Chair's blog: Learning about Peace Hospice Care

The Chair of Three Rivers District Council, Cllr Debbie Morris, visits Hertfordshire-based  Peace Hospice Care  and learns about the work of the charity.

Like me, most people think they know what hospice care is about: looking after people who are at the end of their lives. However, I learnt from speaking to the wonderful people who work at and volunteer for Peace Hospice Care (PHC) that there’s considerably more to this fantastic charity than end of life care.

I was privileged to be invited to the Compassionate Café in Croxley Green by Fiona Hobbs, the Compassionate Communities Coordinator. This is where people supported by and working for PHC meet monthly to share their experiences of bereavement, loneliness and life-limiting illness. From there, I was given a tour of the Peace Building in Watford by Alison May, the Community Engagement Manager. Alison also introduced me to the Chief Clinical Officer, Jackie Tritton who explained the extent of the work that PHC do. Care and support can be given to people in their homes and as outpatients in the Peace Building itself where art therapy, fitness and speaker programmes are organised.

I met a member of the fundraising team who told me about the numerous events they run each year to raise £7m to keep the charity going along with support from the NHS.

It was clear to me that if anyone has any time available to volunteer or join one of the fundraising events, PHC would very much welcome you. Please visit their website  (www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/) to find out more.

Thank you to Jackie, Alison and Fiona for the amazing work that you and your colleagues do. It’s comforting to know that if we or our loved ones find ourselves in difficult times, there are people like you ready to help us.