Spaces to take the Mountbatten to the Community

Mountbatten Hampshire hospice has been supporting local people through providing end-of-life care and bereavement support for the past 45 years. Since becoming an independent hospice in 2019, its services have evolved and grown and now it supports approximately 1000 people across the community on any one day, as well as within its inpatient unit which has 21 beds onsite at its West End facility.

With such a high number of people coming through the doors daily for rehabilitation, specialist groups, bereavement services or seeing family, it was vital that the Mountbatten has welcoming spaces for visitors and dedicated places for sensitive conversations.

“We could immediately see how new furniture would make a difference to Mountbatten Hampshire,” said Jeannie Pitt, B&Q Foundation Manager. “It transforms the space from clinical to homely and social. A space for people to feel comfortable in.”

Welcoming Spaces

The £5000 grant bought additional tables and chairs for the public café area which has been created within the hospice. For the first time ever, this offers a social space for all patients, their families and friends, visitors, and members of the local community to meet, eat, drink and talk together. It’s light, bright and modern and gives the opportunity to host local events in the future to open the hospice up to the community and to change public perceptions of the work Mountbatten does.

Dedicated Places

Sensitive conversations with family members and patients need quiet locations for privacy and calm. The grant also bought colourful, modern furniture for a private room for exactly that purpose. It meets infection control standards by being wipe clean, and practical with arm rests to aid easy sitting and standing, but more than that, its not medical or clinical looking, making it a reassuringly comfortable environment for sensitive conversations.

“People come through our doors for all sorts of reasons and with many different needs,” said Becky McGregor, Director of Operations. “We’re delighted with our new furniture which helps us meet those needs.”

Outdoor Oasis

 B&Q also sent in a team of staff volunteers to transform some of the outdoor space for people visiting Mountbatten Hampshire. Painting ten benches in the garden ready for the good weather, laying a stepping stone pathway to a pagoda and an outdoor shelter, and laying a slate path beside the access road where funeral directors collect those who have died at the hospice has made a massive difference to the outdoor space.

“It’s not just practical,” said Becky, “it’s improved outdoor spaces for all to enjoy. We were so impressed with how much the team achieved in a day.  A big thank you to the B&Q Foundation.”