St Mary’s Hospice and National Trust Launch “Branches of Care” Collaboration

St Mary’s Hospice is proud to announce a new collaboration with the National Trust: Branches of Care, a shared initiative bringing compassionate, nature-based wellbeing support to people living with life-limiting conditions, including dementia, as well as those experiencing bereavement and the carers who support them.

Rooted in the belief that nature can play a powerful role in physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Branches of Care will offer a programme of gentle, inclusive activities delivered in beautiful outdoor settings across the Lake District. The collaboration combines St Mary’s Hospice’s expertise in specialist palliative and end-of-life care with the National Trust’s inspiring natural spaces, creating welcoming environments where individuals can feel safe, understood and connected.

Through the initiative, participants will be able to access:

· Outdoor wellbeing programmes for people living with life-limiting conditions, including dementia

· Bereavement support groups held in natural surroundings

· Dedicated wellbeing sessions for carers

· Guided mindful walks and reflective nature experiences

· Gentle movement activities such as Tai Chi and chair-based exercise

· Calm, supportive group sessions designed to encourage connection and shared understanding

Living with a life-limiting condition, whether dementia, advanced heart, lung or neurological disease, cancer, or other progressive illnesses, can bring significant emotional, physical and social challenges. Branches of Care recognises that holistic support is essential not only for managing symptoms, but for sustaining wellbeing, identity and connection.

By stepping beyond traditional clinical settings and into restorative landscapes, the programme offers a different kind of care — one grounded in dignity, compassion and community.

The initiative also acknowledges the vital role of carers, who often place their own needs second to those they support. Dedicated sessions will provide space for carers to rest, connect with others who understand their experiences, and take part in gentle wellbeing activities designed to restore resilience and reduce isolation.

Lynsey Lawson, Head of Community Services at St Mary’s Hospice, said: “We see every day how important connection, compassion and holistic wellbeing are for the people we support and for their families. Branches of Care allows us to extend that support into the natural environment, offering opportunities for reflection, mindfulness, gentle movement and meaningful connection. It’s about enhancing quality of life at every stage.”

Seonag Porter, Community, Participation and Volunteering Manager at the National Trust added: “Our places are here for everyone. We’re delighted to collaborate with St Mary’s Hospice to ensure our landscapes can offer comfort, understanding, and moments of peace for those who need it most.”

The programme will begin in May, with sessions taking place at selected National Trust sites across the Lake District. Further information about session dates, referrals, and how to take part will be available through St Mary’s Hospice.