Strengthening the connection between hospices and communities
Hospices provide compassionate, specialised care for people and families during some of life’s most challenging experiences.
Compassionate Communities Australia is working alongside hospices to strengthen partnerships with communities, recognising that the best care happens when clinical expertise and community support work together.
By building stronger relationships beyond the walls of hospices, we can create more connected, supportive communities for everyone.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Care extends beyond the hospice
Hospices play an essential role in supporting people with life-limiting illness and those who care for them.
While specialist care is critical, families, friends, neighbours and communities also provide much of the practical, emotional and social support people need.
When hospices work alongside communities, people experience more connected care before, during and after death.
Together, we can strengthen both clinical care and community capability.
OUR ADVOCACY STATEMENT
Building partnerships that strengthen care
The Challenge
Hospice care is often viewed as something delivered by services rather than something strengthened through partnerships with families, communities and local networks.
This can overlook the valuable role communities play in supporting people before, during and after death.
Our Vision
Hospices that work alongside communities to build stronger networks of care, recognising that meaningful relationships and local support are essential to quality end-of-life care.
Together, services and communities create environments where people feel connected, supported and valued.
What Needs to Change
We believe hospices can strengthen community support by:
✔ Building long-term partnerships with local communities.
✔ Supporting family, friends and community networks as valued partners in care.
✔ Improving grief, death and community literacy.
✔ Encouraging community participation and volunteering.
✔ Sharing knowledge and evidence-based practice.
✔ Strengthening relationships across health, aged care and community sectors.
✔ Supporting community-led initiatives that continue beyond hospice care.
Working Together
Building stronger hospice partnerships requires collaboration between:
- Hospices
- Palliative care services
- Families and carers
- Volunteers
- Community organisations
- Local government
- Health services
- Researchers
- Community members
Together we can strengthen community support before, during and after death.
BUILDING COMMUNITY CAPABILITY
Strong communities strengthen hospice care
Hospices have an important role in helping communities build confidence, knowledge and practical skills.
By working alongside local organisations and community networks, hospices can help create environments where people feel better supported throughout illness, caregiving, dying and grief.
Community capability strengthens the care people receive and helps reduce isolation for individuals and families.
FROM SERVICES TO PARTNERSHIPS
Caring together
Hospices already bring exceptional clinical expertise.
Communities bring relationships, local knowledge and ongoing support.
When these strengths come together, people experience care that is more connected, more personal and more sustainable.
This partnership benefits individuals, families, communities and the health system alike.
PRACTICAL ACTION
Every hospice can strengthen community connection
Practical actions might include:
- Building partnerships with community organisations.
- Supporting volunteer programmes.
- Improving community education.
- Encouraging family and community involvement.
- Sharing practical resources.
- Strengthening bereavement support.
- Building local networks of care.
Small actions help create lasting community connections.
RELATED RESOURCES
Looking for practical guides, research and resources that support community-centred hospice care?
Australia’s Community Resource Hub provides evidence, practical tools and examples of community-led approaches that strengthen partnerships between hospices and communities.
Compassionate Communities Australia is the national organisation building community capability through advocacy, practical resources, partnerships and community-led action.
