The local hospice charity for Exeter, Central and East Devon is working with Exeter School on a unique project.
Exeter Young Changemakers, a programme for students to become young ambassadors for end-of-life care, launched on Tuesday 12 November with a Welcome Day at the hospice in Exeter.
The Young Changemakers programme will involve a series of workshops with Hospiscare’s Learning and Development team, as well as opportunities to volunteer and fundraise for the local hospice charity. The initiative will run throughout the school year and culminate in a celebration day on 17 June 2025.
Eight students aged 16-18, studying in Exeter School’s sixth form, were selected after submitting applications to Hospiscare and Exeter School. One Young Changemaker wrote:
“I was particularly drawn to the programme due to its focus on empowering young people to raise funds and helping to educate others on what Hospiscare does. The opportunity to support Hospiscare, which is such a vital organisation within Devon, is inspiring and worthwhile and I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to help raise funds and awareness for this essential service to the community.”
Some of the applicants had first-hand experience of end-of-life care and the impact of Hospiscare’s services. This Young Changemaker shared their motivation to apply for the programme, saying:
“In 2020, I unexpectedly lost my nan to rapid-spreading acute leukaemia and was forced to watch as one of the most important people in my life was taken in such a short period of time. Whilst it’s a topic I tend to avoid and isn’t easy for me to discuss, I think it is vital that we do everything we can to learn from tragic events like this.
“I, like many whom have lost someone to a disease like cancer, strongly feel I must do my part to help. I can remember the feeling of helplessness and a lack of understanding in those months and through this programme, I wish to learn how I can help. When you have seen a hospice worker arrive every day to an impossible situation with a smile, then you truly understand just how incredible these people are. It would be an honour be a part of a programme that I respect as much as I do.”
Exeter School’s Head of Year (Upper Sixth), Aoife-Jane Culley says, “We are delighted to be part of the Young Changemakers programme and are grateful to Hospiscare for creating such a valuable opportunity for our pupils.
“As a school, we place a lot of emphasis on character development and this programme allows the Lower Sixth pupils involved the chance to develop their understanding of what it means to serve the community and to learn more about the vital work that Hospiscare undertakes. We look forward to the pupils creating a working partnership with Hospiscare, educating younger pupils and promoting it as our whole school charity this year.”
Laura Robertson, Public Fundraising Manager for Hospiscare, created the Young Changemakers programme to inspire a younger generation to learn about end-of-life care and become ambassadors for Hospiscare. Laura says, “This is an exciting opportunity for our local charity to connect with young people and share the vital work we do.
“This programme will offer many opportunities to the students involved, providing enrichment to their education through learning about the charity sector, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of Hospiscare and the challenges faced by patients and their families.”
For any local secondary schools or colleges who would be interested in running a similar programme with Hospiscare, please contact Laura by emailing l.robertson@hospiscare.co.uk or calling 01392 520203. Thanks to Martin Niebroj for the wonderful photography.
