Services are delivered through an Inpatient Unit, Hospice at Home community nursing, a 24/7 Hospice Line, a Living Well Hub outpatient centre, therapies, social work, and bereavement support including the Seahorse Project for children. Care is funded primarily through community donations (approximately 70%), NHS grants (approximately 30%), charity shops, lottery, and legacy giving.

Product overview

St Wilfrid's Hospice is a charitable hospice organization providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care services to adults in Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield and surrounding areas in East Sussex. The organization operates as a unified care platform combining clinical services (Inpatient Unit, 24/7 Hospice Line, Living Well Hub, Medical/Clinical Teams, Therapies), family and bereavement support (Carer Support, Bereavement Support, Seahorse Project for children, Social Work, Spiritual Support), community programs (Compassionate Communities), and retail/fundraising operations (11 charity shops, The Street Café, house clearances). The hospice is funded primarily through community donations (approximately 70% of income) supplemented by NHS funding, with extensive fundraising programs including regular giving, legacy bequests, trust funding, lottery, corporate partnerships, and challenge events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Inpatient Unit Short-stay, en-suite rooms providing specialist assessment by doctors, nurses and therapists to control symptoms and help patients prepare for the future. Free of charge to patients with life-limiting illness.
• 24/7 Hospice Line Round-the-clock telephone advice and support service for patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals, staffed by experienced team members.
• Living Well Hub Multi-disciplinary support centre offering rehabilitation services (occupational therapy, physiotherapy), complementary therapies, and group activities including fatigue management, exercise classes, and relaxation groups.
• Medical and Clinical Teams Palliative Care Consultants, Specialty Doctors, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurses, Healthcare Assistants and Therapists providing assessment and care planning in the hospice, at home, or as outpatients.
• Therapies Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and complementary therapies (massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, Reiki, relaxation techniques) to help patients maintain independence and manage symptoms.
• Carer Support Practical, emotional and social support for carers including connections to local authority services, Care for the Carers, Marie Curie resources, community links network, social workers, counselling, and relaxation guidance.
• Bereavement Support One-to-one counselling, bereavement help points, Tea at Three support group, community connections, and remembrance events for those affected by death of someone cared for by the hospice.
• Seahorse Project Bereavement-focused counselling and creative support for bereaved children and young people aged 6-18 in the catchment area, including summer events and downloadable workbooks.
• Social Work and Family Support Specialist social workers and patient and family support services including counselling, help navigating health and social care systems, welfare advice, and support for families with children.
• Spiritual Support Non-denominational support from a Spiritual Support Lead for patients, friends and relatives, including use of a Retreat Space with candle lighting and memory book.
• Compassionate Communities Community outreach program making conversations about death, dying and bereavement easier, including Community Links network of 80+ organisations and workshops.
• Charity Shops Eleven charity shops across East Sussex selling donated clothing, homeware, furniture, bric-a-brac and entertainment, plus a Home Store, Donation Centre, and vintage pop-up events.
• The Street Café On-site café open to the public serving cakes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and daily hot meals prepared by the catering team. Profits support patient care.
• Local Hospice Lottery Weekly lottery in partnership with Local Hospice Lottery offering cash prizes up to £25,000, with £1,750,000 expected over five years from April 2024.
• House Clearances Professional house clearance service covering Eastbourne, Polegate, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield and surrounding areas, with items sold in charity shops or recycled responsibly.
• Corporate Partnerships Business engagement programme including event sponsorship, team building events, payroll giving, corporate events (Business Breakfasts, Property Network, Healthcare Network), Golf Day, Pub Quiz, and Enterprise Challenge.

Quantifiable outcome

• Cares for over 2,350 patients and families annually
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Local Hospice LotterycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024Hospice-owned lottery collaboration providing weekly prizes including £2,000 weekly and rollover up to £25,000. Local Hospice Lottery provides 60-80% of profits to St Wilfrid's (expected £1,750,000 over five years from April 2024). Profits donated to hospice care across Great Britain.
• East Sussex County Council (ESCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority partner providing support for carers and young carers. Has legal duty to provide support for carers in East Sussex including carer's assessments, respite, and emergency plans.
• Care for the CarerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal organization providing support, advice and guidance for carers in East Sussex. Offers wide range of services to meet different carers' needs and helps navigate health and social care systems.
• Marie CurieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational hospice charity providing resources for carers including booklets on what to expect at end of life. Referenced for information provision to patients and families.
• Community Links Network (80+ organizations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of over 80 organizations including social groups, support groups, carers groups, and advice organizations. Community Links provides information and referrals to external support services for patients and carers.
• Child Bereavement UKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational charity providing bereavement support resources linked on Seahorse Project page for children's bereavement support.
• Winston's WishminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildhood bereavement charity providing support resources for children and young people.
• Grief EncounterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildhood bereavement charity providing support resources linked for families.
• Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network for childhood bereavement providing resources and support information.
• Community OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompassionate Communities program works alongside community groups and organizations to make conversations about death, dying, and bereavement easier. Builds networks of friends, families, and neighbours.
• Sussex AudiologyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Eastbourne Healthcare Network events for healthcare professionals.
• Sussex FootcareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Eastbourne Healthcare Network events for healthcare professionals.
• N (Healthcare Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Eastbourne Healthcare Network events for healthcare professionals.
• Dann Electrical Services LtdminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the 2025/2026 St Wilfrid's Pub Quiz final competition.
• Royal Eastbourne Golf ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for annual St Wilfrid's Golf Day charity event.
• Claudia Ashley-BrownminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtist who created the hand-sculpted Memory Tree with Cow Parsley flower heads and butterflies for the hospice memorial.
• NHScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partner providing approximately 30% of hospice funding. Hospice works closely with NHS and other organizations for patient referrals and coordinated care.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Farleigh Hospice (Chelmsford): Mid-sized regional hospice operating inpatient unit, hospice-at-home, bereavement, and charity retail. Direct comparison on funding mix (~70% voluntary, 30% NHS), service scope, and reliance on community-led fundraising in a defined UK catchment.
• Dorothy House Hospice Care (Bath): Regional adult and children's hospice offering inpatient, community, and bereavement services with a comparable donation-plus-NHS funding mix. Same fundraising stack (regular giving, lottery, retail, legacies, corporate partnerships) making it a like-for-like operating model benchmark.
• St Christopher's Hospice (London): Pioneering adult hospice with inpatient, home, and community palliative care services. Named as Shauna O'Leary's prior employer and Dr Barclay's specialist training placement. Directly comparable on clinical model, education programme, and multi-channel community fundraising.
• Princess Alice Hospice (Esher, Surrey): Adult hospice operating inpatient unit, community palliative care, and a network of charity shops with similar donation-plus-NHS funding mix. Comparable scale (mid-sized regional hospice) and service breadth including therapies, bereavement, and spiritual support.
• St Catherine's Hospice (Crawley, Sussex): Adjacent Sussex hospice providing inpatient palliative care, hospice-at-home, and community services. Identified as Shauna O'Leary's former CEO employer. Comparable geography, donor base, and operating model — head-to-head competitor for East/Sussex corporate partnerships and legacy giving.
• St Michael's Hospice (Hastings and Rother): Regional Sussex hospice sharing a joint Clinical Services Director with St Wilfrid's. Operates the same model of inpatient unit, hospice-at-home, and community palliative care, with directly comparable funding mix (largely donations plus NHS), catchment-based service area, and reliance on local charitable retail.
• Trinity Hospice (London): London-based adult hospice providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care, inpatient unit, community nursing, and bereavement services. Cited explicitly as Dr David Barclay's previous consultant post. Operates the same service stack and donation-led funding model as St Wilfrid's.

Broad incumbents

• Sue Ryder: National palliative and bereavement charity running multiple hospices and a large retail chain. Competes directly for charity-shop donors and corporate partners across the same UK catchment; broader portfolio but overlapping service categories.
• Marie Curie: Nationwide charity providing hospice and home-based palliative nursing care across the UK. Mentioned as a partner for carer resources. Competitor for corporate partnerships, lottery players, and legacies, with significantly larger brand scale and fundraising infrastructure.

Others

• Hospice UK: National umbrella body for UK hospices — not a direct service competitor but a sector ecosystem player that influences NHS funding policy, provides shared services, and broker collaborations such as the Local Hospice Lottery referenced via the company data.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/StWilfridsShops
• Instagraminstagram.com/stwilfridsshops
• Xx.com/stwilfridstweet

Compliance13 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about St Wilfrid's Hospice