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Living Well Programme

Posted on by Rachel Martin

We are proud to announce that our Living Well Programme launched on the 23rd of June.

The Living Well Programme is a 12-week structured outpatient programme delivered by the Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) team at Halton Haven Hospice. It has been designed to support patients earlier in their palliative care journey, providing a proactive, holistic approach to care that focuses on both physical and emotional well-being.

Our aim is simple: To help people live as well as possible, for as long as possible.

The programme provides a safe and supportive environment where patients can access expert clinical care, emotional support, wellbeing services, and practical advice tailored to their individual needs.

At Halton Haven Hospice, we believe care is about much more than physical health.

The Living Well Programme takes a holistic, person-centred approach, supporting:

Emotional Well-being through:

  • Supportive conversations
  • Anxiety and stress management
  • Building confidence

Social Well-being through:

  • Reducing loneliness and isolation
  • Connecting with others
  • Developing new friendships

Practical Well-being through:

  • Signposting to services
  • Future care planning

What can patients expect from the programme?

Throughout the programme, patients attend regular clinic appointments with ANPs, enabling ongoing clinical review, symptom support, and the development of a strong therapeutic relationship. A key focus of the programme is Advance Care Planning. Over the course of the 12 weeks, patients are supported to explore what matters most to them, including their values, wishes, and preferences for future care and preferred place of care. These conversations are approached sensitively and at the patient’s pace, with the aim that by the end of the programme, patients feel comfortable having their wishes clearly documented and shared with those involved in their care and with their families.

The programme also takes a holistic, person-centred approach, offering patients the opportunity to access a wide range of hospice services. This includes engagement in complementary and holistic therapies, which support wellbeing beyond clinical needs, and participation in our ‘Brighter Days’ initiative—an adult social group designed to reduce isolation, encourage social interaction, and promote enjoyment and purpose.

Changing the Way People Think About Hospice Care

By introducing patients to the breadth of hospice support in a structured and supportive way, the Living Well Programme helps to address common misconceptions about hospice care, demonstrating that our role extends far beyond end-of-life care. It encourages earlier engagement with hospice services, enabling patients and their families to build confidence, develop relationships with the team, and plan ahead in a meaningful way.

It helps people understand that hospice care is about living well now, not just planning for the future. By introducing patients and families to hospice services earlier, we can:

  • Provide support sooner
  • Build confidence and trust
  • Improve wellbeing
  • Help people plan ahead
  • Ensure care is personalised to individual wishes.

Ultimately, the programme aims to improve patient outcomes by supporting people to live as well as possible, for as long as possible, while maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life. It also strengthens our connection with the local community, increases access to services, and supports more personalised and coordinated care planning.

If you would like more information about the Living Well Programme email, info@haltonhaven.co.uk

Celebrating a 20-year work anniversary

Posted on by Rachel Martin

This month, Piet celebrated his 20th anniversary of working at the Hospice.

We can’t thank Piet enough for the 20 years of service and dedication he has given to the Hospice and the care and compassion he has shown to so many patients, families and colleagues over those two decades. From starting with the Hospice on 8th June 2006 as a Medical Officer, to Medical Director and now onto a new role at the Hospice, he has been a constant beacon of kindness and person-centred care at the Hospice.

Piet says “It is hard to believe that 20 years has passed since that first day as a hospice employee. It has been an absolute privilege to work at such a wonderful organisation. Over the years I have seen many changes in the Hospice, yet one constant factor that has made it a joy to come to work every day has been the dedication and compassion of all staff to provide a supportive environment for the patients and their relatives. Although I am stepping down from my role as Medical Director, I look forward to remain a part of the Halton Haven team and continue to contribute to the provision of excellent palliative care for the people of Halton. I would like to thank everybody at the Hospice for being such great colleagues.”

Piet has worked alongside many other people at the Hospice with some of his colleagues wanting to comment on his 20 year work achievement.

“Twenty years of service is an extraordinary achievement; Piet’s dedication has made an immeasurable difference to our community and helped shape the hospice into the special place it is today. With a caring manner which embodies everything that hospice care stands for, his impact reaches far beyond medicine, touching lives in ways that will be remembered for years to come.” Karen, CEO

“Although we work in different areas of the hospice, one thing that has always stood out to me about Piet is the genuine care and kindness he shows to every patient and family he meets. His friendly nature, dedication and patient-centred approach have been a constant throughout his 20 years with Halton Haven Hospice. He is highly respected by colleagues and greatly valued by those he cares for. Congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone, Piet, and thank you for your years of service and commitment.” Kevin, Director of Finance

“Piet is part of the furniture and is cool as a cucumber. He creates a relaxed and calm environment even when it is extremely hectic. He is knowledgeable, supportive and has the right solution when needed. Piet has a good sense of humour and always likes a great laugh. We are very happy that Piet is part of the medical team.” Janice and Eleanora

Congratulations to Piet! It was lovely celebrating your 20th work anniversary and we can’t wait to see what your continued dedication to working at the Hospice brings in the future.

Meet Gillian – Our Volunteer Fundraising Assistant, now Trustee

Posted on by Rachel Martin

“I would say, no doubt, you’ll enjoy what you’re doing”

Gillian has been volunteering since May 2025, working with the fundraising team to manage our collection tubs.

With a connection to the Hospice, volunteering was something she knew she wanted to do. Gillian said “I grew up in Runcorn, and the Hospice has always been there. I took early retirement and I said to myself that one of the things I would like to do is volunteer at Halton Haven Hospice in whatever capacity I could. One of the first things I did after I got over the giddiness of being retired was to put my application in, and I usually volunteer one day a week.”

“Volunteering at the hospice is worthwhile to you, important to the community and is an enjoyable experience,” she adds.

Gillian also supports the Hospice in other ways. “For the past couple of years, me and my sister organised a fundraising event in memory of our mum, who passed away in 2023, in support of the Hospice.”

Every volunteer brings unique skills to the team which helps shape how they support the Hospice in their role, and for Gillian her previous experiences have helped to set up a new way of doing our collection tubs. She says, “The skills from my previous profession are very transferable. We now have a system, where we know where all the tubs are, having a rolling program of collections of tubs and deliveries. The tubs are in places such as; shops, community centres and pharmacies, they’re everywhere!”

After making such an impact on our fundraising team Gillian now recommends volunteering to others. She says “I would say to people, even if you can only give two hours a week, that two hours can make a massive difference. It might be that you’re counting money, cleaning and tidying the kitchen where the meals have been prepared for the patients that are here with us, it might be that you’re in our Widnes shop and sorting out the last two deliveries that no one’s had time to do – there will always be something to do. And I would say, no doubt, you’ll enjoy what you’re doing. The Hospice is an amazing place, and it needs to be looked after.”

“Don’t just think about volunteering. Do it. Do whatever you can, little or big.”

Becoming a Trustee

Since talking with Gillian, she has now become further involved with the Hospice and has joined our board of Trustees.

“After spending time working as a volunteer and being made aware of the impact of the role of all volunteers at the Hospice, I decided that I wanted to be a part of the strategic management and organisation here to help ensure the secure future of Halton Haven Hospice. Being a Trustee would allow me to do this.”

Halton Haven Hospice is “a haven for families and patients at times when it is most needed” If you’re interested in volunteering at Halton Haven, let us know by emailing volunteering@haltonhaven.co.uk.

It was simple, but it was perfect: Angie and her family’s journey

Posted on by Rachel Martin

We had the privilege of talking to Angie’s children, hearing more about her, the family’s experience at the Hospice, and how fundraising supported their journey through grief and helped to make a difference in Angie’s memory.

“Mum was an unstoppable force of nature. She was strong-willed, compassionate, and completely dedicated to us – her kids. She had an incredible instinct for other people’s pain, and showed immense empathy to anybody who needed it. She lived her life for us, and she loved fiercely. Anyone who knew her felt that. We will love her endlessly, forever.”

Ange first came to Halton Haven Hospice in December 2024, and after spending time in other facilities over the next few months to support with pain management, she then returned to the Hospice in April as she wanted her end of life experience to be here.

Care personalised to her

“Mum was very nervous in healthcare environments by the time she got to be cared for by Halton Haven Hospice, but the staff gained her trust very quickly.”

“From the very first day, the staff made it clear that their priority was understanding who she was and what mattered to her. They personalised her care around her need to be surrounded by family, and they made sure she received everything she needed while still allowing us to be constantly in and out, sitting outside with her, and filling the space in the way our large family naturally does. They reassured us straight away that they could care for her to the high standard we had been trying so hard to maintain at home, with the help of District Nurses, and they proved that to us every single day.”

“There are so many moments that will stay with us forever.”

“One of the biggest was when we were able to bring Mum back to Halton Haven from another care facility where she had been trialling treatment. It was painful to all of us that the treatment had not helped, but when she returned to Halton Haven Hospice, she simply said “I’m home.”. The relief we felt in that moment is something we’ll never forget.

Another memory that means absolutely everything to us is the day that Mum’s doctor listened intently when we raised concerns about a medication that had been added to her plan at another care facility. We explained that Mum wasn’t responding in the way she normally would, and that something felt wrong. He took our lived experience seriously, trusted that we knew her best, and agreed that her reaction wasn’t typical for her. Because he believed us and acted on it, Mum woke up on what we have since dubbed “Miracle Day”, and we were able to have almost three more exceptionally precious months with her, that we may not otherwise have had.”

“They focused on Mum’s wishes, her dignity, and what she wanted her final weeks to look like.”

“The hospice made a difference in every possible way. They centred Mum’s autonomy in every decision and treated her preferences as essential. When she told the nurses or doctors that certain medications didn’t feel right, they didn’t dismiss her. They listened and tried alternatives. That level of respect meant everything. They never made her feel like she was asking too much or passed judgement on her choices. She felt understood and accepted for who she was.

They involved her and us from the moment she arrived until the very end of her time there. We never felt like we were in the way or bothering anyone. The Nurses and Healthcare Assistants even took seriously our requests to be called in the night if Mum woke up and needed comfort. They created an environment where we could simply be with her whenever we wanted to be, and that gift is something we will always be grateful for.”

Adding life to days

“In the final week of Mum’s life, we were able to spend time together as a family, out in the garden. The staff brought out trays of sandwiches and ice pops, and we spent the whole day in the sun with Mum. It was simple, but it was perfect.”

“Our Mum inspired us to fundraise”

“She was incredible at her job, and she was passionate about fighting for NHS funding. As such, she helped to found the local Momentum group around 2018, with the goal to help the NHS as much as she could. We are so proud of her, and she has inspired us to care so deeply about fundraising and helping healthcare stay available to those who need it.”

To honour the one-year anniversary of Angie’s passing, her children: Jasmine, Rayna, Laura, Ade, and their friend Shaunagh, organised an event in her memory called AngeFest. This event raised an incredible £3,465.89 for Halton Haven Hospice and “became a celebration of her, of community, and of the hospice that cared for her with so much kindness.”

For family and friends, fundraising became a way to “work through our grief in a way that felt active and meaningful.”

“Doing something for others, especially in Mum’s name, became a therapeutic way for us to process everything we’d been through. Fundraising for Halton Haven felt like the most natural way to honour her and to give back to the people who gave us so much. We want other families to receive the same level of care we did.

AngeFest was a day of live music and family‑friendly fun held at the Parklands Social Club in Widnes. We filled the space with games stalls for both kids and adults, a large luxury raffle, live music throughout the afternoon, and a really relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that felt true to Mum. It was the kind of day she would have loved: people coming together, kids running around with prizes, music playing, and everyone just enjoying themselves while supporting a cause that means so much to us.”

“Community generosity added so much heart to the day.”

Family and friends set out to create a day to bring people together and the support of the local community and businesses showed that together, we can help make a difference. “Every prize, every voucher, every service offered helped us create something joyful and meaningful in Mum’s name. It reminded us how strong our community is and how much kindness there is in the people around us. We’ll always appreciate the way they showed up for us and for Halton Haven.”

Thank you so much to Angie’s family for sharing their story. They continue to think of ways to support the Hospice, and we are grateful for the difference they are making in Angie’s Memory. “Halton Haven will always feel like part of our family now. The staff there will always be so special to us.” If you have been inspired to fundraise in memory of a loved one, please email us on fundraising@haltonhaven.co.uk so we can let you know how we can support you.

Meet Naomi: Our Volunteer Patient Carer Representative

Posted on by Rachel Martin

Naomi has been volunteering with the Hospice for around 2 and a half years, helping to represent the patients and families we have at the Hospice. She says, “Part of my job is to talk to patients who are able to speak and feel up to it, asking if everything is okay or if they have any concerns so that I can refer any concerns onto the appropriate person. Usually though everything is okay and they can’t fault the place.”

For Naomi volunteering has supported in giving her a sense of camaraderie with her saying “I’ve worked for the NHS for 22 years and when I retired, I missed the atmosphere and the camaraderie. I’d always had in mind to volunteer here so here I am; I’ve not looked back since.”

With many different volunteer roles at the Hospice, volunteers can learn new skills or bring their own skills to the role. For Naomi, she has a wealth of knowledge and past experiences that she has used while volunteering. She says, “I’ve had several roles in data collection, mostly in hospitals along with other roles such as working in Leicester Royal Infirmary for the Blood and Marrow transplant unit. It was my job to follow up every patient who had received a transplant. I have always worked in services helping people, including the charity TypeTalk. Volunteering enables me to contribute all those skills I’ve gathered over the years to Halton Haven Hospice.”

Adding, “I love meeting other people, I love the camaraderie of the Hospice environment, I love helping and talking to the patients. I just like working with other people in the Hospice to get jobs done. The every day stuff keeps my brain ticking over.”

For many of our volunteers, volunteering fits around their other life commitments and is something they enjoy doing. Naomi says “I have other things going on during the week, so I slot Halton Haven in once a week. Volunteering makes me feel good because it makes me feel like I’ve contributed to a good service.”

If you’re thinking about volunteering, Naomi says, “Do it, my husband is volunteering here too. We love it.”

Halton Haven Hospice, “It’s a beautiful place with a beautiful atmosphere, and a beautiful place for people suffering from acute conditions and those that are on end of life. It’s an absolutely perfect place with lots of love. That’s all I can say.” If you’re interested in volunteering at Halton Haven, let us know by emailing info@haltonhaven.co.uk.