League of Friends

The League of Friends is an independent charity that raises funds for projects around the hospital and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

The League has been supporting the Hospital since 1956 at the Old Queen Alexandra Memorial Hospital in the boulevard in the town centre and since this time has raised over £5 million to buy medical equipment, to renovate and upgrade facilities, as well as to pay for new building projects. 

 

League Aims

The object of the League of Friends is to support the work of Weston General Hospital to maintain and improve - either by direct provision of service or through financial support - the Hospital, including the following:

  • Running the hospital shop, staffed entirely by volunteers
  • Provision or improvement of facilities required for the treatment of patients
  • Purchasing new medical and nursing equipment
  • Provision of other amenities for patients, visitors or staff.

 

 

The Shop

Run by Janet Gough since 2000, the shop has recently been refurbished and provides a regular source of income for the League, which ultimately benefits the patients. 

 

It sells a wide variety of toiletries, sweets, confectionery, newspapers, cards, flowers and soft toys.  Books in good condition are sold at very reasonable prices.

 

The shop is usually staffed by two people and volunteers work on a shift pattern. There are approximately 100 volunteers, giving a minimum of two and a half hours of their time every 28 days. The shop is open seven days a week.

 

Volunteering

If you are aged between 18 and 85 and are looking to do some voluntary work, why not come and join us?

If you would like more information, please contact Robert Blackmore 07734 244804

 

Fundraising

This is organised by Judy Rowdon and activities take place throughout the year to include stalls held at Worle Lions Fun Day and Hutton Village’s 'Taste of Somerset' plus bi-monthly raffles at the hospital. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Judy on 01934 424788.

 

Making a Donation

We rely on donations to enable us to keep up our good work for Weston General Hospital.  There are many reasons people donate to the League and many ways in which to donate.  Donations in appreciation of care received help others to receive that care in the future, whilst donations in lieu of flowers in memory of a loved one can provide a more lasting tribute.

 

Leaving a Legacy

Leaving a legacy in your will is an amazing way for your generosity to last beyond your own lifetime.

A legacy (or bequest) to the League provides a very important source of income and is free of inheritance tax. Download our leaflet 'Leaving a gift in your will or donating in memory' here.  

 

Equipment Purchases

The League of Friends is very careful about how we use the money available to us, through donations, legacies and fund raising.  We work in partnership with hospital staff across the spectrum, to provide services and equipment that will help improve treatment, making a real difference to them and for the patients in their care.

 

The Wish List

Departments in the hospital may apply for a grant of small items costing under £3,000, which are considered by the League of Friends committee three times a year.  All departments are free to apply for this funding to go towards equipment, which is above and beyond what is funded by the NHS.

 

 

Contacts

For more information, please contact the League’s Secretary, Elizabeth Matthews, 07817 358048.