Compassionate Communities
Welcome to Compassionate Communities North east Essex. We are a collaboration of people, places and projects who are building networks of support in the community, to help prevent isolation and loneliness, especially during times of health crisis or personal loss.
Everyone has a role to play role in supporting one another and we recognise that human connection, compassion, and kindness are as vital as medicine. By fostering these relationships and togetherness, we can create healthier, happier communities.
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Upcoming
Compassionate Community Events & Activities
What is a compassionate community?
Compassionate communities are groups of people who support each other, especially when experiencing serious or life limiting illness, ageing, caregiving, grief or loss.
Everyone has a role to play and can help make a difference, and showing empathy and listening to people’s concerns can often be enough. Offering to help with specific tasks can be a relief to people when they are struggling to cope, or perhaps signposting community projects, groups and services that are able to offer direct support can be a help.
Sometimes small gestures can make the biggest impact – and a friendly smile can often make somebody else’s day more manageable.
What is the north east Essex Compassionate Community network?
A Compassionate Community network in north east Essex, with St Helena as the anchor organisation, is enabling better end of life care for everyone who lives or works in the Colchester and Tendring districts.
This network is actively supported by local residents, community groups, hubs, venues, projects, charities, businesses and public service providers. These Compassionate Community ambassadors share a common ambition and are committed to supporting the delivery model pictured.
We are proud to say that because of our collaborative efforts Colchester has been awarded Compassionate City status, celebrating the city’s compassionate culture and the strength of local partnerships guided by a shared Compassionate Charter and action plan.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved, including attending our public network events and activities, being part of our various working groups, becoming a Compassionate Community Ambassador and help spread the word in your local community.
Or a formal hospice volunteer and supporting admin, marketing or community connector roles – and everybody is encouraged to nominate a Compassionate Community Champion. Together, we can create stronger, kinder communities.
We encourage you to take the first step today - – explore the resources available, ask questions, and start the conversation about what matters most to you and your loved ones.
Please do get in touch to find out more at compassionatecommunities@sthelena.org.uk or by calling 01206 646275.
End of life resources
Want to find out more about support available for people at the end of life, their loved ones and carers?
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Community Champions
Last year, thanks to your continued support, St Helena Hospice cared for more than 4,200 local people facing incurable illness and bereavement in north east Essex
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Awareness training
We offer a range of educational training sessions to help demystify the myths and taboos surrounding end of life
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Community Volunteering
Volunteering in a compassionate community offers a unique chance to make a meaningful difference while enriching your own life.
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Useful
Links and Resources
Make a difference
Donate Today
Your donation, large or small, can make a big difference, giving more local people dignity and choice at the end of life.
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