The Myton Hospices hosts specialist support courses in partnership with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

By hosting the sessions within the hospices’ friendly, non-clinical environments, Myton aimed to challenge common misconceptions about hospice care, helping participants feel at ease whilst empowering them to take an active role in managing their wellbeing. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.

The HOPE programme is a six-week course designed to build resilience, encourage goal-setting and support emotional wellbeing. Participants joined following referrals from various UHCW departments. Many reported leaving the course feeling more confident, informed, and in control of their healthcare journey.

One attendee commented:“…helped me realise I’m not alone. Setting goals and hearing others’ stories gave me the confidence to take control of my own journey.”

The Take Control course, co-developed with Myton’s Community Engagement Manager, Olivia Bowskill, RN, was designed for palliative patients and their carers. Referrals again came from several UHCW departments. The programme introduced participants to Myton’s services and shared practical strategies for resilience and self-care. Including carers in the sessions ensured that families felt informed and supported as a whole. One participant said:

“The Take Control course gave me and my family tools to manage better day-to-day. It was reassuring to know we’re not just being left to cope on our own.”

Another added: “It helped my partner understand what I’m going through, and we both felt more supported.”

Olivia Bowskill, Community Engagement Manager at The Myton Hospices, said: “A common misconception is that hospices are dark or solemn places, or only somewhere you go at the very end of life. These sessions proved that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many participants were visiting a hospice for the first time and left understanding that our hospices are warm, welcoming, and safe spaces to learn and feel supported.

“Most importantly, the sessions enabled people to access palliative care support earlier, improving outcomes and experiences for both patients and their families. Many participants reported feeling more confident managing aspects of their condition after taking part – which is the essence of personalised care.”

Julie Bliss, Personalised Care Programme Manager – Cancer at UHCW, said: “We have strengthened our partnership with The Myton Hospices to deliver vital support for people and their loved ones affected by cancer. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving health, wellbeing and quality of life across the region. These programmes equip patients with practical tools and emotional strategies to manage the challenges of living with cancer.”

This collaboration highlights the value of partnership in enhancing the experiences of people living with life-limiting illnesses. Hosting the courses at Myton increased awareness of hospice services and demonstrated the positive impact community-based care can have on wellbeing and quality of life. Feedback from participants has also informed a model that could be expanded more widely across the community. The programme directly supports the NHS Long Term Plan and aligns with Myton’s strategy to extend its reach and work collaboratively to improve outcomes for patients and families.

Following the success of this year’s programmes, The Myton Hospices looks forward to continuing the partnership into 2026. Plans include offering further sessions, developing new modules tailored to specific needs, and strengthening links with community services so that even more people across Coventry and Warwickshire can benefit from early, personalised care and support.

For more information about Myton’s services and how to access them, visit www.mytonhospice.org/Services