Children’s hospice learns more about its local community

Categories: Community Engagement.

The hospice is hoping that by learning more about Newham’s diverse population, including different communities’ attitudes to death and dying, it will be able to better tailor services to meet its communities’ needs. Currently the hospice supports 300 families but believes more families could benefit from its support, but are not accessing the services provided.

As part of the project, post graduate sociology students from Goldsmiths have been out in the local area, talking with shoppers, stall holders and passersby to learn more about Newham. Their real-time sociological research has been recorded in photos, sound recordings and film on the Every minute of every day blog.

Rachel Power, director of human resources and engagement at Richard House, said:

“We are aiming to learn more about the communities we support; working with Goldsmiths is a fun and exciting way for us to meet the individuals at the heart of these communities. We’re delighted with some of the insights already uncovered, right on our doorstep.”

Yasmin Gunaratnam, senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Goldsmiths, said: 

“The Every Day project has been a wonderful opportunity for us and our student volunteers. We have been able to try out some innovative ‘real-time’ research methods while knowing that our work will be of interest and use to the hospice. It really is a win-win situation and hopefully the beginning of a more long-term collaborative relationship.”

For more information on this project email Maya Anaokar at Richard House, or call 020 7540 0212.

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