Breaking Down Barriers: Finding joy, dignity, and life at Thames Hospice

Thames Hospice is shining a light on the truth about hospice care, that it’s not just a place for the end of life, but a space filled with love, joy, and human connection. In a recent conversation for Music in Hospices’ Coffee Chats, Joe Cavalli-Price, Founder of Music in Hospices, spoke with Mel Lovegrove, Thames Hospice’s Counselling and Support Services Manager, about the reality of hospice life and how they are challenging common misconceptions.

“When I first worked in a hospice, I expected sadness,” says Mel. “But what I found was joy, laughter, and love. It’s all about quality of life, helping people live as well as they can, for as long as they can.”

Mel reflects on her journey from logistics and HR into counselling, inspired by personal loss and the transformative power of support. She notes that fear and misunderstanding about death persist, but hospices like Thames Hospice are changing that narrative. “When people visit Thames Hospice, have coffee in the café, walk by the lake, they see it’s a place of calm, comfort, and community. We’re here for everyone, not just at the end of life.”

The discussion also highlights the role of arts and music in hospices, helping to break down barriers and connect people. “The arts are universal,” says Mel. “They bring people together, help them express what words sometimes can’t, and remind us all of our shared humanity.”

As the conversation concludes, Mel reflects on what truly matters: “Time is precious. None of us know how much we have, so we have to make time for what fulfils us.” Thames Hospice is a place not just for dying, but for living with dignity, joy, and connection.