Voices of Compassion - Birmingham students to tackle life's toughest topics in hospice podcast series

The podcast series will see students from Birmingham City University (BCU) work with St Giles Hospice based in Whittington and Sutton Coldfield, to create compelling audio content exploring hospice care, funding challenges, and the often-avoided conversations around death and dying that affect us all.

The podcast series will explore a range of topics including the importance of open conversations around death and dying, funding challenges faced by hospices, patient and family experiences, and the vital contribution of volunteers, supporters and charity shops to hospice care.

Elinor Eustace, Chief Executive of St Giles Hospice, said: "We're thrilled to be collaborating with Birmingham City University on this important project. At St Giles, we know how crucial it is to break down the stigma surrounding conversations about death and dying. This podcast series will help amplify these discussions while showcasing the compassionate care we provide to our local communities. By working with BCU students, we hope to reach new audiences and perspectives on these universal experiences."

Meera Darji, Lecturer in BA Media Production at the Birmingham School of English and Media at Birmingham City University (BCU), added: "This collaboration offers our students an invaluable opportunity to work on a meaningful project with real-world impact. Documentary storytelling about sensitive topics requires skill, empathy and professionalism - all qualities we nurture in our students. We're excited to see how they approach these important themes and create content that both informs and connects with listeners."

The podcast will be planned and recorded in the coming weeks, with students taking the lead on creating content that explores the many dimensions of hospice care. BCU students will gain hands-on experience interviewing St Giles staff, volunteers, and potentially patients and families who have used hospice services.

St Giles Hospice provides specialist care for people living with terminal illnesses, as well as support for their families and carers. 

The charity receives only 18% of its funding from the government, with the remainder coming from community support and fundraising efforts.

Dying Matters Awareness Week takes place from 5-11 May 2025, encouraging communities across the UK to talk about death, dying and bereavement. This year's theme, "The Culture of Dying Matters," focuses on how different communities and cultures approach death and dying, while highlighting that feelings about dying and experiences of grief are universal emotions that we all share.