St Joseph’s Hospice Awarded Recognising Excellence Advice Quality Standard (AQS) Accreditation

We are delighted to announce that our Welfare Benefits, Social Work Team and Carers Service have received the Recognising Excellence Advice Quality Standard AQS accreditation, awarded to organisations that give advice to members of the public on a range of issues, such as welfare benefits, housing and disability. The award follows a successful application and assessment process, kindly supported by City Bridge Foundation as part of their 3 year grant for the St Joseph’s Hospice Welfare Benefits Service.

AQS organisations are audited every two years and must demonstrate that they are accessible, effectively managed and that they employ staff with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of their clients and that they meet the highest quality advice standards.

At St Joseph’s Hospice we have a team of specialist palliative care social workers, who help manage the emotional impact and practical problems that affect those with a life-limiting illness, their families and carers.

They provide practical support, information and advice on psychosocial end of life issues, including signposting for financial and legal issues, funeral planning, wills, safeguarding and support and training to other professionals.

The Carers Service supports carers of those with a palliative condition by providing holistic assessment of their needs, including advice and information. They can also provide volunteer support to give carers a break, where appropriate or direct emotional support.

In the past year the Welfare Benefits Service received 482 referrals and secured benefit awards for patients and their families to the value of £777,116, as well as 55 travel concessions for patients, for example blue badges, taxi cards and Freedom Passes.

Head of Supportive Care Services, John Wilson said:

“It’s difficult not to overstate the impact of these awards on the material circumstances of our patients and families; for many people, it is the difference between being able to live in dignity or in financial destitution. The demand for this important service continues to grow – over 5 years, the number of referrals has almost doubled.”

AQS provides assurance that advice is well delivered for advisers, managers, trustees, service users and funders as well as providing the common bond between different types of advice services serving different client groups.

The hospice was acknowledged for its support for the workforce and recognition of the multi-faith background of those we work with.

A big thank you to staff and volunteers who helped pull all the information together and a special mention to Nigel Hinds, a volunteer with the Welfare Benefits service, who provided countless hours supporting all aspects of the application.