Keech Hospice pledges to help transform Luton by 2040

Joining businesses, charities, public sector organisations and community groups from across the town, Keech has committed to playing its part in helping create a healthier, fairer and more sustainable Luton over the next 15 years.

The pledges reflect the charity’s ongoing commitment to providing free specialist hospice care and support for everyone who needs it, while creating opportunities for local people and reducing its environmental impact.

Each year, Keech Hospice supports more than 2,000 adults and children with life-limiting conditions, along with their families, through hospice care, bereavement support and community outreach. The charity provides its services free of charge, ensuring everyone can access compassionate, specialist care regardless of their circumstances.

This commitment to improving access to care extends beyond Luton, with Keech Hospice also playing a key role in the new Bedfordshire Palliative Coordination Service. Launched in December 2025, the service provides 24/7 access to specialist palliative advice and support through NHS 111 (Option 4), helping patients, families and healthcare professionals access the right support at the right time.

As part of its Luton 2040 commitments, Keech Hospice has pledged to:

Continue delivering high-quality, compassionate hospice care that helps people live well.
Create opportunities for local people through volunteering, employment and training, helping build a more inclusive and connected community.
Ensure its services remain accessible and inclusive by listening to and working alongside Luton’s diverse communities.
Continue reducing its environmental impact as it works towards becoming a Net Zero organisation by 2040.

Keech Hospice Clinical Director Elaine Tolliday

Elaine Tolliday, Deputy CEO and Clinical Director at Keech Hospice, said: “Luton is a vibrant, diverse and compassionate town, and we’re proud to stand alongside so many organisations that share a common vision for its future. By 2040, I hope Luton will be a place where everyone feels valued, included and supported, particularly during the most challenging times in their lives.

At Keech Hospice, we’re here for everyone. Our care is free for all who need it, and these pledges reinforce our commitment to ensuring that more people can access the compassionate, specialist support they deserve, while also helping to build stronger communities and a more sustainable future.”

The Luton 2040 programme brings together organisations from across the town to tackle inequality, improve health and wellbeing, create opportunities and make Luton a greener place to live and work.

For Keech Hospice, the pledges build on work already taking place every day through patient care, community support, volunteering and sustainability initiatives, ensuring the charity continues to make a positive difference for the people of Luton now and for generations to come.

Supporting Keech

Keech relies on its local community and supporters for around 70% of its funding, meaning the charity needs to raise around £9.4million every year to continue providing its vital care services for free to everyone who needs them.

From taking part in an organised event to fundraising your own way, everyone can make a difference.

To find out more and download a free fundraising guide, click below.

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