Hospice invites community to learn more during Hospice Care Week

St Nicholas Hospice Care is inviting people to discover more about hospice care as it marks Hospice Care Week with free learning and community activities.

Led nationally by Hospice UK, Hospice Care Week takes place from Monday, 5 to Sunday, 11 October.

The week celebrates the work of hospices across the UK and calls for action to ensure everyone can benefit from high-quality care at the end of life.

This year’s theme, don’t leave hospice care to chance, highlights the inequalities that affect whether people can access the care they need.

Hospice UK says nearly one in three people do not receive the care they need at the end of their lives, while variation in charitable and government funding means access can be affected by where someone lives.

Throughout the week, St Nicholas Hospice Care will highlight the breadth of hospice care and the difference it makes to people and families across West Suffolk and Thetford.

Hospice care is not only about the final days of life or care provided within a hospice building. St Nicholas Hospice Care supports people on its inpatient ward, in their own homes and across the community, helping them to manage symptoms, receive emotional and practical support and make the most of the time they have together.

On Thursday, 8 October, the Hospice will hold free activities at its Hardwick Lane site in Bury St Edmunds.

The day will begin with two sessions combining a ReSPECT Play with training on managing emotional or angry telephone conversations. Led by the hospice’s Practice Educators, the sessions will explore the importance of discussing future care wishes and offer practical techniques for handling challenging conversations.

The programme will run from 10.30am to 11.30am and again from 12pm to 1pm. It is suitable for health and social care professionals, volunteers, patients, families, carers, and members of the public. Places are free and can be reserved by emailing education@stnh.org.uk.

From 2pm to 4.30pm, members of local faith communities are invited to an informal drop-in session in the hospice’s garden room.

The event will offer an opportunity to meet members of the Hospice team, learn more about the support available, and explore how the hospice works alongside communities across West Suffolk and Thetford.

Refreshments will be available, and people can either book in advance by emailing education@stnh.org.uk or calling 01284 766133 or simply drop in on the day.

Linda McEnhill, Chief Executive of St Nicholas Hospice Care, said: “Hospice Care Week is an important opportunity to help people understand what hospice care really is and how it supports people to live well, right until the end of their lives.

“Our care reaches far beyond our hospice building. Our teams support people in their own homes, on our inpatient ward and through emotional, practical and bereavement support for families.

“This year’s national theme reminds us that access to high-quality hospice care should not depend on chance or where someone lives. We are grateful for the support we receive from our NHS partners and our community, which provides St Nicholas Hospice Care with a stable foundation. However, we fully support the call for fairer and more sustainable funding for hospice care nationally.

“We hope people will join us during the week, take part in one of our activities and learn more about the care and support available to local families.”

St Nicholas Hospice Care supports around 1,800 patients and their families each year. It costs approximately £9.7 million annually to run the Hospice, with around 68p in every £1 needed to provide its care coming from the generosity of local people through donations, fundraising, shops, lottery supporters, events and gifts in Wills.

As demand for hospice care grows, this continued support will be essential if the Hospice is to reach more people across West Suffolk and Thetford and ensure no one must face dying, death or grief alone.

To find out more about Hospice Care Week and the activities taking place at St Nicholas Hospice Care, visit: https://stnicholashospice.org.uk/news-community/events-listing/hospice-care-week-2026/