June is a month rich with opportunities to recognise and celebrate the communities that matter – from PRIDE Month and Volunteers’ Week to Carers’ Week, Men's Mental Health Week, Learning Disability Week, Loneliness Awareness Week and Refugee Week. This year, we’re bringing these together as our Month of Connection, sharing stories that reflect the many different experiences of life, care, loss and death, and the role connection plays in all of them.

Bereavement Cafes

 

Our Bereavement Cafés offer a warm and welcoming space to meet others who may be experiencing grief and loss. Whether you’d like to share your experiences or simply sit with a cup of tea and listen, our cafés provide connection, understanding and support within the community. Find a local group and learn more about how we can support you.

Compassionate Cafes

 

Compassionate Cafés are friendly community spaces where people can come together for conversation, connection and support. Run as part of our Compassionate Neighbours programme, these cafés are designed to help reduce loneliness and encourage meaningful relationships in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Find out more about the cafés and how to get involved.

Connecting Clinicians

 

The Education & Research Team’s work is built on strong, collaborative relationships with health and social care professionals, volunteers, and wider partnership organisations across our care area. These connections enable us to share knowledge, strengthen practice, and improve end of life care for patients and their families. Examples of our recent work include:

European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care (ECEPC)

ECEPC connects registered healthcare professionals across the UK, Ireland and Malta through the delivery of the European Certificate in Essential Palliative Care. Princess Alice Hospice operates a hub-and-spoke model, enabling partner sites and hospices to deliver the course locally with ongoing support from our Education & Research Team. Through this network, learners connect with facilitators, and facilitators connect with one another, creating a strong and collaborative learning community. ECEPC is a highly regarded qualification covering a wide range of palliative care topics, including symptom management, difficult conversations, and the social, cultural and ethical aspects of end-of-life care.

Learn more about ECEPC.

Palliative Care Champions

The Education & Research Team developed the Primary Care Champions initiative to strengthen connections with non-clinical staff working in primary care settings. Participants are invited to the Hospice to develop their understanding of end-of-life care, helping them better support and connect with the patients and families they serve. Following excellent feedback from the first sessions, additional dates have been scheduled for June and July 2026.

A few spaces are still available.

Research

Research helps connect our clinical teams with the latest developments in palliative and end-of-life care. Led by Alice Firth, Research Lead at Princess Alice Hospice, monthly research updates explore specific topics and share insights across the organisation to inform practice and enhance patient care. We also collaborate with research institutions across the UK, helping to advance knowledge and innovation in palliative care through shared learning and partnership.

Find out more about our research.

Family and Carers Coffee Mornings

 

Caring for someone can feel overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Family and Carers Coffee Mornings offer an opportunity to meet others in similar situations, share experiences and access support and advice in an informal setting. Discover the support available for carers and families.

Grieving an Adult Child

 

Losing an adult child can be an incredibly isolating experience. This supportive group offers a safe and compassionate space for parents and families to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of this type of grief.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 4.30pm–6pm at Princess Alice Hospice.

If you would like to join the group or find out more, please contact [email protected].

Hospice Choir and Songs of Connection Workshop

 

Our Hospice Choir brings people together through the power of music, friendship and community. Open to everyone, the choir offers a welcoming and uplifting environment where you can sing, connect and support the work of the Hospice. Whether you’re an experienced singer or simply enjoy music, we’d love for you to join us.

Choir Workshop – Songs of Connection – 12 June🎶

Join the Music Director of the Princess Alice Hospice Choir for an uplifting community singing workshop celebrating connection through music. Open to all ages and abilities, this friendly session is a chance to relax, meet new people, and experience the joy of singing together.

Book your place today and sing with us!

 

Intro to Volunteering

 

Have you ever thought about volunteering but weren’t sure where to start? Our Introduction to Volunteering sessions are a chance to learn more about Princess Alice Hospice, explore the wide range of volunteer opportunities available and chat with our Volunteer Team about the role that might suit you best. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week, month or year, there’s a place for you here.

Each session lasts around one hour and includes a short presentation about the Hospice and our current volunteering opportunities, followed by the chance to ask questions and speak with the team about finding the right role for you.

Upcoming sessions:

  • Wednesday 3 June 2026 – 2pm
  • Thursday 16 July 2026 – 6pm
  • Tuesday 1 September 2026 – 10.30am
  • Wednesday 14 October 2026 – 6pm
  • Thursday 19 November 2026 – 2pm

To reserve your spot, simply complete the short form via the button below. For further details about volunteering roles, please contact the Volunteering Team on 01372 461856 or email [email protected].

Refugee Week

 

As part of our Month of Connection, we’re highlighting local events taking place during Refugee Week 2026 (15–21 June), which this year explores the theme of Courage. Through food, culture, storytelling, music and community activities, these events celebrate the contributions and experiences of people seeking sanctuary and offer opportunities to connect with others across our community.

Talk, Listen, Connect

 

Talk, Listen, Connect is all about creating spaces where people feel heard, valued and included. Through conversations, shared experiences and community activities, the programme encourages connection and helps tackle loneliness and isolation. Get involved and be part of building a more connected community.

Walk and Talks

 

Our Walk and Talk groups combine gentle exercise with the opportunity to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you’d like company, conversation or simply time outdoors with others, these walks provide a welcoming space for reflection and connection. Explore upcoming walks and find one near you.

Your Wellbeing Your Way

 

Your Wellbeing Your Way offers personalised support to help people improve their wellbeing, confidence and quality of life. Through workshops, activities and tailored sessions, the programme encourages individuals to explore what matters most to them and discover practical ways to support their emotional and physical wellbeing. Learn more about the sessions available.

Share Your Story

 

Every story matters. Throughout our Month of Connection, we’re inviting people to share experiences of care, community, loss, grief and connection. By telling your story, you could help others feel understood, less alone and inspired to reach out for support.

If you would like to share your story with us, please get in touch at [email protected].