Compassionate Sheffield
Compassionate Sheffield exists to improve people’s experiences of death, dying, loss and grief in Sheffield. This community-led programme acknowledges that death is a social and cultural event, that affects all of us. We’re funded by the NHS Integrated Care Board, Sheffield City Council and St Luke’s Hospice.
Transforming our city through the power of compassion
Compassionate Sheffield is a Sheffield-based community development programme that brings people together to reduce inequalities and improve end-of-life experiences. We work in partnership to develop asset-based resources that help local people explore and grow their understanding of death, dying, loss and grief.
One key initiative is the Life, Loss and Death Festival – a month-long series of free events across the city. The festival features music, nature activities, writing workshops, open mic sessions, author panels, exhibitions, discussion groups and more, as well as opportunities to take part in Advance Care Planning.
Planning ahead for end of life care
Death is a part of life, and it’s never too early to think about the care you might want towards the end of your life. If you're living with a life-limiting illness or approaching the end of your life, it can help to talk about your wishes and share your feelings with the people who will be supporting you.
Planning ahead in this way is called “Advance Care Planning” – an approach to end-of-life planning that encourages conversations about where you’d like to be cared for, where you’d prefer to be when you die, and the types of medical treatment you would or would not like to be given.
Once you feel ready, you can make an appointment with your GP practice to discuss your preferences and ask any questions you may have. After your appointment, the clinician will record your choices as part of your Advance Care Plan, which will be stored digitally within your patient record.
Read more about Compassionate Sheffield and access tools, guidance and information on end-of-life planning, what to expect in the final stages of life, bereavement and grief, supporting children and more.
Other ways St Luke’s is here for you
How to become a patient at St Luke’s
To access our care, you will need a referral from a healthcare professional and a diagnosis of a progressive illness with no known cure. Once you’re under the care of St Luke’s, whether in the Hospice, at home or in another setting, you can access a range of support and services available to you and those close to you.
FAQs about Compassionate Sheffield
Compassionate Sheffield is a community-led programme that aims to improve people’s experiences of death, dying, loss and grief, recognising that death is a social and cultural part of life that affects us all. Compassionate Sheffield is funded by the NHS Integrated Care Board, Sheffield City Council and St Luke’s Hospice, and began in 2021.
Compassionate Sheffield works with people, communities and organisations to create safe, supportive spaces to explore and grow understanding of death, dying, loss and grief. They develop asset-based resources in partnership with local services, helping to connect communities with health, wellbeing and end-of-life planning support.
End-of-life planning helps ensure you receive the care you want and can make it easier for loved ones to support you. You might find it helpful to involve them in conversations about:
What kind of funeral or remembrance you would prefer
Where important documents, such as your birth certificate, are kept
Where you would prefer to be cared for towards the end of your life
Whether you would want to be admitted to hospital if your health worsens
Whether you would prefer to be cared for at home, in a care home or in another setting
Any medical treatments you would not want to receive
Whether you would want attempts to restart your heart if it were to stop
These aren’t easy questions to think about, but by discussing your wishes with your loved ones or carers, you can help them help you.
If you feel ready to begin end-of-life planning, you can make an appointment with your GP practice to discuss your preferences and ask any questions. After your appointment, the clinician will record your wishes as part of your Advance Care Plan, which will be stored digitally within your patient record.
There is no set timeline for end-of-life planning. Compassionate Sheffield encourages you to start when you feel ready by exploring available resources, thinking about the type of care you might want, and having conversations with loved ones. When you feel comfortable, you can then discuss your wishes with a healthcare professional as part of your Advance Care Plan.