Discover how a pioneering community engagement program in South-west England is breaking down barriers to palliative care and bereavement support in rural, coastal, and low-income communities, shedding light on the unique challenges they face.
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Engaging with communities in rural, coastal and low-income areas to understand barriers to palliative care and bereavement support: reflections on a community engagement programme in South-west England.
Hansford et al., Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023
DOI: 10.1177/26323524231212514
Community Support in End-of-Life Care: Insights from England’s South-west Peninsula
New Information: This study reveals the community support needs and preferences for end-of-life and bereavement care in rural, coastal, and low-income areas of England’s South-west Peninsula, highlighting the importance of connection, individualized support, and service accessibility.
Importance: The findings emphasize the role of local community organizations in providing end-of-life care, addressing the inequities faced by rural and low-income populations. It also underscores the effectiveness of creative engagement methods in understanding the needs of underserved communities.
Contribution to Literature: The research contributes to the literature by offering a model for community engagement through a multi-sectoral partnership, using innovative tools like the ‘Departure Lounge’ installation, a ‘Community Conversation’ toolkit, and storytelling projects to facilitate discussions on dying and bereavement.
Key outcomes include the identification of valued community support characteristics, such as peer support and the ability to meet individual needs. The study also highlights the potential for collaboration between palliative care, bereavement organizations, and community groups to develop sustainable, knowledge-based solutions tailored to local needs.