Our story
Our history and milestones over the years
1984
Home care & social work services begin from Harriet Copperman's flat in Muswell HillIn 1981 St. Columbus Hospital closed its doors after operating for nearly 100 years as North London’s only long-stay hospital. Up until that point it had been the only place where those suffering with a life-limiting illness could receive treatment in North London.
Up until this point St. Columbus Hospital had been the only place where those with a life-limiting illness could receive treatment in North London. Hospitals would usually discharge people back into the community with no after care. Those who were unable to afford their own private help were unable to get the care they needed.
It was an unacceptable situation for North London’s residents, and one that galvanised a local Highgate GP, Dr Chris Hindley, to take action. He formed a small working group to begin the long process of creating North London Hospice, and was soon joined by Harriet Copperman OBE, who was to become the public face of the hospice with her outreach team.
The hospice began operating a community service in 1984.
1987
In the summer a possible site in Woodside Avenue Finchley was identified.The land was owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster. Soon after, contracts were signed and this is how North London Hospice, the UK’s very first multi-faith hospice was born.
1988
Building appeal launched and first shop opensOn numerous occasions the project nearly faltered, and it would be years before North London Hospice finally became a reality. But with the tireless help and support of many groups and individuals along the way, such as the Peabody Trust, the Jewish Welfare Board, and Melvyn Carlowe OBE, Chris Hindley’s vision was finally realised.
1992
Purpose built multi-faith hospice opens in North Finchley“Right from the start, I stipulated that the new place was to have a simple name – just North London Hospice,” says Dr Hindley, “with no specific religious connotation. I felt strongly that the two other London hospices were connected to the Catholic and Anglican faiths and that this hospice should be for everyone.” - Doctor Chris Hindley
1993
Queen Elizabeth II officially opens the building as the first patients are welcomedDuring this time the Jewish community also began planning the development of a hospice, and after some lengthy negotiations with Dr Hindley and the team it was decided that the Jewish Welfare Board (now Jewish Care) would formally join the North London Hospice Group.
In 1999 a Room of Quiet was opened to offer a space for reflection and additional space for staff and volunteers was built.
1996
The first Big Fun Walk takes placeOn Sunday 10 March 1996, a group of 300 enthusiastic walkers left East Finchley underground station and trekked to Westminster. The event became an annual highlight in the hospice calendar, and rest as they say, is history.
Big Fun Walk has become the hospice's flagship fundraising event and is much loved by our supporters.
2004
First Enfield Palliative Care Team run by North London HospiceWith the tireless help and support of many groups and individuals along the way, hospice services were expanded to help more people than ever before.
2007
Our first hospice at home programme was established. Whilst the current hospice building on Woodside Avenue was opened in 1992, the multi-professional service expanded to include inpatients and day services.
2009
North London Hospice celebrates 25 yearsThe hospice was now a much-loved charity and demand for services increased. In 2010 a site was acquired for a day centre in Enfield. Designs were prepared by the architect and construction began in April 2011. Written prayers from different faith leaders were also placed in a time capsule and buried on the site.
The site provided a welcome addition to hospice care where patients have access to services much closer to home.
2012
New hospice building opens and Day Services transferred to Barrowell Green, EnfieldDr Chris Hindley said: “It pleases me that I was able to set the ball rolling and give the hospice the necessary push it needed – but this thing still needs steering. Now that I am semi-retired, I have time to think about where the hospice is going and what the future holds and I can see that our work is far from over!”
2014
North London Hospice expands its reach to provide services in Haringey.
2016
Unique memorial Tribute Tree installed at Woodside Avenue2017
Compassionate Neighbours Programme launched and 25th year of the Inpatient Unit celebrated with a visit by Dame Esther Rantzen.
2018
Dr Chris Baxter, one of the hospice's founders, retires after 28 years of service.
2019
North London Hospice core service hours extended from 9am-5pm to 8am-8pm2022
A new brand and visual identity was launched in September 2022, which went on to win Gold at the London Design Awards.
2023
Working with the North Central London (NCL) Integrated Care Board, we launched our new single point of access, Palliative Advice Telephone line, for out of hours support. North London Hospice was appointed as the lead provider to deliver this service.
2023/24
Our retail division had its best trading year in history of the hospice reaching an incredible £3.54 million income.Our catchment extends to provide some services to communities in both Camden and Islington in addition to our three boroughs of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey.
2024
New shop opens in Palace Gardens, Enfield.
2025
North London Hospice opens its first Living Well CentreLocated in The Mall, Wood Green, the Living Well Centre is a bold forward-looking initiative that will redefine and bring hospice wellbeing services directly to the community, reaching underserved populations and enabling our charity to be more responsive to the needs of local people.
In summer 2025 our first shop in Islington opened with further plans approved to expand into Camden.
You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. Dame Cicely Saunders, Founder of the modern hospice movement
