February 2018


News and views from staff and volunteers Research


How research can help LGBT people get better care


Shefali Shah, Senior Research Information Officer, explains how Marie Curie is funding research on how to improve care and support for LGBT people affected by a terminal illness.


There’s very limited research conducted on the end of life care experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans (LGBT) people. This means we still don’t know enough about the challenges LGBT people face or what their specific needs are if they’re living with a terminal illness. That’s why I’m proud that Marie Curie’s


investment in research is leading to pioneering work in such an important but underfunded area of care. Since 2013, we’ve been funding


researchers at King’s College London to address this knowledge gap through the ACCESSCare project. The researchers found that LGBT people with a terminal illness face pervasive


£ Shops


Storytelling brings new products to life With a background in buying and product development for brands such as Conran, Muji, Liberty and Tate, Trading Executive Joanna Mazzotta talks about the creative new product range she has commissioned for Marie Curie.


When I joined Marie Curie, I could see a gap in the market for some well- designed branded products in the charity sector. We’ve been developing a unique bespoke range to fill that gap, launching on the online shop at the end of February. I work across many different product


areas, from toys to textiles, gifts to food, which makes what I do really interesting. I build relationships with suppliers with different areas of expertise, from small craft makers to illustrators and larger, more commercial manufacturers. I wanted to focus on the holistic side


of the hospices as this was something I knew nothing about before joining. The gardens at the hospices are so important and there’s also the link with the daffodil.


I commissioned Rachel Pedder-Smith, a botanical illustrator, who donated a piece of her work for use on a number of products. Another illustrator, Julia Gash, has created a bespoke illustration for Marie Curie, which has been used on a mug and tea towel. I researched and provided Julia with lots


of interesting information and stories, which she skilfully translated into drawings that incorporate different aspects of the charity. My hope is for customers and supporters to be able to connect emotionally with the story within the products – and buy them! The new range will be available in the online shop from the end of February and will include items aimed at a wide variety of tastes and budgets.


negative experiences – from insensitivity to discrimination – from healthcare professionals. We worked closely with our policy and PR


teams to share these findings more widely. In 2016, we published a policy report, Hiding Who I Am, highlighting the barriers to palliative care for LGBT people. In the last year, the researchers have published 10 recommendations and delivered training across England to help


The researchers found


that LGBT people with a terminal illness face pervasive negative experiences.


For more information about Marie Curie’s research projects, email shefali.shah@mariecurie.org.uk or visit mariecurie.org.uk/research


more health and social care professionals provide individualised, sensitive care and support to LGBT people. The researchers have recently published a new guide, supported by GMFA – the gay men’s health charity – to help LGBT people understand what treatment they should expect from their care professionals, and why their sexual orientation or gender identity matters. It also provides information on where they can find further support.


Insight 17


For more information visit shop.mariecurie.org.uk


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