Accu x The Kirkwood: Charity of the Year 2025-26 

Accu is proud to announce The Kirkwood as its Charity of the Year for 2025–26. This partnership was selected by the Accu Community Group, reflecting a shared commitment to people, compassion and impact within the local community.

A Shared Commitment to People

Michael Crowther, Chief Executive at The Kirkwood, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration:

Founded almost forty years ago, The Kirkwood supports people affected by life-limiting illnesses throughout Kirklees. Their work includes medical care, practical advice, emotional support and guidance for both patients and families. In 2023 alone, over 2,000 people benefited from their services, double the number helped a decade ago.

The charity's mission is rooted in a single belief: everyone affected by life-limiting illness deserves the very best, compassionate care. Whether it’s enabling a patient to remain at home, easing the anxiety of a family member or offering guidance at a critical time, The Kirkwood focuses on what truly matters to those they support.

Beyond the Hospice

Many associate The Kirkwood solely with end-of-life care at its Dalton hospice. But their reach and impact are much broader. Teams of specialist nurses visit people in their homes across Kirklees. Services such as "Connect with The Kirkwood," a telephone advice line, provide clarity and reassurance amid uncertainty. Counselling and bereavement support offer comfort long after a loss.

Yet misconceptions persist. Some confuse The Kirkwood nurses with those from other organisations, while others mistakenly assume the charity only helps during the final days. As a result, many who could benefit simply don’t realise the support is available.

Accu aims to change that. By supporting The Kirkwood throughout 2025–26, the goal is not only to raise funds but to raise awareness, ensuring more people reach out and more lives are touched.

A Charity Under Strain

Despite their essential role in the community, The Kirkwood is facing one of the toughest financial periods in its nearly four-decade history. Rising costs from energy and food to fair wages for skilled staff have placed unprecedented pressure on their operating budget.

Michael Crowther put it plainly:

With just 25% of its funding coming from the NHS, The Kirkwood relies heavily on local donations, events and community partnerships. But the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is affecting the public's ability to give, volunteer or even engage. Income simply isn’t keeping pace with rising costs.

If action isn’t taken soon, The Kirkwood may be forced to reduce or withdraw services, just when they are needed most. The consequences of inaction could affect not just individual lives but the health infrastructure of the region.

A Community-Driven Future

This partnership with Accu is about much more than corporate social responsibility. It’s about shared values and local impact. Accu employees, through the Accu Community Group, chose The Kirkwood precisely because of its relevance and reach.

By lending time (each Accu employee gets one fully paid volunteering day each year), resources and visibility, Accu hopes to empower The Kirkwood to continue delivering life-changing care.

Accu also invites others to take part in that effort. Here are a few ways to support:

• Donate monthly: thekirkwood.org.uk/donate

• Join a fundraising event: thekirkwood.org.uk/events

• Volunteer your time and skills.

• Advocate for funding: Write to your MP to call for greater support for hospice care.

This year, Accu and The Kirkwood will work side by side to raise funds, share stories and engage the community. Because compassionate care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity that deserves all of our support.