These spaces will be filled with important content, empathetic, attentive, professional people, all united by a common goal and vision to develop hospice care, to help hospice patients and their loved ones in their time of need.
The new premises will host practical and educational activities organised by Hospiss LV: support groups "To Be Together", "Death Cafés", volunteer trainings, supervision, work meetings and official meetings.
Alongside them will be a team from the social enterprise Hospiss Māja, which puts hospice care into practice every day - providing state-funded palliative care support in the patient's home, providing specialised transport, as well as training, answering questions and providing all the information and support needed.
The choice to be next to the Freedom Monument is not accidental. As Ilze Zosule, co-founder of Hospiss LV, pointed out in her speech, "Many people have asked - is it appropriate that an organisation that talks about death is located next to the Freedom Monument? Our answer is yes! The motto of Hospiss LV is "To (re)live freely", which is very much in line with the idea of freedom, which is so important for the Latvian people. An idea worth fighting for, worth sacrificing for. The Freedom Monument as a powerful symbol gives us inspiration, strength and courage. This place in the city centre speaks for itself, it allows us to bring the subject of death back into our daily race, it shows that it is right here, next to all of us, and it is worth thinking about it, taking an interest in it. Non-discrimination and inclusion can also be expressed in this way - with an office in the city centre, accessible to everyone, where you can always get the information, help and support you need."
During the five years of its existence, Hospiss LV and Hospiss Māja have implemented several important initiatives: public education has been promoted through platforms such as the "Lampa" talk festival and the "Right to a Dignified Death" discussion forum, patients in palliative care units have been comforted during the "Celebration Table", training of specialists and volunteers has been organised, and patients' last wishes have been fulfilled. "Hospiss LV has also contributed to the development of legislation, but most importantly, it has provided dignified end-of-life care to hundreds of people.
Yesterday's opening is not only symbolic, but also a very practical and logical next step towards accessible, high-quality and dignified hospice care. The organisations have big plans for the near future: a day centre is to be opened, and a training centre has already been launched to provide valuable knowledge and practical skills.
The opening of the office was accompanied by an open day where everyone was invited to meet the Hospiss LV and Hospiss Māja team, see the new premises, ask questions and learn more about the work, support and plans of the organisations.
News stories about the event:
The number of clients for hospice services is growing rapidly / Article
