CUMBRIA’S biggest PR and communications company has been using its expertise to help a much loved local charity to spread the word about its services.

32West has been volunteering its time to St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston for the last 18 months, helping to ensure messages about the services it offers reach the right people.

Company founder and director James Higgins has been appointed to the hospice’s communications committee and advises members on PR and marketing activity.

It is part of the 32West’s commitment to giving something back to one of the communities in which it is based.

James said: “The hospice is such an important part of our community and the services it offers are as remarkable as they are essential.

“Working alongside the hospice team for the last 18 months has afforded me the privilege of spending time with some fantastic, committed, caring people. From members of the senior team to trustees and volunteers, each of them bring such care and dedication to the roles they carry out.

“The hospice has so many stories to tell and it’s important that the wider community understands the service the team delivers - because it is about far more than end of life care.”

St Mary’s Hospice celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Every year, it receives in the region of 1,350 referrals for its services, which span everything from end of life care to bereavement support and the Hospice at Home service.

It costs around £3.5 million a year to run St Mary’s. Only 17 per cent of costs are paid for by the NHS, so that means the hospice relies on donations and fundraising to cover the rest – that’s over £7,000 per day the team needs to raise.

James and the wider 32West team have supported the hospice with a number of campaigns in addition to the ongoing consultancy time which is volunteered.

Hospice chief executive Val Stangoe said: “It has been fantastic to work alongside such an experienced team of communications professionals. 32West offered invaluable support with a couple of larger campaigns in particular.

“Having James join our Communications Committee has really helped us to strengthen our messaging and think through what we say and why and we are grateful for his ongoing support.”

32West has offices in the North West of England and in Scotland and has a diverse portfolio of clients across the UK.