North London Hospice’s Enfield services deliver vital palliative and end-of-life care to residents facing life-limiting illnesses, prioritizing dignity, comfort, and family support. Established as the UK’s first multi-faith hospice, it has provided specialized support in Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey since 1984, with key expansions including Enfield’s day care and community teams. This comprehensive guide details its history, services, and community role, optimized for searches like “North London Hospice Enfield” to offer timeless, valuable insights for North London audiences.​
Pioneering History and Milestones
North London Hospice originated in 1984 when founder Harriet Copperman began home care and social work from her Muswell Hill flat, alongside Dr. Hindley and Melvyn Carlowe OBE. The charity grew rapidly, launching a building appeal in 1988 and opening its purpose-built, multi-faith facility on Woodside Avenue in Finchley in 1992, setting a precedent for inclusive palliative care. Further developments included the 1993 Day Centre, 1999 additions like the Room of Quiet and library, and Enfield-specific initiatives such as the 2004 Palliative Care Team and 2007 Hospice at Home service.​
By 2011-2012, a new Day Services centre opened in Winchmore Hill, Enfield, enhancing local accessibility and now supporting over 3,500 patients annually across diverse communities. This evolution reflects a commitment to expanding holistic care without reliance on full government funding, relying instead on donations and volunteers. The hospice’s multi-faith foundation, forged through 1987 partnerships with Jewish and Catholic organizations, ensures services respect all beliefs.​
Enfield Day Care and Community Services
In Enfield, the Health & Wellbeing Centre in Winchmore Hill hosts a Day Care Service offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients with life-limiting conditions. Participants engage in tailored therapies, social activities, and symptom management to promote independence and wellbeing, with multidisciplinary teams addressing pain, mobility, and mental health. The service operates several days a week, welcoming referrals from GPs or hospitals, and emphasizes a home-like environment with meals, outings, and complementary therapies.​
Complementing this, the Enfield Palliative Care Team provides community outreach, including Hospice at Home visits that enable end-of-life care in patients’ homes, reducing hospital stays. Bereavement support extends to families and carers, with counseling available long-term. These services cater to Enfield’s multicultural fabric, offering culturally sensitive options like halal diets and faith-specific guidance.​
Multi-Faith Inclusivity and Facilities
North London Hospice stands out as the UK’s pioneering multi-faith hospice, featuring dedicated spaces like the Room of Quiet for prayer and reflection across religions. Its Finchley inpatient unit includes serene gardens, courtyards, and natural light-filled rooms designed for peace and healing. Enfield’s centre mirrors this with accessible, welcoming facilities that honor diverse traditions, ensuring no one feels excluded.​
This inclusive model addresses North London’s demographic diversity, providing equitable care regardless of background. Staff training emphasizes cultural competence, while volunteers from various faiths enhance the supportive atmosphere.​
Community Impact and Ways to Get Involved
North London Hospice impacts Enfield profoundly by caring for thousands yearly through volunteer-driven efforts, charity shops, and fundraising events. Local contributions, such as the 2012 Day Services handover, have solidified its role in the borough, fostering community resilience around end-of-life matters. Without full public funding, public support sustains free services for patients and families.​
Residents can volunteer in befriending, driving, retail, or garden maintenance; donate monthly, via legacies, or goods to shops; or participate in events like coffee mornings and walks in Winchmore Hill. These opportunities not only fund operations but build lasting community bonds.​
Accessing Services and Eligibility
Referrals to North London Hospice Enfield services are made by GPs, hospitals, or district nurses, covering residents of Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, and parts of Camden/Islington with life-limiting illnesses. Early involvement maximizes benefits like advanced care planning and symptom control. Contact the Winchmore Hill centre or visit northlondonhospice.org for details, forms, and updates.​
Lasting Legacy for Enfield Families
For Enfield residents, North London Hospice represents unwavering compassionate care tailored to local needs, evolving from humble beginnings to a vital hub amid rising demands from aging populations. Its focus on “the best of life, at the end of life” ensures dignity for all. This evergreen resource empowers North Londoners with knowledge to access and support these essential services.
