TGT Meets... Paul Tucker, Communications Manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity

We lately caught up with Paul Tucker, who is the Communications Manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity based in Poole. We found out all about the incredible work they do and what his role entails. Read his interview here...

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I have worked at Forest Holme Hospice Charity for over 5 years now and have absolutely loved every minute of it. I was born and grew up in Poole before moving to London where I worked in the music industry but about 17 years ago I moved back and decided for a complete career change in the charity sector.

Please tell us a little bit about Forest Holme Hospice

Forest Holme Hospice opened in 1994 and provides palliative and end-of life-care and support to more than 1,500 people each year across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s, heart disease and respiratory illness.

Forest Holme is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust but still needs to raise £1 million each year so that the team can deliver the highest level of care, when and where it counts, either at home or in the hospice itself.

What inspired you to work at Forest Holme Hospice?

Being from Poole I was aware of Forest Holme but didn’t really know much about it. However, when I began looking at charity roles, I wanted to make sure it was a local organisation that supported the community. Talking to people and through my own research, I learnt so much about the incredible work the hospice does in the local area, so when an interim role became available, I applied and thankfully I’ve been there ever since.

What’s been the hardest challenge you’ve had to face since working with the Forest Holme Hospice?

The covid pandemic was a particularly challenging time both personally and professionally. We are a close-knit team and suddenly we were separated, out of the office and away from the hospice. We carried on working throughout lockdown and obviously there was also the challenge of trying to still raise money as we had to cancel all our events and also our supporters were limited in what they could do for us. However, all of this was nothing compared to those who lost loved ones at the hospice during this period and couldn’t be with them or have a proper funeral.

What are some of the roles you carry out within your day to day job?

My role covers all the communications and marketing aspects of the charity, which includes managing the website, all social media channels, writing and distributing press releases to the media, writing and designing newsletters, leaflets and posters, creating video content and much, much more. It’s incredibly varied and I also help out the team with fundraising and events when required.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

There’s been so many highlights over the years, it’s very difficult to choose one. I’d have to say just having the privilege of working at Forest Holme with such fantastic people has been the best bit. 

How can people support Forest Holme Hospice?

There’s a number of different ways people can support the charity. They can simply make a donation or organise their own fundraising event. Alternatively, we have lots of our own events and activities that people can participate in from running challenges and skydives to quizzes and boat cruises. We also welcome donations of items for raffles and tombolas. The other way people can support Forest Holme is to become a volunteer and help with anything from bucket collections to baking cakes, office administrative support to keeping the hospice gardens tidy.

Find out more about Forest Holme Hospice Charity here