When asked what makes our society special, people often point to its trusted institutions, rich culture and history, scenic landscape, multiculturalism, volunteering spirit, sense of humour, and commitment to fairness and justice.
Over the past year, visiting children’s hospices across the UK. I’ve seen all these qualities and more. Children’s hospices embody everything that makes society function and communities thrive, delivering a far greater social impact than their core purpose alone might suggest.
Yet I’ve also seen a sector under immense pressure, at risk of losing some of the qualities and people that make it so special. However, I’ve met many remarkable people who are channelling their energy and ideas into shaping what the future might look like.
When I took this role, I committed to getting out from behind my desk to listen, observe and experience things first-hand. I wanted us to be a charity that is visible and engaged; one that actively seeks out feedback and acts on it.
In the past year I’ve travelled the length of the UK, in planes, trains and automobiles, experiencing the best and worst of our seasonal weather; and at the centre of every visit and heart of every hospice I found compassion, dedication and always a warm welcome.
Every childhood deserves magic. That’s what the holistic care provided by children’s hospices brings.
I’ve met swimmers, singers, brothers and sisters, young lads making birthday presents for their mums, babies with big smiles, artists and gamers; and young adults with plans to turn their hospice into a nightclub.
I’ve joined children, families, volunteers and staff, in woods, mazes, vegetable gardens and for some amazing meals (and cake a lot of cake), and even met the stars of The Little Things documentary.
Recently I’ve seen building works, ambitious plans coming to fruition and lots of improvements being carried out, and all at quite a pace!
Most of all I have seen and met the best of humanity, the unswerving love of families and the unmatched compassion and care from the staff. Working together to create cherished memories, finding moments of joy, and making the most of every precious day.
Steph Edusei, CEO of St Oswald’s, recently described feeling as though they hold a little piece of Newcastle’s heart in their hands; a responsibility she carries with both pride and a deep sense of duty.
Across our towns and cities, from the remote to the rural, Children’s hospices are at the heart of the community and the embodiment of community palliative care. Now more than ever we must unite to support these essentials services and work together to overcome the challenges they face.
The leaders, staff, volunteers and families have the compassion, ideas, skills and knowledge to know what works and what is needed now and for the future.
It now falls to government and society to listen, and to decide whether we will honour children at the end of life with the same commitment and care we give at the beginning.
When we ask what makes our society great, the answer is already there – in every children’s hospice across this country. Now we must decide if we value it enough to protect it.