Springhill Hospice announces new poet in residence

The addition of a ‘poet in residence’ is part of a new venture by the Springhill Hospice

This year Springhill Hospice marked 35 years of providing palliative care to its community but rather than rest on its laurels it is very much looking to the future.

There have been lots of inroads in to new services, renovations to outdated areas of the hospice and a fundraising team excited by finding innovative ways to reach new supporters.

One new venture is the addition of a ‘poet in residence’. Lancashire based poet, teacher and empathy advocate Paul Jenkins has come on board to volunteer his writing skills and capture some of the special moments that can be found at the hospice.

Springhill CEO, Sam Wells said: “It’s so lovely to have someone like Paul on board and although we’ve had a journalist on the team before we’ve never had a poet in residence.

"Paul wrote a truly moving piece for last year’s Light up a Life Appeal that really touched people and we’re so glad he’s agreed to create something new for this year too and be on hand to mark other hospice moments. It makes us feel very special”

Paul will also be working with the hospice on workshops with patients and staff to help put in to words some of the more complex feelings they may have when dealing with end-of-life care.

Paul says: “In my day to day life, I work in schools encouraging kids to have fun with words and find creative ways to express themselves.

"I can’t wait to start bringing some hospice themes in to the mix and take the sting out of some of the scarier concepts. I’m also really looking forward to working with the hospice team to try and create some resources they can use to help loved ones deal with end-of-life issues too.

"It’s strange that something as inevitable for us all as the end of our life is talked about in hushed whispers using negative words when actually there can be so much beauty and grace there too; let’s start to build some new conversations and shine a light on the positives.”

Paul will be reading this year’s 'light up a life' piece at a service at St Chad’s Parish Church on 5 December and on the 7 December at the hospice celebration -  all are welcome to attend.

For more details, please head to: www.springhill.org.uk