Background Hospice Isle of Man (IoM) is celebrating its 35th anniversary. To thank the community and to inform the next five-year strategy, the hospice conducted a series of community listening events with the theme of ‘What matters to you, matters to us’.

Aims To understand what the public knew about Hospice and learn about their experience; to find out what matters most when confronted with end of life; and to ask how the hospice can best serve the IoM.

Methods Hospice staff approached members of the public at supermarkets and community events at seven locations. Events took place between January and February 2018 during business hours. Demographic data were collected on age and sex. Interviewers recorded responses that were analysed using thematic analysis according to the aims.

Results A total of 278 persons from a population of 83 000 provided comments. The majority were female (63%) and over 55 (68%), 32% had used services, and 74% had general awareness of hospice. Respondents were aware of specialist skills and services and/or were supporters. However, only 5% knew about the range of services and there were misconceptions about who the hospice serves. Others preferred ‘not to think about it’ or felt there was ‘one way out’. Overall, experience with Hospice was positive and many felt it was ‘for families’. What mattered to people included: kind, compassionate and effective care, emotional support, person-centred care, equity, the environment, open access, good communication, honesty and helping others talk about death. Hospice can best serve by making services available ‘to all who need it’, ensure sustainability, by supporting families, friends/co-workers, schools and by improving transparency of its accounts.

Conclusions Hospice needs to raise awareness of its services. Hospice care is valued and needs to be provided at the right time and place for all who need it.