At blue self storage, being part of the community means more than just storage.
It means showing up for the people around us. That is why we are so proud to support City Hospice as our Charity of the Year.
We recently spoke to Tracey, Corporate Relationship Manager at City Hospice, to learn more about the incredible work they do across Cardiff and the Vale.
Getting to Know City Hospice
Tracey explained that her role focuses on building partnerships with local businesses to raise the vital funds that allow their clinical teams to continue delivering specialist care.
City Hospice is Cardiff’s only provider of home based palliative care. They support adults with life limiting illnesses, mainly in their own homes, with a focus on comfort, dignity and quality of life. Referrals typically come through GPs or hospital teams, and once someone is referred, the hospice team works closely with the patient and their family to put the right support in place.
They cover all of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, and also offer services from their Day Hospice in Whitchurch.
What Hospice Care Really Means
There is a common misconception that hospice care is only about the very end of life. As Tracey explained:
“That it’s only about the very end of life. In reality, we support people much earlier, focusing on living well, not just dying.”
For many families, hospice care means being able to remain at home, surrounded by familiar people and places, while symptoms are managed and anxiety reduced. It is about helping people live as fully as possible for as long as possible .
City Hospice also supports families emotionally and practically, offering counselling, advice and bereavement support during illness and after loss. Hospice care is about care, comfort and choice, supporting the whole person and their family, not just medical needs.
The Difference They Make
There is no typical day for the clinical team. They are out in the community visiting patients, supporting families, adjusting care plans and responding to changing needs.
When asked about the most rewarding part of the role, Tracey shared:
“Hearing from families about the difference our care has made. Knowing that someone felt supported, less alone, or able to stay at home because of City Hospice is incredibly rewarding.”
Families often speak about how meaningful it is to spend precious time together at home, without constant hospital visits. Simply knowing someone is checking in and offering reassurance can make an enormous difference during a very difficult time.
How City Hospice Is Funded
City Hospice receives 40 percent of its funding from Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, but relies heavily on fundraising, donations and community support to provide all services free of charge.
Donations directly support specialist nurses, counselling, home visits and practical family support. This is exactly how funds could be used:
- £100 helping cover travel costs for a community nurse
- £250 funding counselling for a family
- £500 funding up to 10 specialist nurse visits
- £1,500 funding 10 days of nursing care at home
- £5,000 funding an Occupational Therapist for a month
Every contribution helps keep care close to home.
What This Partnership Means
When asked how she felt about being nominated as our Charity of the Year, Tracey said:
“Honestly, really grateful. It means a lot to be chosen, and it shows how much Blue Self Storage care about supporting people in their community.”
Community and business support is essential because their services are free, and that support directly enables patient care.
Looking ahead, Tracey hopes the partnership will raise vital funds, increase awareness of City Hospice services, especially bereavement support, and help them reach more families who need support.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to support City Hospice. You can donate, volunteer, fundraise or even choose them as a charity partner. There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, from fundraising and events to charity shop and support roles.
As Tracey reminds us:
“You don’t have to face a life limiting illness alone, and by supporting City Hospice, you’re helping care stay close to home.”
City Hospice is about compassion, dignity and supporting people when they need it most.
We are incredibly proud to stand alongside them this year. Together, we will raise funds, raise awareness and do our bit to support families across Cardiff and the Vale when they need it most.
Get involved today!
