Hospice care improves the lives of people who have a life limiting illness. It helps them to live as actively as they can to the end of their lives, however long that may be. It not only takes care of people’s physical needs, but looks after their emotional, spiritual and social needs as well. Hospice care also supports carers, family members and close friends, both during a person’s illness and during bereavement. These services are provided by a team of professionals with specialist training. You may also hear it called palliative care.

We support adults over the age of 18 with a range of life limiting illnesses including cancer, heart failure, lung disease and motor neurone disease. People can use the Hospice at any stages of their illness, not just at the very end of their life.

We work closely with local GPs, community nurses, the local hospital as well as other health and social care staff who are looking after people with a life limiting illness in the local community.

Find out what services are available.

Our services are local and free to everyone who needs them.

The average length of stay at the Hospice is 10 days but each patient’s stay is individual and tailored to their personal needs.

Your GP, district nurse or hospital doctor would usually refer you to the Hospice.

Heart of Kent Hospice is an independent local charity and is not part of the NHS. It costs £5m a year to run the Hospice and although we receive a small NHS grant, and a majority of our income is raised through the generosity of our local community.

We raise money through a range of fundraising events and activities, trading via our shops, donations, legacies and our Hospice Lottery.

There are a number of ways you can help the Hospice and you can find out more on the Support us page.