We chatted about conceptual clarity surrounding the CC model, illuminated CC projects happening around the globe, and discussed the next steps to making the CC model a reality in your community. This time, with the help from our Compassionate Communities Co-Lead, Dr. Kathy Kortes-Miller, we’ll be taking it one step further by discussing the concept of Compassionate Schools.
The CC model upholds principles of healthy communities where health is everyone’s responsibility, and therefore palliative and end of life care is also everyone’s responsibility (Kellehear, 2015). The Compassionate City Charter is a framework of 12 social changes that lead communities towards being compassionate cities. This international initiative was launched in May 2015. One of the 12 social changes identified in the charter involves schools. The charter states that “Our schools will have annually reviewed policies or guidance documents for dying, death, loss and care.”
Members of school communities know that all natural cycles of sickness and health, birth and death, and love and loss occur every day within these educational institutions. Most school communities recognize that care for one another at times of crisis and loss is not simply a task solely for health and social services but is everyone’s responsibility.
To view the full article, please visit Pallium Canada.
