Police grant gives hospice a helping hand

The Shooting Star Children's Hospice is to benefit from an improved security system, thanks to local Police officers.

The Hampton North Safer Neighbourhood Team, based just yards from the hospice in Hampton Hill, applied for a grant to donate to the hospice after highlighting potential risks with the current entry system at Shooting Star House.

The application was granted, and local officers recently handed over a cheque for £1700 from the Police Property Act Fund. The fund is made up from the sale of property which comes into police possession and set aside for crime prevention in local communities. The money for will now go towards a new video entry phone system at the hospice.

Sergeant Jen Dickson, said the new system will make the hospice much safer. 'Currently, staff at the hospice can only see who they are letting in once they are through the main gate, which obviously isn't ideal,' she said. 'I found out about the Police Property Act Fund and approached Shooting Star to talk about a new entry system. Applying for the grant involved a lot of paperwork, but we were granted the maximum amount, so it was definitely worth it! We're really pleased the grant was accepted because Shooting Star House is a fantastic place. We have been in a few times and the children and young people always have smiles on their faces, so we're happy to help.'

'We've known for some time the current system needed improving,' said Jan Buckingham, Care Support Team Leader at The Shooting Star Children's Hospice. 'This generous gift will be a great help in paying for the new video entry system and we're hoping to start the work straight away.'