Compassionate Colchester wins award

Kindness and compassion shown by city’s people and organisations recognised by award from charity Compassionate Communities UK 

Colchester has been named the first Compassionate City in the east of England. The charity Compassionate Communities UK made the award in recognition of the kindness and compassion  shown by the city’s local groups, workplaces, organisations, businesses, clubs and community hubs to people facing serious or life-limiting illness, ageing, caregiving, loss and isolation. 

A ‘compassionate walk’ in Colchester, an example of the kind of activities that led to the city’s award. Photograph courtesy of Colchester City Council.

The Compassionate City initiative is part of an international effort to increase the value placed on compassion across all sectors of civic society and to put kindness at the heart of health and care strategies. In 2021, the parishes of Brereton, Ravenhill, Whittington and Fisherwick in Staffordshire became the first communities in the UK to receive a Compassionate City charter. 

In 2022, Birmingham and Uttoxeter both won Compassionate City awards. Cannock Chase District received the award in 2023. 

In Colchester, those whose work has been recognised by the award hope it will inspire more people to be kind and compassionate to others in need of support during life’s most difficult moments. For example, Greg Cooper, Partnerships and Community Development Manager at St Helena Hospice, says: ‘So many incredible people have come together to show what a caring city Colchester is, and we can support even more people by demystifying myths and taboos around dying, death, and bereavement, building confidence and skills, and growing networks of support.’ 

Janice Longe, who is part of the compassionate community network in Colchester, adds: ‘Someone’s final months or year of life, and that of their carers, can be made much easier with the kindness and compassion of people they meet on a day-to-day basis. We can all play a part, however small, sometimes without realising it, by just saying hello and starting a conversation or by dropping off a pint of milk when someone can’t leave the house.’ 

Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, adds: ‘It’s great to see national recognition for the tireless work providing end-of-life and serious illness support. Let’s all build on this momentum by expanding the network of care and kindness. Answer the call from the Compassionate Colchester network and nominate your Compassionate Community Champions. These can be the people, places, and projects that have made a positive difference for you and your loved ones. Perhaps it’s a resident looking out for neighbours, a community group offering friendship and support, or a business that compassionately cares for its staff and customers. By sharing these stories, we can raise awareness and make it easier for those in need to find the support they deserve.’ 

Galvanised by this award, the compassionate network in Colchester is launching a Compassionate Champions initiative to acknowledge the work done by people, projects, groups or places to help improve the lives of others through social connectedness, kindness, and compassion. 

The new award will be marked by a celebratory event held between 10 am and noon on Wednesday, July 10 at Greenstead Community Centre – and everyone is welcome. For details and to register, see Compassionate City Colchester celebration.

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