Strategy Launch Event at Saint Francis Hospice
Saint Francis Hospice recently hosted a strategy launch event, bringing together stakeholders to unveil plans for expanding its expert palliative and end-of-life care services. The goal is to ensure the hospice can continue to care for everyone in the community who needs its support.
Andrew Rosindell MP for Romford with the new SFH 5 Year Strategy
The event, held on Friday, July 4th, in The Pepperell Education Centre at the hospice, saw a diverse group of guests. Attendees included two of the charity’s patrons, TV presenter Richard Madeley and two-time Grammy award winner Imogen Heap. Also present were Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, and Cllr Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, alongside representatives from other hospices, local healthcare partners, funders, and supporters.
The opening address was delivered by Mohamed Omer MBE, Co-Founder of the Gardens of Peace Cemetery. Grazina Berry, CEO of Saint Francis Hospice, highlighted his "truly inspirational speech" where he "urged us all to embrace community spirit, appreciate our volunteers, do more to become visibly inclusive and pledge to be better humans." He also pledged to raise awareness of the immense value of hospice care within the Muslim community and to break down myths and barriers to accessing care and support services.
Opening address from Mohamed Omer, MBE, Co founder, Gardens of Peace
Guests heard powerful first-hand accounts from two courageous people, currently receiving care at the Hospice. Tara, whose husband is living with motor neurone disease, spoke about how the wide range of care and support they receive helps them cope with challenges. John, who attended with his wife Pearl and is also living with motor neurone disease, shared how the hospice has made a difference in his life.
Tara sharing her carer story with the attendees
John sharing his story with Grazina Berry and the attendees
Grazina Berry noted that "The impact of our care and support on individuals was made visible and deeply moving as Tara and John shared their first hand experience of receiving therapeutic support from our Wellbeing and Therapies team." She further emphasised that this vital part of their "life enhancing holistic end-of-life care offer" is "transformational for individuals, yet usually not funded by the NHS."
Grazina Berry outlined the four key goals of the charity’s ambitious 5 Year Strategy 2025-30. These plans aim to expand the hospice's reach, strengthen its partnerships, and ensure a sustainable future. Berry stressed the importance of these goals, stating, "We discussed our new ‘Growing Together: The Future of Saint Francis Hospice’ strategy and our ambitious goals explaining why now more than ever we need to scale our services, with the growing need across our diverse communities."
SFH CEO Grazina Berry with Patron Richard Madeley and Councillor John Morgon
She further emphasised the need for collaboration and innovation: "This is why it is imperative that we work even more closely with our partners to join up effort, and work more creatively and smarter at securing the funds needed, while embracing digital technologies - so that our Hospice services can be sustained into the future."
Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the new strategy before enjoying lunch in the hospice’s beautiful gardens.
