For one week in October, Hospice Care Week shines a spotlight on hospices up and down the country, and the work that we do. Organised by Hospice UK, each year is given a theme to spark important conversation. This year's theme is ‘hospice care is more than you think’.

As we know at North London Hospice, Our care isn’t only about managing pain and symptoms on a ward. It is often about the things that make life better for the person and their family both inside and outside of the hospice’s building. It is helping people do what they love, even when illness makes it difficult. There are so many tales of tenderness from across our hospice where relatively small moments had a big impact.

There are so many tales of tenderness from across our hospice where relatively small moments had a big impact. Moments like the cake we had custom made for a couple celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary during an Inpatient stay. The roast dinner we were able to orchestrate for one final shared pub lunch between mother and son. The cat who came to sit with a patient who longed for his feline friend. It's the guitars and the harps that bring music back into our patients' lives, the movie nights, the weddings, the early Christmases and more. It's Compassionate Neighbours, Indian head massages, therapy dogs, makeovers, an extra cup of tea and a even a hug or a hand on someone's back.

It is saying yes when the world keeps saying no.

All of these stories, big and small, reflect the heart of what hospice care truly is; human, personal and deeply compassionate. Hospice Care Week is a chance to show that behind every diagnosis is a life still being lived, with laughter, love and dignity. At North London Hospice, we will continue to say yes to these moments of meaning, because we know that hospice care is about holding on to what matters most.