Hospice
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As part of that commitment, we’re proud to work with Haref – a Newcastle-based network that helps reduce health inequalities and improve access to health and wellbeing services for ethnically marginalised communities.
This work supports our Hospice Strategy 2023–2027, which sets out our ambition to reach more people who may not usually access hospice care and to make sure our services truly reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Our Haref Allies – Christine Allen, Clinical Quality Lead, Susan Freeman, Head of Volunteering and Davina Radford, Spiritual Care and Community Projects Lead – are helping us learn and take meaningful action to make St Oswald’s Hospice a more inclusive place for everyone.
Christine, who became a Haref Ally in 2022, says the experience has been both eye-opening and rewarding.
“Being a Haref Ally shows our commitment to reaching people who might not otherwise find us. The meetings are full of ideas and connections.
“I’ve learned more about the Hindu faith through community open days, discovered resources to support people fasting during Ramadan, and helped link our Day Services team with ‘Better’ – a local organisation offering a subsidised health improvement programme for people referred by their GP.”
Through the connection with ‘Better’, our Lymphoedema patients have been able to find new, supported ways to stay active and well – a great example of how partnership working can make a real difference.
Susan, also joined as an Ally in 2022 while still working in our Retail team.
“For me, Haref has been a brilliant way to learn how we can make volunteering at St Oswald’s Hospice more welcoming and inclusive. Visiting the Gosforth Prayer Hall and taking part in sessions about equity in volunteering and mental health support for refugees have really opened my eyes.
“I’ve brought that learning back to our volunteering programme, helping us think about how we can make sure everyone feels they belong here.”
Davina’s time with Haref is already inspiring change within our hospice.
“The sessions I’ve attended have been so valuable. They’ve helped us think differently about how we support people from all backgrounds. We’ll now be building cultural competency into our clinical education programme, with three sessions each year.”
Leigh Marrs, Head of Learning and Organisational Development and Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Group (EDI) said:
“Being part of Haref helps us to understand the experiences of communities who may not always find it easy to access care, and to learn how we can do better. It’s helping us live out our values and make sure that St Oswald’s Hospice truly is a place of, as our tagline says, ‘Quality Time for Everyone’, where everyone feels welcome, whoever they are.”
The insights gained through Haref continue to shape our EDI, Community and Partnership work – helping us ensure that our services, opportunities and spaces reflect the diversity of the people we care for.
We’re proud of our Allies and the part they play in helping us build a more inclusive hospice, where everyone feels they belong.
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