Safe Harbour

We believe that everyone should be able to live well with incurable illness, to die with dignity in a place of their choice, and be supported in their grief, regardless of their age, race, socio-economic situation, gender, nationality, sexuality, disability or beliefs. We are actively committed to welcoming people from all backgrounds to create an inclusive hospice that meets the needs of everyone in our community.

Our Safe Harbour project was started in recognition of the fact that some people face additional barriers to accessing our care. It is a listening project that seeks to better understand and address the needs and the barriers that underserved groups can face.

We believe in working together with underrepresented communities and are grateful for the active role a number of groups have played in helping us to design services that better meet their community's needs.

St Helena's Safe Harbour outreach CNS meets with a patient

“Our community is made up of people from all walks of life, and it is important to us that every person who needs our support feels welcome and included."

"Many people feel apprehensive about receiving hospice care, and if you have additional needs, come from a deprived situation, have grown up with a different culture or language, or have experienced prejudice, it can feel even more daunting. We are here to put your mind at ease and to ensure you feel safe, supported and a valued."

Vickie Peters is St Helena’s Safe Harbour Project Manager.

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Building collaborative relationships

We are continuously improving the way that we can support people from all walks of life, including:

Regular staff training to equip them to support diverse needs in an informed and sensitive manner.
Advice and support on social and financial matters.

Supporting ethnic minority groups

Our hospice in the home service supports families to care for their loved ones at home.
Cultural awareness ambassadors provide cultural support to patients of a similar background.
Translation for caring conversations, on our website and My Care Choices booklets.
Working with local faith leaders to offer spiritual care to different faiths.
Different religions are catered for in our multi-faith Chapel.
Our in-patient unit offers food options that meet different cultural and religious dietary requirements.
Same gender care is offered where possible.

Deaf and hard of hearing support

Signvideo translation. If you need the support of a BSL translator to speak with us, click on the button at the top of this page where you will be connected free of charge.

LGBTQ+ support

Support with sexuality and gender related issues in partnership with the Outhouse.
Gender neutral toilet facilities.
Care package to support transgender patients to maintain their gender identity.

Dementia support

Using dementia friendly signage to reduce disorientation.
Easy Read version of the My Care Choices booklet.

We recognise that everyone is an individual and we strive to understand and cater for each patients' unique needs as best we can. If you have any concerns or suggestions about a specific need, please get in touch to discuss this with us.

Raising awareness

Misperceptions of what a hospice is and a lack of knowledge of services offered can make anyone feel reluctant to receive the help available, but we're here to put your mind at ease.

We want to increase confidence in using hospice services through building relationships and raising awareness. The Safe Harbour project team is available to attend groups and events or give talks to those who would like to know more. We also run our popular Hospice for All open days where local groups can visit the hospice to learn more about what we offer.

Many people feel afraid that a hospice is a place you go to die, but much of our work is about helping people live well. We provide symptom management, along with emotional, psychological, social and financial issues, and spiritual support for the whole family so that they do not have to face the future alone. When people can learn more about who we are and what we do, it greatly reduces the fear and stigma that can prevent them from asking for help.

Personalised care

We recognise that some patients may need specific considerations, or additional help, in order to receive suitable care. The Safe Harbour Project has developed good relationships with other local organisations and can work with patients and families to ensure they get all the help they need. For some, this may just mean putting them in touch with someone who can help, others appreciate the on-going support of the Safe Harbour project to help ensure their specific needs are met whilst under the care of St Helena.

We are Hate Crime Ambassadors

St Helena is committed to raising awareness of hate crime and encouraging the reporting of any kind of hostility or prejudice towards a person based on their actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.

Make a difference

Your donation, large or small, can make a big difference, giving more local people dignity and choice at the end of life.

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Safe Harbour

Our Safe Harbour project reaches out to people who traditionally have had difficulty accessing hospice services.

Safe Harbour

Vickie Peters is St Helena’s Safe Harbour Project Manager.