Charity Begins at Home

Anyone who has been given the news of a progressively worsening life-limiting condition doesn’t always immediately know just where to start for help. Often an illness is manageable for a time and for a while life ticks along with just small adjustments, perhaps different medications, and changes to routines that aren’t too intrusive.

But after a while, a patient - or maybe a carer – might then find themselves in need of more support, and this is where Madrugada can step in. After initial patient assessment from two of their team members, something as simple as a walking aid might be available.

Patients may refer themselves or give permission to be referred by their doctor, other healthcare professionals or by a close friend or family member, and referrals are considered on clinical criteria and appropriate home environment for safe and effective care.

The Madrugada Association has officially been registered as an IPSS (Instituição Particular de Solidariedade Social) in Portugal. As an IPSS, Madrugada can now further strengthen its mission and continues to serve the community with support and opportunities.

Madrugada was established in 2009 to help people manage the challenges of often life-limiting illnesses by offering their specialist clinical team, who will provide homebased palliative care to those who prefer to spend their remaining days in their own home.

At the helm of this venture is a whole host of team members, ranging from their President, John Hough and his admin team, the clinical staff, and the retail assistants who man the shops where much needed funds are partly raised to keep the Charity functioning.

They have provided thousands of hours of support to people affected by life limiting illnesses, a number that is increasing annually. They can provide hospital visits if necessary, equipment, telephone support, information, health workshops and professional development education to those undergoing treatment, post-treatment, remission, end of life or in bereavement. They also offer support to family members and carers who may be deeply affected and struggling in their own way to cope.

Raising Funds – a vital necessity

All this is free, but the ever-pressing need to raise funds is second only to patient care, and without funds there is no patient care. If you are able to support them by giving a donation or organising a charity event they would be delighted to hear from you, and those who will benefit from your generosity will thank you from the bottom of their hearts, and all donations from individuals, groups and fundraising events go directly to patient care. In addition, Madrugada relies on a large number of volunteers who give their time, expertise and energy to help raise the funds necessary, through their retail shops and fundraising initiatives.

You could make a difference!

The Madrugada clinical team is also recruiting volunteers in Central Algarve to assist with the delivery, lifting and assembly of hospital beds for patients, and they are always in need of volunteers, perhaps in one of their three shops - Lagos, Lagoa or Ferreiras, where you can donate unwanted clothes or household items they can resell to raise funds. They even have a free collection service of larger household and garden items if you can’t drop them off. And shop there yourself - you will always find an irresistible bargain!

To become a one-off donator or regular donator, or to find out more of what they do, details can be found on their website: madrugada-portugal.com.