Background Following a session provided by the hospice at a council event for carers of people with dementia, it was clear that hospice services were greatly misunderstood. It was agreed that we should work collaboratively to better support people living with dementia and their carers.

Following consultation, including some scepticism about using the hospice site, a committee was developed and volunteers recruited to create the ‘Making Memories Café’ at the hospice.

Aim Deliver a new model of care where the hospice and borough council co-deliver café sessions. This is expected to increase awareness of hospice services and to open up conversations about death and dying.

Methodology Quality Improvement: Rapid improvement and Plan Do Study Act (PDSA).

Phases:

• 1.  Planning, volunteer training.

• 2.  Implementation, relationship building, additional hospice led therapy sessions e.g. Jabadao.

• 3.  Preliminary conversational feedback and evaluation.

Next steps:

• 4.  Drop-in hospice information sessions/use of outdoor space/adapted Tai chi and yoga.

• 5.  Structured feedback and evaluation.

Results 30–40 people attending each month. Volunteers and people attending have been hugely positive and tell us the sessions provide a gentle introduction to the hospice. Many welcome using outdoor space in the summer.

Comments include: “Concerned for the future and outgrowing the space as the sessions are so popular”; “Thoroughly delighted with our first six months. We are learning that singing and music are an essential element”; “Some enjoy lunch afterwards. Not always so easy for them elsewhere”; “Carers benefit from having the opportunity to speak to other carers and volunteers”; “Feels safe, felt hugged by the experience”.

Conclusion These session are very popular and the venue has not put people off attending. It has created an opportunity for people to see and feel the hospice environment, creating opportunities for people to gain better access to our services.