Ardgowan Hospice community initiative to form independent charity

A COMMUNITY initiative launched by Ardgowan Hospice more than seven years ago is set to become a charity in its own right.

Compassionate Inverclyde was created in March 2017 in a bid to enhance the quality of life for those in the area facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Established in 1981, Ardgowan Hospice has long been a cornerstone of palliative care in Inverclyde.

Recognising the need to extend care beyond traditional medical settings, the hospice enlisted Alison Bunce and Doris Woods to lead the project with a vision of creating a more compassionate and connected community where nobody faces illness or loss alone.

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With Compassionate Inverclyde having ‘significantly evolved’ since its inception, the decision was taken to allow the service to form an independent charity – meaning it will now stand separate from Ardgowan Hospice.

Hospice CEO Graham Gardiner said: "I'm pleased that Ardgowan Hospice was at the heart of Compassionate Inverclyde's beginnings and that this special project has grown to need to become a charity in its own right is a testament to the work of Alison, Doris, and the team of volunteers who have achieved so much.

“We wish Compassionate Inverclyde every success in this new guise and look forward to continuing to find ways to work in partnership for many years to come."

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)

Ardgowan Hospice recently held an afternoon tea to bid farewell to the Compassionate Inverclyde team.

Doris told the Tele she was looking forward to the change and feels it is a ‘good opportunity’ for Compassionate Inverclyde.

Alison added: “I'm so proud of the journey that Compassionate Inverclyde has taken since 2016 and am extremely grateful to the hospice for the belief and support of the idea for CI from the hospice.

"I look forward to expanding our support to ordinary people who make a difference in our community."