Lord Mayor’s awareness drive for 100-year-old hospice

Visiting John Taylor Hospice, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Anita Ward, sat and shared pudding with patients, staff and volunteers at the city’s John Taylor Hospice.

The day proved so inspiring that Councillor Ward is asking Birmingham’s people to learn more about the 100 year-old Hospice.

Councillor Ward said: “I learned John Taylor Hospice isn’t just a place people go to die. In fact most people go back to their own homes because of the amazing respite care and the way staff help people to manage their pain and symptoms. Even so some people do choose to die at John Taylor Hospice.

“As a relative or friend you can visit at any time to suit each patient and there’s space to stay the night too. I think the people of Birmingham should find out more about what John Taylor Hospice can offer.

“We need to talk in a new way about death and dying in Birmingham. It shouldn’t be a taboo subject.”

John Taylor Hospice provides expert palliative care and lifeline emotional support to around 700 people across Birmingham and the West Midlands each week. At home or in The Hospice, staff and volunteers are there to provide practical help and relieve pain. Put simply; to make every moment matter.

The Lord Mayor’s visit comes at a time of progress for the Hospice, which in October 2011 became the country’s first Hospice to become a social enterprise.

Kate Phipps, CEO, said: “Being a social enterprise means we can be more efficient. For example if a member of our Community Nursing team is sick, we can fill that post with a skilled member of staff from our Hospice at Home team.

“Just six months ago, under the NHS, we couldn’t do that. This means we care for more people in Birmingham and the West Midlands. But to do that we desperately need the support of our community.  So please get in touch to make a big difference by volunteering or fundraising.”

Councillor Ward, who grew up in Erdington and still lives close by, was pleased to see John Taylor Hospice tackling the West Midland’s rising youth unemployment and even have two apprentice posts currently filled with two more being recruited.

Matt Hinton, an apprentice who met The Lord Mayor added: “Working with John Taylor Hospice has been a great opportunity. I’ve got skills and real life experience I couldn’t get anywhere else and it’s such a friendly place!”

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To find out more about John Taylor Hospice, visit www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk or call 0121 465 2018 to support the people of Birmingham with fundraising.

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