Treetops Hospice has been announced as a finalist in the nationwide 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards. The hospice’s six-minute film, Busting Myths: Hospice Care, features staff and volunteers from across the organisation as they challenge some of the most common misconceptions about hospice care.
In the film, contributors explain that Treetops is far from the “depressing and dark” place some might imagine. Instead, visitors often comment on how “welcoming, supportive and uplifting” the hospice feels.
The film also addresses the taboo surrounding conversations about death and dying. Treetops’ counselling experts highlight that openly discussing these topics can help people feel more prepared and less fearful of this natural part of life.
Philippa Shreeve, Director of Clinical Services, uses the film to clarify how the hospice is funded. She explains that while many assume hospices are fully funded by the NHS, Treetops receives less than 18% statutory funding. The charity therefore relies heavily on the generosity of its local community to continue providing vital care and support.
Michael Younger, Head of Marketing at Treetops Hospice, said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen as a finalist for the Smiley Charity Film Awards. Being recognised alongside so many fantastic charities is an achievement in itself, and we feel incredibly honoured.
“We chose to focus our submission on busting myths because these misconceptions are something we encounter so often at Treetops.
“Ultimately, we want people to feel confident asking questions and to better understand the compassionate, positive work that happens in hospices every day.
“We’d love our local community to get behind us. If you believe in the work we do and the importance of challenging hospice myths, your vote would mean the world and help us continue reaching even more people.
“We wish all nominees the very best of luck and look forward to the results in April.”
The final stage of public voting is now open and closes on Thursday 23 April. Winners of the Smiley Charity Film Awards will be announced on Wednesday 29 April, with each category winner receiving a unique Smiley Charity Film Awards trophy and a £3,000 prize.
To view the nominees and vote for Treetops Hospice, visit: https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/busting-myths-hospice-care
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Photo caption: Some of the Treetops Hospice team featured in the film: Natalie Godrich, Relationships Manager (right); Alison Jordan, Wellbeing Manager and Head of Marketing; and Michael Younger (left), who created the video.
About Treetops Hospice
Treetops Hospice is a leading end-of-life care charity in Derbyshire, for adults with life-limiting conditions, people who have been bereaved, and their families.
The charity offers support from the point of diagnosis onwards for patients living with conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart and respiratory illnesses.
Last year, the Treetops nursing team supported over 2,000 patients, with over 34,000 hours of end-of-life care delivered.
The bereavement counselling team provided more than 5,000 hours of sessions – including over 1,500 for children and young people. The Wellbeing team also offers vital information, guidance, and emotional support to those who need it most.
A donation of £34.50 helps provide a counselling session for a bereaved child. A donation of £108 helps provide nursing care through the night for a patient at the end of life.
Donations are warmly welcomed to help secure the future of the hospice and its services: www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate
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