North London Hospice stands as a beacon of hope and specialized care for thousands in the Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey areas, supporting individuals with life-limiting illnesses to live life to the fullest. Since its inception in 1984, the hospice has evolved into the UK’s first multi-faith hospice, blending community spirit, medical expertise, and cultural sensitivity to deliver comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care to its local community.
The Origins and Evolution of North London Hospice
The story of North London Hospice begins before its official founding, rooted in the closing of St. Columbus Hospital in 1981, which had been the sole provider of long-term care for those with life-limiting conditions in the North London area for nearly a century. This closure exposed a critical gap in care: hospitals typically discharged patients back into the community without sustained support, a situation untenable for many without private care resources.
This gap motivated Dr. Chris Hindley, a local Highgate GP, to initiate a working group dedicated to creating a hospice that would serve the local community’s needs comprehensively. Integral to this effort was Harriet Copperman OBE, who became the public face and outreach driver of the hospice, alongside collaborators like Melvyn Carlowe OBE. Their vision was of a hospice that crossed community and faith boundaries, which culminated in a collaboration with the Jewish Welfare Board (now Jewish Care) during the planning stages.
In 1987, a site was secured on Woodside Avenue, Finchley, owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster, laying the physical foundation for the hospice. The North London Hospice officially opened its doors in 1992 in a purpose-built facility designed to offer multi-professional inpatient and day services. Since those early days, the hospice has expanded its community reach to over 3,500 patients annually, offering not only medical care but vital social and emotional support to patients, families, and carers in Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey.​
The Multi-Faith and Inclusive Approach
North London Hospice’s identity as the UK’s first multi-faith hospice highlights its inclusive approach to care. This model respects the diverse religious and cultural needs of patients and families, offering spiritual support tailored to individual beliefs. This inclusivity strengthens community ties and ensures holistic care beyond clinical treatments, addressing emotional and spiritual well-being as core components of palliative care.
Services Offered by North London Hospice
The hospice provides a comprehensive range of services, reflective of the complex needs of those with life-limiting illnesses:
- Inpatient Care:Â Offering specialist 24-hour care for patients requiring symptom control or complex physical care needs.
- Day Services:Â Designed as a social and therapeutic environment where patients can receive treatments, therapies, and social activities that improve their quality of life.
- Community Services:Â Including home care and hospice at home programs, enabling patients to remain in their homes while receiving expert care and support.
- Support for Families and Carers:Â Recognizing the emotional and practical challenges faced by families, the hospice offers counseling, bereavement support, and respite services.
- Palliative Care Teams:Â Operating in partnership with local healthcare providers, these teams extend expert care into community settings.
This multi-dimensional approach embodies the hospice’s mission to help patients live well despite their illness, balancing medical intervention with compassionate human connection.​
Importance of North London Hospice in the Local Community
North London Hospice is a vital resource in the region, filling the gap left by acute hospital services by providing sustained, specialized care at the end of life. Beyond its medical role, it serves as a community hub where education and outreach address broader social needs related to illness, caregiving, and grief. The hospice’s shop and fundraising activities also foster a sense of shared ownership and support within the community.
The hospice model reduces pressure on hospitals by enabling more patients to be cared for in suitable settings outside acute care, making it an integral part of the area’s healthcare ecosystem. Its emphasis on dignity, choice, and holistic support aligns with contemporary standards for palliative care, ensuring that patients receive treatment that respects their wishes, cultural background, and personal values.
How North London Hospice Sustains Its Mission
As a registered charity, North London Hospice relies heavily on donations, fundraising events, volunteer support, and community partnerships to deliver its services. It also operates charity shops and runs appeals to fund facility expansions and service improvements, such as the development of new Day Services centers.
The hospice’s continued growth over nearly four decades attests to the dedication of its founders, staff, volunteers, and supporters who have all contributed to making it a lasting pillar of compassionate care in North London.​
Why Support Local Hospices Like North London Hospice?
Supporting hospices like North London Hospice translates directly into improving the quality of life for individuals facing challenging health conditions and their families. Contributions help sustain patient care programs, fund latest treatments and therapies, and provide emotional and practical support that often goes beyond what national health services can supply.
Hospices also play an essential role in educating communities about living with serious illness and end-of-life planning, promoting awareness and reducing stigma. Engaging with or supporting the hospice community fosters a culture of empathy and resilience, crucial for societal well-being.
North London Hospice embodies the spirit of community-driven healthcare innovation, emphasizing dignity, care, and support for residents facing life’s most difficult journeys. Its multi-faith, multi-disciplinary approach and commitment to personalized care have made it a cornerstone institution in North London since 1984, continuing to offer hope and comfort for generations to come.
