Harrogate Neighbours launches ‘Care Fest’ with a performance of ‘Fighting for Life’ from touring Playwright
In collaboration with Hempsons, leading health, social care and charity lawyers, not-for-profit organisation Harrogate Neighbours welcomed some 50 guests on Thursday 19th May to enjoy a performance of ‘Fighting for Life’ – a play written by Brian Daniels to tell the story of one family’s struggle to access care for their elderly parents.
The evening event which was supported by Hempsons was designed to highlight the very real issues and challenges that many families face when seeking help and support for their loved ones towards the end of their life.
The emotional and insightful play was premiered in 2018 at a Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead, London. Today it takes form as a touring play that puts forward a story in a way that provides a unique environment for education and training purposes and to raise awareness of the issues surrounding elderly and end of life care.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session after the performance with a panel made up of Sue Cawthray, Philippa Doyle and Brian Daniels where guests were able to ask questions relating to the topics presented.
Harrogate Neighbours was delighted to host the play to families, stakeholders and local businesses as it ties into its upcoming event, ‘Care Fest’ which was postponed due to the pandemic.
‘Care Fest’ will take place at The Cuttings in July and will offer two, hour long drop-in sessions providing educational information to staff, residents, relatives and clients in the community before, during and after a bereavement. Information such as arranging finances, funeral planning and other complex matters will be shared by local experts from companies including, Powell Eddison Solicitors, Rockwood Financial Services, Leon & Company Financial Services and Full Circle Funeral Care.
Speaking on behalf of Harrogate Neighbours, Sue Cawthray, CEO said, “The play was incredibly insightful and brought the issue so many families face to the forefront. As a care provider we want to be a pillar of support to residents, relatives, staff and all those dealing with end of life or bereavement.
“We would like to thank Hempsons for sponsoring the play and helping us to raise awareness and help support those facing challenges within the adult care sector.”
Philippa Doyle, partner and head of social care at Hempsons added, “As leading health, social care and charity lawyers, we assist these sectors with the challenges they face and take pride in offering support via free advice lines and training.”
Helen Hirst, an Associate in Hempsons charities and social enterprise team also commented that “as a firm, we place a lot of emphasis on ties with the local community. Teaming up with Harrogate Neighbours in this way enables us to show support for some of the issues facing the sector, as well as being involved in a local community event which was a big success.”