CHASE and Shooting Star in merger talks

June 8, 2010 - PRLog -- As close neighbours, Shooting Star and CHASE are currently providing care services and fundraising in overlapping geographical areas across South West London and North Surrey. Between them, the charities currently support more than 500 families and have been looking at the best ways to work together to provide the most effective service.

Both charities believe a merger would provide:

1. More care for families

There would be increased expertise together with access to a wider range of specialist services. Each Care Team would be better able to meet the needs of all the families they support with specialist facilities for children of all ages.

2. More flexibility for families

Both hospices would be better able to respond when there is a family crisis without disrupting the care planned for others. Families would also benefit from a choice of locations.

3. More funding

As one charity, Shooting Star and CHASE would have a higher profile for fundraising and a stronger voice with Government and Primary Care Trust.

The next step is that both Shooting Star and CHASE will be contacting the families they support, their donors, volunteers and staff as well as key partners to obtain feedback on these proposals.

Dennis Horner, Chairman of Shooting Star Board of Trustees said: "This would be an extremely positive move for families. There is a significant overlap in our service provision and fundraising so combining the organisations will enable us to provide an even more effective and family focused service."

Ken Hanna, Chairman of the CHASE Board of Trustees said: "Ten years ago when we started our service we made a promise to be there for families. The world has changed since then; many of the children we support are living longer and often need more complex support. We must continue to keep our promise for the next ten years and, we believe, merging our two services is the best way to do this."

For further information go to:  www.chasecare.org.uk/merger

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CHASE hospice care for children provides nursing, practical and emotional support to families with children who are not expected to reach their 19th birthday across South West London, Surrey and Sussex.