Every month, our community outreach team works within our local communities to ensure that compassionate end-of-life care, guidance, and support are accessible to everyone regardless of background, personal circumstances, or health needs. July was a busy month filled with meaningful consultations, creative workshops, and vital partner visits. Here is a summary of how we engaged with our local community in July:

We participated in several impactful sessions:

• We joined adults with disabilities at the RUILS ‘Your Say’ Advocacy Group to explore what matters most when receiving care, such as tailored communication, avoiding assumptions, and maintaining individual dignity.
• In partnership with Involve Kingston, we wrapped up our ‘No Barriers Here’ series of workshops exploring ‘My Choices and Wishes’ and ‘My Legacy’ through creative weaving. We look forward to continuing this partnership in September.
• We were delighted to host Jo and Tom from Kingston Samaritans at the Hospice, who delivered a valuable talk on active listening skills and suicide awareness for our staff.
• We visited local hubs to share information about hospice services, Compassionate and Bereavement Cafés, and our Open Door project (which supports vulnerable housed people in accessing care)
• We visited community hubs and food banks across New Malden, Chessington, and Kingston, as well as the Archway Cafe in Norbiton, to offer information directly to residents living in poverty or facing vulnerability
• Held at The Vineyard in Richmond, the SPEAR Health & Wellbeing Day gave us the opportunity to collaborate with peer organisations such as Spectra and Citizens Advice while signposting our specialist services.
• We also engaged with attendees at the REC Racism Conference at Kingston University and attended a Dementia-Friendly event at Orleans House Gallery.

We continued building strong relationships with local health professionals and supporters:

• We maintained our regular presence at the PCN Social Prescribers Hub, attended the Sherwood Grange Networking Breakfast, and connected with local care providers, including Walfinch.
• Out on the water, we cheered on all the participants at the annual Dragon Boat Festival, with a special nod to the teams from The Lensbury, Simmons & Simmons, Ark Data and Sega Amusements who raced to raise funds for Princess Alice Hospice!

Our outreach work relies heavily on the warmth and openness of our local partners, volunteers, and residents. As several community hubs pause for a short summer break, we are preparing for a busy autumn, including new workshops on clinical guidelines for supporting neurodivergent individuals and those with learning disabilities.

If you would like the Outreach team to visit your community group or share information about our Open Door project, please get in touch with us today by emailing [email protected]