May Community Outreach round-up

May was an exceptionally vibrant and busy month for our Community Outreach team. From sunny high street fairs to essential clinical network meetings, here is a look back at how we connected with our local communities this month:

Spring and early summer bring our local communities together, providing wonderful opportunities for us to pitch our stalls and have real, face-to-face conversations. We were at the Richmond May Fair in double force with both our community engagement stall and our special pop-up shop. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to browse our second-hand items, learn more about our work, spin our wheel or simply say hello. Seeing familiar faces and meeting so many new ones made the day truly special. Every purchase made and every conversation shared helps us continue our vital work within this community. We were particularly honoured to receive a visit from Richmond Mayor, Cllr Penny Frost and from Cllr Nancy Baldwin and another highlight was being interviewed by Riverside Radio, and chatting all things Princess Alice Hospice, including volunteering!

We experienced similar warmth at the sunny RBKares day, where Sarah met the outgoing Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Noel Barrett-Mancini. They spoke at length about how our high street hospice shops serve as vital community hubs rather than just retail outlets. The Mayor warmly encouraged us to connect with his successor and extend an invitation to visit our Kingston shop. Crucially, the day also gave us a safe space to connect deeply with several bereaved community members who stopped by to share their journeys.

One of the most rewarding moments of the month was welcoming the New Malden MILAAP group to the Hospice. A group of eight women visited our site for an in-depth tour, exploring our In-Patient Unit (IPU) and the ManShed. Because navigating palliative care can be daunting, Rehman was able to guide them and answer their specific questions in their preferred language. The group left expressing a strong interest in joint future activities and volunteering opportunities with us.

In addition, our commitment to inclusion grew through our session with Wil from Spectra, who delivered a powerful talk on Trauma-Informed Spaces. This ongoing collaboration will continue into Pride Month, when they return to speak to our teams about gender and sexuality.

Effective hospice care also relies on a strong network of local partners. Throughout May, our team focused heavily on collaboration with healthcare and community professionals:

Social Prescribers Network: Shona and Sarah presented our comprehensive services to social prescribers from all surgeries across Kingston, an online network organised by the Public Health team at Kingston Council.
Carers’ support: Rehman and Liz participated in a vital Carers’ Event at the Malden Centre, organised by the New Malden and Worcester Park Primary Care Network (PCN), ensuring local carers can access immediate information and advice.
Strategic visits: Shona visited numerous local anchors to discuss future collaborations, including Tolworth Library, Castelnau Community Centre in Barnes, Hampton Inspired Hub, Richmond Good Neighbours, and Kingston Mencap to support our ongoing Learning Disabilities equity work.

Whether we met you at the Kew Gardens Rotary Club, Age UK Richmond’s ‘Peace of Mind Day’, or the SW London Mental Health and Health Inequalities Conference, thank you for your partnership. Together, we are building a more compassionate community.

We’re looking forward to continuing our outreach during our Month of Connection in June.

Alain Bakas

We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.

Darek Kubik

The shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well done

Nicola Jeebaun

So grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway family

Stephen Nicholson

I'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.

Jo G

My Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.

Robert Crapnell

1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.

Ruby Bhurji

My dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.

Rosanna Stech

The call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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