On World Homelessness Day, 10 October 2025, Royal Trinity Hospice hosted an evening of film, art and reflection at Studio Voltaire, Clapham, to celebrate ‘Dying Matters’, a creative collaboration with King George’s Hostel in Westminster, supported by Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Community Fund.
The project brought together residents of King George’s Hostel, Trinity staff, artist and activist David Tovey, and Chris James, Recovery Opportunities Coordinator at the hostel. Across seven workshops held throughout 2024, residents explored themes of death, dying, loss and hospice care through art.
People experiencing homelessness often face profound barriers to healthcare and are less likely to access palliative and end of life care. Nationally, the average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 46 for men and just 42 for women, and in 2024 a record 1,611 homeless people died in the UK (Museum of Homelessness, 2025). The Dying Matters project aimed to create a safe, creative space for residents to explore illness, loss and mortality, and to build trust in hospice care.
The workshops culminated in the creation of a collaborative artwork, a sculptural representation of Big Ben. This was chosen for its strong connection to Westminster, the location of King George’s Hostel as well as the area with the highest number of rough sleepers in the UK. Other elements created at the workshops were added to the clockface and the tower, representing memories of people who have died, hopes for personal legacies and thoughts on what good hospice care means to residents.
Feedback showed that all residents who took part in the workshops felt more confident discussing death and dying, and agreed they were more likely to seek support from Trinity should they become seriously unwell.
The project was documented in a short film by Rob Jewitt, which premiered at the World Homelessness Day event. The screening was followed by a moving performance art piece by David Tovey and an exhibition of residents’ artwork presented by Chris James. Guests also took part in creative activities led by Trinity’s Art Therapist Tristan Chan, and had the opportunity to view and discuss ‘Little Big Ben’.
Rob Jewitt reflected:
“I am proud to say I was part of such a courageous project bringing light to the important issue of homeless mortality. It is our hope that the exciting artwork, made by residents of King George’s Hostel in Westminster, will take the conversation to the public in an engaging way and spark conversation and awareness. Through making the documentary, I saw in action how the act of making art creates a comfortable space for people to open up and discuss difficult topics and personal life experiences. I enjoyed meeting so many great people.”
Chris James added:
“The project was insightful, rewarding and lots of fun.”
Polly Balsom, Associate Director of Communications and Engagement at Royal Trinity Hospice, concluded:
“Through Trinity’s Homelessness Working Group and partnerships like this with King George’s Hostel, we are committed to providing accessible, appropriate care to patients experiencing homelessness in our area as well as working with colleagues at hostels and charities to make sure they know how we can help.”
The 30-minute short film Dying Matters can be watched online: Royal Trinity Hospice and King Georges Hostel Dying Matters | Long Form
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Written by Lucy Williams, Community Engagement Manager, Royal Trinity Hospice
https://www.royaltrinityhospice.london
Photos credited to ‘Videographer/Videography – Rob Jewitt’.
Lead photo caption: David Tovey, the artist who supported with the workshops
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