Helen's Trust
Helen's Trust

How we help

 

These are a two of the people we were able to help to stay in their own homes for Christmas in 2011.

*the names of the people in these stories have been changed to protect their privacy.

“Mrs Gray wanted to die at home. She was being cared for entirely by her daughter Anna who wanted to help fulfil her wish. As Christmas approached Anna was exhausted from caring for her both day and night and desperately needed some respite. No one wanted to admit Mrs Gray to hospital but due to the tremendous strain being placed on her daughter it looked like the only solution to protect the wellbeing of everyone involved.
 
Helen’s Trust were approached and provided carers to give her daughter the few hours break she so desperately needed. This support allowed Mrs Gray to spend her last Christmas in her own home with family around her.”
This support cost Helen's Trust £350.
 

"Mrs Thomas was suffering form end stage dementia, after a stroke she was unable to swallow solids and was on a liquidised diet.  Her husband was caring for her in their home and blending all her food. Then their food blender broke. Finances were tight and they could not afford a new blender - it looked like Mrs Thomas would have to be hospitalised. 

Helen’s Trust was approached and we provided them with a new blender. Mrs Thomas spent her last Christmas at home with her husband in familiar surroundings and comfort."
This support cost Helen's Trust just £45.
 
Could you help us support more people like Mrs Gray and Mrs Thomas and their carers? Click here to see how to donate - Just a few pounds could make a big difference.

Small things can make a big difference...
 
We are currently helping Jasmin* and her family. 10 year old Jasmin has a rare incurable neurological illness, her family very much wanted to be able to care for her at home. 

Her mother Sunita* has to manage the 24 hour care needed by Jasmin and at the same time juggle the demands of running the house and meeting the needs of her two younger children. As her father Hasim* works full time to support the family, they found themselves becoming increasingly overwhelmed by all the demands placed on them at this very difficult time.
Jasmin’s doctor referred the family to Helen's Trust and after discussing what help would make a difference, we were able to fund 8 hours of domestic help each week. Sunita explains the difference it made to the family
“The extra time this has given us is a real gift. I can give Jasmin the care she needs, and still give precious time to her brother and sister, while Hasim can concentrate at work without worrying about how I am coping at home.
 
“Such a simple thing really has made a difference to the quality of all our lives, and ensured that we can care for Jasmin at home as we wanted.”
 

  Alf’s story*.........

 Alf knew he was dying and everyday he asked “when can I go home?”
 
He had extensive cancer and was being well cared for in his local hospital, but he missed the comforts of his own home. He had never been married and had no relatives who were able to care for him. Statutory services were unable to support him at home quickly.
 
Alf’s community nurse Mary referred him to Helen’s Trust on the Friday. The equipment Alf needed was put in place, an ambulance arranged and he went home that day. Helen’s Trust funded 24 hour care for the next three days and on the Monday Alf died in his own home, as he had wished with dignity and in peace.
 
Helen’s Trust were able to respond promptly and sensitively to make Alf’s wish a reality.
 

A few words from the people we have helped and their families:

“… if it wasn’t for Helen’s Trust we would not have been able to spend those last precious days with him, at home, which was our greatest wish … he was treated with the dignity and respect he so truly deserved … thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
 


“I remember mum’s final return home. As we got her out of the car she looked at the house, smiled and breathed a sigh of happiness; her relief was palpable.”



“It was important for us, the family, too as we were able to be involved in her care enabling us to show how much she was loved and to say all the things we needed to in a safe environment. Spending her last days at home meant Mum was able to bring her life to a proper conclusion surrounded by those who adored her.”


“We found the experience of watching mother deteriorate quite shattering but the care made it bearable and mother was kept pain free and comfortable … the carers that were provided by Helen’s Trust were wonderful and we would not have been able to cope without them”

“ It has certainly helped me to cope with my grief.  To be able to nurse a loved one in their home is a real gift … thank you.”

 

 

 

 

 *the names of the people in these stories have been changed to protect their privacy.

 

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