North West Hospice Transition Year Roadshow a Success for a Second Year

As part of Palliative Care Week 2026, North West Hospice delivered its Transition Year education project for a second year across the North West, with more than 225 Transition Year students taking part.

In collaboration with St Mary’s College, Ballisodare, Coola Post Primary School, Ballinamore Community School and Summerhill College, Sligo, students participated in an engaging one-hour session designed to spark conversation, challenge misconceptions and increase awareness and understanding of palliative care.

Before and after the session, students completed short questionnaires to explore their knowledge and attitudes towards palliative and hospice care. Prior to the session, many students reported that they had ‘not known’ or had ‘never heard of’ palliative care, while others associated it primarily with ‘care for people who are dying’.

This was followed by an interactive education session delivered by members of the North West Hospice clinical team. The session provided an opportunity for students to learn more about palliative care, explore some common misconceptions and hear personal experiences, including a family testimonial and a patient perspective.

The post-session questionnaire demonstrated a clear increase in students’ understanding and knowledge. Many students also commented on the value of having the opportunity to talk openly about palliative care in a safe and supportive environment.

Feedback from students included that the session was ‘so informative and moving’, helped them understand that ‘palliative care isn’t just for elderly people’, and highlighted that ‘people who go into the hospice don’t always pass away’.

The Transition Year Roadshow was warmly welcomed by both students and teachers, highlighting the importance of introducing conversations about palliative care at an early age. The initiative also strengthened North West Hospice’s long-standing relationships with local schools, many of which continue to support the Hospice through fundraising activities bringing these relationships full circle through education, awareness and community engagement.

Jacinta Kelly, Director of Nursing at North West Hospice, thanked the students and TY Co-ordinators in the participating schools for their enthusiasm, engagement and warm welcome to the project.

She said “by engaging with Transition Year students, we can foster empathy, compassion and informed conversations from an early age. We are delighted that other schools have now reached out to become involved, and we look forward to continuing to develop the Transition Year Roadshow across the North West.”

Schools interested in availing of this session during the 2026/2027 school year can contact Jacinta Kelly at jacinta.kellysgh@hse.ie.