Two local voluntary organisations, Foyle Hospice and Derry Well Women, along with the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care are delighted to be working collaboratively on an upcoming conference which will take place in the city later this month.

“Thriving as a Carer – Working Collaboratively to Improve Services and Support for Carers” will take place on Thursday 19th April 2018 at the White Horse Hotel, 68 Clooney Road. This one day conference is primarily aimed at individual carers who care for people with life limiting illnesses and/or palliative care needs. It will focus on helping delegates to better understand the services and support available to those who are caring for someone with palliative care needs including those at the end of life. Carers will also be encouraged to participate, interact and engage in discussions about the important role they have and challenges they face, as well as how they might work closer with professionals to support and influence change in policy and practice.

During the course of the day, participants will have an opportunity to meet and talk with health care professional as well as a number of organisations who will be on hand to provide information, advice and support about various illnesses, access to services and guidance on practical issues.

Brendan O’Hara, programme manager at All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care, said: “We are delighted to be working with Foyle Hospice and Derry Well Women for this important conference. Palliative care encompasses care for a person with a life-limiting illness; and support for those who are important to them. Family carers play a critical role. Our aim is that these carers will feel supported in this role through their attendance and participation at this conference.”

Please note that some places are still available on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to attend please contact Andrena Arbuckle at Foyle Hospice. Telephone 028 71351010 or email andrenaarbuckle@foylehospice.com to ensure you reserve your place at what promises to be a very positive and informative experience.

Notes to Editors:
1. All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care was formally established in October 2010, following a successful bid by the Consortium members to secure funding for the organisation. AIIHPC reflects a broad range of expertise in the service delivery, academic preparation for and management of hospice and palliative care across the island of Ireland.

2. Derry Well Women is a not-for-profit centre which offers health and social care services to women of all ages in a welcoming, relaxed, safe and confidential space. Services cover areas as diverse as cancer, mental health, and fitness, to parenting, breastfeeding support, miscarriage and menopause. We deliver our services via clinics, programmes, courses, classes, support groups and counselling and other one-to-one services.

3. Foyle Hospice provides 10 bed spaces in its In-Patient Care Unit, as well as Day Hospice facilities, community nursing, 24/7 Advice Line and bereavement counselling services for both adults (Forget Me Not) and children (Healing Hearts).

4. Media enquiries in the first instance to Donall Henderson, CEO, Foyle Hospice on 028 71351010 or e mail donallhendersonl@foylehospice.com