Hospice of the Valleys would like to reassure people that recently circulated communications are not affiliated with our organisation.

We are aware of a letter being circulated by the Labour party, written by Jayne Medlicott MBE, regarding the upcoming election. Jayne Medlicott is a co-founder of Hospice of the Valleys, and we remain grateful for the huge contribution she has made to the organisation.

Mrs Medlicott stopped working in an official capacity for the organisation in 2010, and while she still supports us in a personal capacity, her political views are in no way affiliated with the charity and the work that we do.

Grant Usmar, CEO at Hospice of the Valleys said: “Hospice of the Valleys is an independent and non-political organisation. We do not support or endorse any political party or campaign.

“Our focus remains solely on providing compassionate, high-quality support and care, guided by evidence, integrity and the needs of our community.”

By Jill Bowen, Palliative Care Social Worker

Working in palliative care is a privilege I never take for granted. As a social worker in this field, I have the honour of supporting people who are living with a life‑limiting illness, as well as the families and networks who walk alongside them. No two days are the same, and no two people experience illness, uncertainty, or hope in exactly the same way. That’s why our role is rooted in seeing the whole person, not just their diagnosis.

What Palliative Care Social Workers Do

Palliative care social workers are fully qualified, registered social workers who specialise in working with people at one of the most emotionally complex times of life. Our work is broad and deeply human. We offer:

Emotional and Therapeutic Support

We draw on a range of therapeutic approaches—systemic family therapy, counselling skills, motivational interviewing, and psycho‑educative work—to help people make sense of what they’re experiencing. Families often need different types of support from the person who is ill, and we work sensitively with everyone involved.

We also provide bereavement support, especially when grief becomes more complicated or overwhelming.

Practical Support When Life Gets Difficult

Serious illness often brings practical challenges, and navigating systems can feel impossible at the worst of times. We help with:

 

Accessing services

Housing challenges

Financial concerns and benefits

Advocacy

Psychosocial support

Liaising with schools or workplaces

 

We work with individuals, couples, families, and groups—whoever needs support and connection.

Supporting the Whole Web of Relationships

Illness never happens in isolation; it affects relationships, routines, identities, and futures. My job is to help untangle some of that, to recognise what matters to each person, and to walk with them as they make decisions about how they wish to live—especially when time feels uncertain.

My Professional Identity

A job title can change, but professional identity is something I carry within me. I see it as a thread that ties together my values, experiences, and skills. Being a palliative care social worker feels aligned with who I am at my core.

Compassion, empathy, dignity, equality, and equity guide my work every single day. I believe every person deserves to be heard, respected, and supported in the way that feels right for them.

Social work, at its heart, is about making a difference—often in small, quiet, meaningful ways. It’s about helping people identify what matters to them and then supporting them to achieve it, even in the midst of profound challenge.

Why This Work Matters

Palliative care isn’t about giving up; it’s about focusing on quality of life, understanding what is important, and enabling people to live in meaningful ways for as long as they can. It’s about connection and dignity. As social workers, we help create space for people to reflect, to breathe, and to feel supported—whatever that looks like for them.

Every family I meet teaches me something new about resilience, love, and the strength of human relationships. It’s a privilege to be invited into these moments, and it’s a privilege to do this work.

Last Saturday was more than just Valentine’s Day — it was an opportunity for the Hospice to show our love, appreciation, and thanks to two Welsh comedy icons: the wonderful Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs.

Alongside Grant Usmar, CEO of Hospice of the Valleys, Eirlys Edwards, CEO of the Sir Gareth Edwards Charity, Gareth and Maureen Edwards, and Carl Morgan from Beefy’s Comedy Club, I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth and Steve in Cardiff.

A few months ago, Steve — our Hospice Celebrity Ambassador — contacted me to say that he and Ruth wanted to organise a charity event to support both charities. Ruth is an Ambassador for the Sir Gareth Edwards Charity, and the idea began when she found a few boxes of Stella DVDs in her garage. From that simple discovery came the concept for An Audience with the Cast of Stella, held in Cardiff last November — a night that celebrated the heart, humour, and warmth of the much‑loved Welsh valleys comedy drama.
The event was a tremendous success, raising an incredible £42,452.93. It’s remarkable to think that a few boxes of DVDs sparked something that made such a difference. The total has been shared between both charities, and meeting Ruth and Steve again on Saturday to thank them — and to share the impact their support will have — is something I will always treasure.

Events like this highlight the extraordinary impact that can happen when two talented people use their platforms to do good. The £21,226.47 received by the Hospice is far more than a number — it represents comfort, care, and support for our patients and their loved ones at the moments they need it most.
Thank you, Ruth and Steve, for the laughter, the memories, and above all, the compassion behind it all.

Julie Williams
Business & Community Fundraising Manager

 

Say Hello to Ron…. TJ Brown & Sons Funeral Directors very own and much loved Charity Bear.

Ron is having lots of adventures out in the Community and over the last few days has spent some time with the Fundraising Team here at the Hospice and learning about what we do as well as getting up to some really fun things.

On Thursday night Amanda our Events Manager took Ron to The Met, Abertillery where Ross the Piano Man performed a Summer Concert in support of the Hospice, he was given VIP Bear treatment and had a seat on the stage to watch the concert on what was a brilliant night. A bear needs his beauty sleep so after a good night’s rest he was back out the following evening to take part in the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. Well the weather wasn’t great even for a hardy bear such as Ron but as you can see they were kind to him and avoided getting his fur wet as much as possible allowing him to do some driving instead……Ron got a few funny looks….not quite sure what the problem was!!. Ron’s speed was very sensible and  wasn’t driving like something out of the film ‘Fast and the Furry-ous’!! The weather was a bit kinder on top of the third mountain Pen-y-fan so Ron was a brave bear and managed to get to the top with a bit of help carried by a few of our walkers but they took it all in their stride with very few Paw’s for breaks. With lots of encouragement from Ron everyone managed to complete safely and successfully 

Now Ron is getting in some more Grrrr and Grrrrr before he goes out to his new temporary home. If you can support the Hospice and look after Ron for a week for a minimum donation of £5 please contact TJ Brown & Sons on 01495 310238 or e mail tjbrown.brynmawr@dignityfunerals.co.uk or private message TJ Brown & Sons on Facebook.

PCI Tredegar and Hospice of the Valleys Unite for a Three-Year Charity Partnership

At PCI Tredegar, giving back is more than just a philosophy—it’s a proud tradition. We're thrilled to announce a meaningful three-year charity partnership between PCI Pharma Services and Hospice of the Valleys, a vital local charity delivering compassionate, life-changing care for patients and their loved ones in Blaenau Gwent.

Partnership Launch: A Shared Mission

To kick off this incredible collaboration, staff from both PCI and the Hospice came together for a formal launch event. It was a powerful moment to reflect on the Hospice’s essential work, share stories, and highlight the many ways our partnership will make a difference.

Over the next three years, PCI staff will engage in a wide variety of fundraising events and awareness campaigns to elevate the Hospice’s profile and ensure the continuation of its free, high-quality care.

Big Hikes, Bright Days, and Big Impact

Among the many exciting plans:

- Hospice Big Hike: In September, a dedicated team will tackle a 13-mile walk through the scenic hills of Crickhowell.

- Stock Donation Days: Regular drives to contribute items for charity shops and fundraising sales.

- Christmas Raffle Extravaganza: A festive highlight to raise vital funds.

- Go Yellow Day: Lighting up our spaces (and wardrobes!) to raise awareness.

- Corporate Volunteering: Team members will also contribute their time and talents to support Hospice services directly.

A Message from PCI

“We recognise that the incredible work of the Hospice is truly life-changing. Many of our colleagues have been personally touched by their care. It is a privilege to support such a mission, and we are committed to doing all we can over the next three years to make a positive impact.”

— Evie Hale, HR Manager at PCI

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to every member of the PCI Tredegar team for choosing Hospice of the Valleys as your charity partner. Your commitment, compassion, and community spirit embody the very best of what we stand for—together, we can make a lasting difference.

 

 

"Cancer stole my beautiful, wonderful mother — and just nine months earlier, it cruelly took my special stepdad too."

I’ve worked with cancer patients of all ages throughout my career — offering support, fitting wigs, holding hands, giving cwtches, and sharing love for over ten years. This battle has always been close to my heart .

I’ve shaved the heads of women facing the unknown — taking control of the one thing they can as this cruel disease tries to take everything else. I once shaved the Rapunzel-length hair of a seven-year-old girl while her mother silently sobbed behind her. The little girl asked, “Do I still look like a princess?”

I’ve seen how cancer steals — slowly, relentlessly. And then, I had to face it myself. I had to watch it take both of my parents.

The Hospice of the Valleys is a charity I’ve supported for many years — even back when I was a reporter, covering their fundraising efforts and meeting the extraordinary nurses  who bring light into the darkest days .

So now, in memory of Mam and Derrick, I’ve decided to do a skydive — and feel a little closer to them both up there .

I want to raise money for this amazing charity that works miracles every day. The flowers and gifts I’ve received have been deeply appreciated, but if you were thinking of giving, perhaps you could consider donating instead  to a cause that helps so many face this devastating illness — one that feels all too common now.

If you can spare a few pounds, I would be so grateful. I’ll jump from a plane, fly closer to Mam and Derrick, and raise money in their honour for a charity that means the world to me.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/hannah-edwards-2