The Save Bolton Hospice Appeal: Why Journalism Matters
Journalism Matters highlights the vital role trusted news media journalism plays in our democratic society. This year, the week-long campaign will run from 28 October to 3 November.
By campaigning on behalf of their readers, independent news media can make a real difference to people’s lives and bring about change for the better.
During 2023, we partnered with The Bolton News to raise awareness of the funding challenges facing Bolton Hospice and to mobilise local community support.
Our team worked with Richard Duggan, Regional Editor North West, on a communications strategy to raise our profile and share important stories to demonstrate the vital care and support we provided to our local community.
Regular weekly issues included stories from our staff, patients and families who had accessed our services to highlight the importance of hospice care in Bolton.
Richard wrote an open letter to readers to voice why we needed help, tackle some common misconceptions about hospice care and to rally support.
The Bolton News in partnership with GoFundMe set up a ‘Save Bolton Hospice’ fundraising campaign initially with a target of £100,000, which gained traction quickly thanks to a powerful front page and consistent messaging in subsequent weeks to reinforce the urgency of the funding situation.
Thanks to the ‘Save Bolton Hospice’ campaign and far-reaching awareness raising from the Bolton News, the cost of living appeal raised an additional £670,000 for us, significantly reducing our deficit and enabling us to continue running our vital services.
The campaign was also shortlisted for two national awards in 2023.
Head of Marketing & Communications, Felicity Ransom, said, “The Bolton News is a vital communication channel to raise awareness about the importance of hospice care in our local community and to spread the word about our fundraising campaigns.
We’re incredibly grateful to The Bolton News for their ongoing support during a challenging period for the hospice sector. Their support and expertise were integral to raising the additional income needed to sustain our vital services for local people.”
About us
Our consultant-led team of doctors, nurses and other professional staff provide expert care and support for local people with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families, in the hospice and at home. We not only take care of patients' physical needs, we consider their emotional, spiritual and social needs too. And we support families and close friends, both during illness and in bereavement.
Latest News
Read the latest news and updates from Bolton Hospice about our range of hospice services, patient and supporter stories and our latest fundraising appeals & activities.
How you can help
We need to raise over £5 million every year to provide our specialist services free of charge. We’re an independent charity and government funding only covers a fraction of our costs.