Introducing the Pear Tree Fund
The Pear Tree Fund offers vital information, advice and holistic support to people with life-changing illnesses or long-term conditions, and families and carers.
We provide a wide range of services to people living in east Suffolk and neighbouring parts of mid Suffolk and south Norfolk.
From our tranquil and welcoming base at the purpose-built Pear Tree Centre in the heart of Halesworth, we offer everything from a cup of tea and listening ear to sessions with our qualified counsellors.
Working closely with the voluntary sector, community groups and partner charities, we put the right help in place to meet the needs of the whole family.
We pride ourselves on walking alongside people on their journey and offering local support when they need it the most.
Our charity also provides nursing care, as well as emotional, physical and practical support to people reaching the end of their lives so that they can die in the comfort and security of their own homes.
We're hiring - fundraising officer
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced part-time fundraising officer to join our team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser, who has a passion for improving the support for people at the end of life and with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families and carers.
We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic person to join our small, friendly team and raise funds within our community and secure grants from trusts /foundations. You will work with our events committee, trustees and staff to build a sustainable events and community fundraising programme, develop online fundraising, engage with local businesses and support individual donors. You will ensure that fundraising for the Pear Tree Fund is conducted in a legal, honest and accountable manner.
The role is largely home-based, but it is imperative that you are able to get out and about across Halesworth and the surrounding area as needed and spend some time (for meetings etc) in the Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth.
Hours: Part-time (28 hours per week)
Salary: £27,720 (pro rata £34,650 full time equivalent)
Fixed Term: Two years (renewable if funding allows)
Location: Home-based with travel required around the Halesworth area
Fundraising officer job description and person specification
How to apply: Please submit your CV and supporting statement outlining your suitability to the role and your interest in working for The Pear Tree Fund to claire.boyne@peartreefund.org by 5pm on Friday 25 April 2025. Please note that applications will not be considered without a supporting statement.
Interview date: To be advised
Support for people living with dementia and their carers
We are currently offering eight-week reminiscence workshops to help those living with dementia and their carers to rediscover and relive memories and their shared lives.
'Hopes and Dreams - Rediscovering Memories and Shared Lives' is an arts-based reminiscence project taking place at the Pear Tree Centre.
It is based on the highly successful international project 'Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today', which was developed 20 years ago by the European Reminiscence Network and Pam Schweitzer, its founder director.
The project supports carers to engage in positive activities with the people they care for, as well as providing resources to stimulate memories and connection to family relationships and events. It also offers the opportunity to build social connections and offer mutual support to others who are living with dementia, as well as their carers.
We will be running three eight-week workshops with grant funding from East Suffolk Council, with places for eight couples on each. Together, we will explore and share memories, get to know about one another’s lives and - most importantly - have an enjoyable time.
All eight sessions are based on key stages in life and will include everyone in the group. They will take place at the Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth on Saturday mornings between 10am and 1pm.
For more information or to book a place on the second or third workshops, which start later in the year, please email info@peartreefund.org, call 01986 899655 or click here.
More information about 'Remembering Yesterday and Caring Today' and Pam Schweitzer’s work is available here.
"You’ll Be Fine" audio play
In collaboration with our partners, we are delighted to publish "You’ll Be Fine," an audio play written Jan Etherington, as part of our Compassionate Communities work.
We hope the play will support those who receive a life-changing diagnosis and their families, encourage and facilitate conversations around planning for end-of-life and help educate the public.
The Pear Tree Fund's latest news
Learn what's happening in and around our fund.
Novel idea raises £2,000
Popular Bramfield pub’s ‘novel’ fundraising idea
Join our 24 hour swimming marathon!
Learn a little more
Please take the time to check out our website and get a little more insight into what we do and how we are making a difference to local people's lives.
