About the charity
Weldmar Hospicecare is the hospice charity for Dorset, and provide specialist care for adults who have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness. They also support the loved ones of those in their care, as they navigate one of life’s most difficult journeys.
This care is provided in places like Bridport, Lyme Regis, Beaminster, and all the surrounding villages and hamlets in the west of Dorset, by team members at the West Dorset hub of Weldmar’s Specialist Hospice at Home service. Hubs are also located in north and south Dorset, for the benefit of their local communities.
Weldmar’s care includes:
- Visits and calls at home from a dedicated nurse, who will help, advise, and support patients and loved ones
- Specialist doctors in end of life care, visiting patients at home and at Weldmar’s Inpatient Unit
- A 24 Hour Advice Line so help is available whenever it’s needed
- Wellbeing activities and complementary therapies for patients, their carers, and those experiencing bereavement
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy to help patients maintain independence
- Help for family members who become carers to their loved one
- Counselling services and spiritual support for patients and their loved ones
- An Inpatient Unit in Dorchester where we provide more sustained care when it’s needed
- Hands on care and support for those who wish to die in their own home
Weldmar have been providing this care for more than thirty years, which is all free of charge to those who need it.
They are an independent local charity, and just 17% of our income comes from the NHS, meaning they need to raise £27,500 every day to keep these essential services going.
Did you know?
All of Weldmar’s care is provided for free.
Only 17% of funding comes from the NHS. Weldmar needs to raise £27,500 every single day to keep their services going, through the support of the local community.
Stampede by the Sea offers an opportunity for Weldmar Hospicecare to highlight the ways that they support people facing a life limiting illness, as well as raising vital funds through the partnership and sponsorship opportunities, and the sales of the sculptures at the auction to close the trail.
£27,500
how much Weldmar needs to raise every single day to keep their vital services going
83%
this is how much of our care takes place outside the Inpatient Unit in Dorchester
295
the number of patients and family members supported by Weldmar in 2024 in the Bridport, West Bay, and Lyme Regis area
31
the number of years Weldmar has been providing specialist care in Dorset for local adults with a life limiting illness
There’s more to Weldmar Hospicecare than you think
There are a number of myths and misconceptions about the care provided by Weldmar. For instance, although the hospice itself (our Inpatient Unit) plays an absolutely vital role, most of the care that we provide takes place in communities across Dorset, in the comfort of people’s own homes.
It’s also not just cancer, but adults with a wide range of life limiting illnesses will fall under Weldmar’s care. This includes conditions such as heart disease or neurological illnesses including Motor Neurone Disease.
As well as doctors and nurses, Weldmar’s team includes counsellors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, wellbeing support workers, social workers, complementary therapists, and more – all on hand to guide the people in their care through life’s most difficult journey.
More about Weldmar’s services
More ways you can support our charity
Leave a gift in your Will
One in three people that Weldmar cares for is thanks to gifts left in Wills. It’s more affordable than you think, will cost you nothing in your lifetime, and Weldmar can support you to write a free Will.
Learn moreVolunteer
Supporting the charity doesn’t have to be financial. Giving your time is just as precious, and there are a number of ways that you can help out.
Learn morePlay Your Hospice Lottery
It’s a fun, affordable, and easy way to support Weldmar, with tickets just £1. It provides the charity with a sustainable income, and you can be a winner with prizes up to £25,000!
Learn moreShop with us
Find quality treasures at affordable prices in our charity shops across Dorset, including local to our trail in Bridport, Beaminster, and Lyme Regis.
Learn moreHow Weldmar’s care really makes a difference
From patients currently in our care, to the recollections of care of loved ones, and those people who raise money in memory of a family member or friend, if you want to know the impact that Weldmar Hospicecare makes on the lives of people in their care, you can read the stories of people directly affected by a life imiting illness and supported by the charity.
For example, Angie, who was being cared for at the end of life by Weldmar at Home, told us, “I want to shout about this care and how good it is. I just can’t praise them enough, and they brighten up my day.”
Read personal stories
A WILD IN ART EVENT
Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events which enrich, entertain, inform and connect communities – giving people of all ages a voice through art.
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