My Hospice life

I had never been inside the hospice, although I passed it regularly. One day, as I passed by, I found myself thinking, I’d like to work there. At the time, I imagined myself working at the reception. Not long afterwards, I saw a vacancy for a Kitchen Assistant. I saw it as a way through the door, hoping that a receptionist position might come along in the future.

From the moment I started, the hospice it felt like leaving one home and arriving at another—a place of warmth, kindness, and belonging.

A short time later, in 2003, I experienced a deeply significant loss in my own life. During my grief, the hospice became a place of safety and support. As I tried to make sense of my loss, I realised I wanted to retrain and do something that would help others. I enrolled in a counselling course and went on to train as a volunteer with Cruse Bereavement Support.

That experience led me into a new role within the hospice, supporting carers. It was during this time that Alison, our Director of Care, shared some exciting news. Along with two other hospices, we were applying for five years of funding to establish a children’s bereavement support service, enabling us to support the whole family through grief. Alison asked if I would be interested in undertaking a 14-month accredited training course in London to prepare for the role. It was an incredible opportunity – one that would shape the next chapter of my journey.

The Butterfly Project

Together, we established the Butterfly Project, providing support for children and young people before and after the death of someone close to them. When the initial five-year funding came to an end, I was delighted to continue delivering the service. Over the years, I have also supported parents, teachers, and other professionals, helping them understand how best to support bereaved children and young people. I have always believed we could achieve even more within the community if we had the resources. I am part of the wellbeing team, continuing to support patients and families in many different ways.

My role today

Around 18 months ago, Laura joined our team and completed specialist training in child bereavement. Together, we have created a safe, welcoming space where children and young people can explore and express their grief through therapeutic activities tailored to their individual needs. We also support families by offering guidance and practical advice, encouraging open and honest conversations about death and grief, and promoting the use of age-appropriate language. In addition, we deliver presentations and bespoke training sessions for schools and other organisations, we run a parent support group, and provide support to families in the inpatient unit.

I feel incredibly privileged to be part of the Ardgowan Hospice team. Looking back, I often wonder where life would have taken me had I not walked through those doors all those years ago. What I do know is that being part of Ardgowan Hospice has allowed me to meet amazing colleagues, some of whom have become lifelong friends, and to play a part in supporting many amazing families, and that is a privilege I will never take for granted.

I am one of the oldest members of staff 👴🏆…with Yvette hot on my heels… just 3 weeks behind! 😂 Thought it was only fair to mention that, Yvette! 😇 It’s funny to think that what feels like only yesterday, I was one of the youngest members of the team. Now somehow I’ve become the ‘vintage edition’! How did that happen?

The future

With retirement now just three years away, I’m hoping my original plan comes to fruition, and I’ll finally get the job as a volunteer receptionist. It will be a wonderful way to stay part of the Ardgowan Hospice family. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, patients and families who have been with me along the way.

Best wishes,
Janice