Background The Royal Borough of Greenwich and Bexley has a diverse population, with Nigerian, Nepalese, and Vietnamese communities being the largest, according to the 2021 Census. Despite this diversity, only 13% of The Community Hospice patients in 2022–2023 were from these communities. The Community Hospice recognized the need to address language and cultural barriers to improve accessibility to hospice services for these groups.

Aim To bridge this gap, The Community Hospice partnered with the University of Greenwich to establish the Greenwich Hospice Society. This initiative involves a group of 10 students committed to understanding the community’s needs and educating them about hospice services.

Method The students, who come from various backgrounds and speak multiple languages, engaged directly with the community. For instance, two Vietnamese-speaking students joined a local Vietnamese social group in Woolwich. Over three months, they attended weekly sessions with approximately 15 Vietnamese women, gathering insights into their perceptions and needs regarding end-of-life care. They documented their findings in a comprehensive report.

Results The engagement revealed significant cultural insights, such as the absence of a direct translation for ‘Hospice’ in Vietnamese, making the concept unfamiliar. While some community members were aware of the hospice, misconceptions persisted, influencing their reluctance to use the services. Students have introduced us to contacts within their own community and have attended community groups using their own networks. All of the students have become hospice volunteers, supporting a range of roles from shop volunteering to working with our Allied Health Professional team.

Conclusion The partnership between The Community Hospice and the University of Greenwich’s students has proven invaluable in uncovering cultural and linguistic barriers. By understanding these communities’ specific needs and perspectives, The Community Hospice can tailor its outreach efforts to improve accessibility and inclusivity. The initiative highlights the crucial role that university-community collaborations can play in enhancing healthcare services for diverse populations.