Star comment: Time to get behind our hospices
The work that hospices do in our communities often goes unnoticed.
By their very nature, hospices are places that many people do not like to talk about.
They are, after all, a signal that someone’s life is drawing to a close.
But the purpose they serve is much more far reaching.
For people that are nearing the end of their lives, and their families, hospices provide a vital service.
But to be frank, hospices are are a lot more than simply places where people go to die.
They support families in a number of ways, and provide support when ill people are being cared for in their own home.
You only have to consider the outstanding care offered at Wolverhampton’s Compton Hospice for a prime example.
He says his experiences during this difficult period opened his eyes to the role of hospices.
Perhaps it is time for us all to change our perception of hospice care and fully recognise the great work they do in our society.
There is no better time to do that than today, which marks the start of Hospice Care Week.
This is a great opportunity for local hospices to get involved in the annual event.
It also draws attention to the fact that these places need our help if they are to continue to function.
Hospices are reliant on donors and volunteers if they are to continue to operate.
Without financial support from the Government, they need the help of their surrounding communities.
That means people helping out by donating items to any of the hospice charity shops in their area.
Hospices make a real difference to people’s lives when their illness is no longer curable. We should never take them for granted.
Dealing with a terminal illness is the most difficult part in the journey of life.
All of us should be grateful that there are people around who are kind enough to offer their support.
Whatever we do this week, we should take a moment out of our busy lives to support our local hospices.
