A charity is looking to open more shops as it expands in 2014 after a successful year.

The Martlets Hospice, based in Hove, has set out its goals for the year, including a new therapeutic centre and a 24-hour telephone advice, support and referral service.

To pay for these it is hoping to open more charity shops and increase its online revenue.


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In its annual report, the charity said it had achieved a £212,587 surplus last year after suffering losses for the previous two years.

It is targeting a £100,000 surplus this financial year to rebuild its reserves but admitted it would have to “raise as much money as we can from local people...to meet our challenging income generation targets”.

In late spring it hopes to open its new therapeutic suite at the hospice in Wayfield Avenue.

It forms part of the hospice’s The Renaissance Project funded by an NHS England grant to improve access to services for patients and their families.

The project will create the new suite with a café to house its growing outpatient services, a welcome suite to improve its main entrance and a larger inpatient unit drugs room.

In partnership with the Sussex Community NHS Trust, it is looking to establish a 24-hour telephone advice, support and referral service so it can reach more people with end of life care needs.

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Chief executive Caroline Lower said: “Harnessing the skills and experience of local people as volunteers has been the key to driving many of these developments forward.

“In April 2013, we said goodbye to a very special volunteer.

Roger French retired as hospice chairman after nearly nine years of exceptional service.

“Roger brought passion and commercial expertise to his work with us and he is sorely missed. We wish him a happy and long retirement.

“Our search for a new chairman brought Michael Edwards to the hospice in September 2013. Michael comes to us with a wealth of business experience and long involvement in the life of our city.

“Our thanks are extended to our supporters who give us the funds and encouragement to make a difference. Please continue to support us.”