Michael's story

‘For me, Christmas is a time for reconnecting with my family who live in Northern Ireland, so I usually take time off to visit them.

‘The lead up to Christmas at the hospice is very special. We have a huge tree that goes up in The Street, and pre-pandemic we would have a choir concert. Chocolate becomes more available too, and you can usually find a selection of Quality Street somewhere!

‘In my role I help with the non-medical side of support, such as finances or if there are any housing problems. As you get closer to the Christmas period it becomes increasingly difficult to get the availability for home care support, so if we have someone on the Inpatient Unit who wants to get home before Christmas, we have to work quickly to help them source a package of support.

‘Christmas is a difficult time for people who have had loved ones who have died, for the same reason that I like Christmas – being together with family. When everyone comes together, that’s when you really notice that someone’s not there. We do our best to provide emotional support and be a friendly face for them.'