Background Despite legal advancements like gay marriage, LGBTQ+ individuals often face significant barriers in accessing equitable end-of-life care, exacerbated by healthcare professionals’ limited awareness of LGBTQ+ specific needs. The Community Hospice identified a significant gap in the service provision to the LGBTQ+ community within their regions, prompted by regional health data and personal testimonies of neglect and discrimination.

Aim The project aimed to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of end-of-life care services (and hospice services more specifically) for our local LGBTQ+ community by educating staff and integrating community insights into care practices by sharing a video of personal experiences from within the LGBTQ+ community locally.

Method The initiative employed a collaborative approach with METRO Charity, involving shadowing, community engagement, and educational interventions. Activities included SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) training for 75 hospice staff, the development of inclusive hospice literature, and the production of an educational film showcasing the specific needs of LGBTQ+ patients and carers.

Results The project led to increased awareness and sensitivity among hospice staff towards LGBTQ+ issues, evidenced by improved patient interactions and feedback. The educational film and revised hospice literature enhanced the understanding and visibility of LGBTQ+-specific challenges in palliative care, contributing to a more inclusive environment. Feedback from staff training sessions highlighted an enhanced ability to address LGBTQ+ needs respectfully and knowledgeably.

Specific reflections related to:

• Visibility and discrimination.

• Misunderstandings and assumptions.

• Safety and abuse concerns.

• End–of–life care experiences.

• Educational gaps.

• Policy and practice recommendations.

• Cultural competence.

Conclusion The collaborative project successfully enhanced the cultural competence of hospice staff, demonstrating that targeted educational and engagement strategies can effectively reduce disparities in end-of-life care for LGBTQ+ individuals. Sharing our learning locally has strengthened relationships between the hospice, LGBTQIA+ organisations and local authorities, whilst also bilaterally raising awareness of each others’ work.