This term, Phoenix students in Years 7–10 took part in a special assembly delivered by three representatives from the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, a local charity providing vital care and support to people with life‑limiting illnesses across our community.

The assembly began with an introduction to the history of the hospice, which first opened its doors on 14th January 1991 on the George Eliot Hospital site. Students learned that the hospice takes its name from Mary Ann Evans – better known to the world as the novelist George Eliot – who was born locally in Chilvers Coton in 1819.

Pupils were then introduced to the range of services the hospice offers, including Hospice at Home, the Wellbeing Centre, Rapid Response, Family Support, Complementary Therapy and Bereavement Services. A key message highlighted that Mary Ann Evans Hospice is a community hospice, meaning most of its care is provided directly in patients’ homes.

The assembly also explored how the hospice is funded. Students were surprised to learn that although the charity’s annual running costs are around £2.8 million, only 24% comes from the NHS, with the remaining 76% reliant on charitable donations and community fundraising.

Finally, the presenters shared ways young people and schools can support the hospice—from bake sales and non‑uniform days to sports events, volunteering opportunities, and involvement in the annual Summer Fayre. We discussed how our support to the charity is contributing to this. We use the Mary Ann Evans donation bins within school, whereby students and staff can donate items that are sold on to help raise those much-needed funds. It is fantastic to write that we have filled these bins on multiple occasions over the last year and received a massive thank you from the charity.

Students were given the opportunity to question the representatives at the end of the assembly. Contact details and social media accounts were shared with the students so that they can keep updated with all the events of the charity

The session was a thoughtful reminder of the importance of compassion, community, and the difference young people can make. We thank the Mary Ann Evans Hospice team for delivering such an engaging and inspiring assembly.