How Outreach is still at the heart of the Hospice

It is no surprise that every department here at the hospice has had to adapt to a ‘new normal’ way of working due to the global COVID-19 pandemic – but that hasn’t stopped Jo Lister from being at the heart of the patients from day one. 

Each and every member of staff has adapted and taken it in their stride, with Jo Outreach Activities Co-ordinator, being no exception – here’s how she is adapting to the change and making sure everyone is staying safe and keeping well.

Over the past 6 years, Jo has co-ordinated and arranged a whole array of different activities from knitting nearly 1km of scarf that wrapped the hospice to creating vibrant flower arrangements – but unfortunately these enjoyable activities can no longer be carried out.

But that isn’t a problem for Jo who has been working tirelessly to come up with fun and fruitful ideas on how to keep Outreach members beaming. 

“Normally around this time of year we would be arranging parties but instead throughout this November we have been putting together packs for everyone which includes a nonogram, a word search, crosswords and hidden pictures,” Jo explains.

“Lately we have also been sending out packs of food which we managed to put together from a grant we received from Tesco and we’ve been doing doorstep visits to deliver them and see everyone.

“We have also been creating packs and sending them out to people who can do something artistic in their home, and exercise cards have been sent out too to make sure everyone is getting up and staying active, even if it is inside the house. 

“The change was very weird to start with and having to adapt was different as we are used to operating out of buildings and having everyone together, it’s just not the same.”

The Outreach department of the hospice supports anyone who has a life limiting condition and who would benefit greatly from social support and interacting with others in a similar situation, giving them the chance to make new friends and participate in crafts and other co-ordinated activities. 

“We are making the best of what we have got and we are all really grateful and thankful. We have received thank you cards and had emails from people asking when they can come out to see us again,” continued Jo.

“People are always asking after each other and everyone is missing the social side of it and miss seeing the volunteers. We used to work with the schools and young people and I miss that too – I just miss seeing everyone.”