‘I am thrilled’

Blackpool’s Kentown Support has been named a finalist in the Palliative & End of Life Care Awards.

Shortlisted for the Partnership Working Across Health & Social Care Award category, the nomination recognises the organisation’s work through the Kentown Programme, a pioneering initiative that is transforming community children’s palliative care across the UK.

The programme is funded by The Kentown Wizard Foundation established by late Blackpool millionaire Ken Townsley, a former Blackpool Airport baggage handler who went on to launch Gold Medal Travel, which he later sold in a deal worth more than £80m. He was well-known for generous donations to worthy causes, usually with a connection to children.

After much charity work and donations, Hope School and College has a much-needed second minibus made possible by The Kentown Wizard Foundation and fund-raising of staff, parents and pupils

placeholder image — After much charity work and donations, Hope School and College has a much-needed second minibus made possible by The Kentown Wizard Foundation and fund-raising of staff, parents and pupils

Community palliative care

Kentown Support works to improve the provision of community palliative care for children throughout the UK. Central to the programme is a commitment to fairness and kindness, ensuring that children can access high-quality and sensitive palliative care at home regardless of their background, diagnosis or location.

The Kentown Programme brings together expertise from partners across both the statutory and voluntary sectors. Working alongside existing services and helping to create new teams, the programme supports service providers and commissioners while promoting professional development and improving access to community children’s palliative care.

By encouraging close collaboration between organisations and professionals, the programme is demonstrating how integrated community palliative care can be delivered effectively in practice.

‘Thrilled’

Dr Helena Dunbar, CEO of Kentown Support, said: “I am thrilled. Being nominated as a finalist is an opportunity for us at Kentown Support to thank our partners and our team members on the ground who are delivering the support needed to so many children and families.

“As we continue to bring organisations together, we will expand our Kentown Support offer into other areas, adding new components helping us to continue to meet the needs of seriously ill children and their families where and when they need it most.”

Kentown Support has already established a successful programme across Lancashire and South Cumbria and is now expanding its work with the launch of a second programme across Greater Manchester. Through these initiatives, the organisation aims to address gaps in children’s palliative care services and create a joined-up support network around children and their families.

The team will discover whether they have won the award at a gala ceremony taking place at London’s Hilton Bankside on July 2.