Hospice uses annual report to bust dying beliefs

A Luton charity is using its latest annual report to shatter public assumptions that hospices are only places people go to die.

A hospice full of life, by Keech Hospice Care shows nearly half of all adults (46%) the charity supports across Luton and South Beds actually get to go home.

Liz Searle, Acting CEO at Keech said this number is even greater amongst its children’s patients.

“I know many people will be shocked by this,” said Mrs Searle. “But more than 80 percent of the children we care for across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes go home.

“It’s wrong to think that hospices are only places people go to die – in fact, it may sound strange to some, but it’s actually where living happens.

“From the moment a patient is first diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, Keech is there to support that person and their family throughout their whole journey. Sometimes it can be years rather than only days, weeks or months,” Mrs Searle said.

Keech is well known for the creative approach it takes with its Annual Reports. It won The Third Sector Award 2015 for Best Annual Report with, a story like no other.

Imelda Barry, Head of Marketing and Communications at Keech, said the unique approach the charity has taken with A hospice full of life means the message has quickly got out to the public.

“When you think of an Annual Report you might automatically imagine what can be a necessary but tiresome document, full of figures and only read by those who really have to read it,” said Ms Barry.

“It’s fantastic to see people pick up A hospice full of life and wonder what the black front cover which simply says, ‘most people think hospices are where you go to die,’ is all about.

“People get such a shock when they then open it up and are bombarded with bright colours, patient’s stories and the reality that Keech is a million miles away from what they ever thought. It’s brilliant to watch.

“This year, we’ve taken things even further and have got our A hospice full of life message fully out into the communities we serve with full window displays and posters in all 33 of Keech’s shops.

“For the first time we’ve made an animation to link in with the Annual Report which is already being widely shared across our social media platforms, website and by Keech staff at public events.

“By taking a more unique approach, we’re confident we’ll be able to reach out and help more children and adults, and their families at a time in their lives they need it most,” Ms Barry said.

To view a copy of our Annual Report A hospice full of life click here