The Bolton News and Bolton Hospice are taking the opportunity to celebrate their partnership and remind the public of the importance of local newspapers and the support they can provide organisations in their communities.
Journalism Matters Week, which is an annual celebration of the importance of news outlets in the UK, runs from October 28 to November 3 this year.
It is organised by the News Media Association (NMA) and highlights the enormous value that trusted journalism contributes to our democratic society.
By campaigning on behalf of their readers, newspapers can make a real difference to people’s lives and bring about change for the better.
Last year, The Bolton News partnered with Bolton Hospice to raise awareness of the funding challenges facing the hospice and to mobilise local community support.
The hospice team worked with Richard Duggan, Regional Editor North West and Editor of The Bolton News, on a communications strategy to raise the profile of the hospice and share important stories to demonstrate the vital care and support the hospice provides to the local community.
Regular weekly issues included stories from hospice staff, as well as patients and families who had accessed hospice services to highlight the importance of hospice care in Bolton.
Richard wrote an open letter to readers to voice why the hospice needed help, tackling some common misconceptions about hospice care and to rally support.
The Bolton News, in partnership with GoFundMe, set up the ‘Save Bolton Hospice’ fundraising campaign initially with a target of £100,000. This gained traction quickly thanks to a powerful front page and consistent messaging in subsequent weeks to reinforce the urgency of the funding situation.
Thanks to the campaign and far-reaching awareness-raising from The Bolton News, the cost-of-living appeal raised an additional £670,000 for the hospice, significantly reducing their deficit and enabling them to continue running their vital services.
The campaign was also shortlisted for a Regional Press Award, a Media Freedom Award and an NMA Making a Difference Award.
Bolton Hospice's Head of Marketing and Communications, Felicity Ransom, said: "The Bolton News is a vital communication channel to raise awareness about the importance of hospice care in our local community and to spread the word about our fundraising campaigns.
"We’re incredibly grateful to The Bolton News for their ongoing support during a challenging period for the hospice sector. Their support and expertise were integral to raising the additional income needed to sustain our vital services for local people until a fairer funding deal from the Government is secured."
Mr Duggan added: "I have always believed one of the duties of a local newspaper is to champion causes that matter to local readers and make a real difference in the community they serve.
"And what better occasion to celebrate the 'Save Bolton Hospice' campaign and the difference it has made? I am so proud of the work the team at Bolton Hospice do every single day - they are one of the area's most cherished institutions.
"The relationship between the hospice and the newspaper will continue for years to come and I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who supports them and to those who backed the 'Save Bolton Hospice' campaign."
Find out more about Journalism Matters Week by visiting https://newsmediauk.org/journalism-matters/.
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