What matters most?

An honest, raw and inspiring account of ‘What matters most?’ aimed at improving end-of-life care provision through the experiences of those receiving and delivering care. Through photography, film and written narratives you are introduced to the experiences of those living with dying and the caregivers involved in providing care and support.

Over the past year, we have spent time with some amazing people, feeling very privileged to hear about their lives and their experiences with end-of-life care today. It has been moving, inspiring and uplifting alongside it bringing up some issues that many face with palliative care. The project was inspired by Ceridwen Hughes the founder of Same but Different, using her own experiences after the death of her mum Joan in 2020. Joan died at home after receiving a terminal diagnosis and it was her wish to be at home for her last weeks, where she was comfortable, surrounded and supported by her family. Ceridwen’s two sisters Alison and Nicky would be home with their mum. Alison is a nurse and had no hesitation or doubt in being able to provide the care that Joan would need.

However, end-of-life care and support were severely lacking for them all. Now the family are dealing with the horrific fallout of Joan’s death from the memories of battling to get support, the amount of pain Joan was left in, and of course, the grief of losing a loved one. It was a catalyst for them to challenge the way palliative care should be, ensuring people walking the same path have a good death.

This was the starting point for ‘What Matters Most.’ The project aims to raise awareness and highlight end-of-life care, opening honest conversations between all parties involved.

Supported by Marie Curie, Hospice UK and the National Lottery the project will officially launch at the Senedd, Welsh Parliament, in January 2024. It is a multimedia exhibition with photography, film and written accounts that will run from the 13th January until the 16th February. Access to the exhibition will also be online at www.samebutdifferentcic.org.uk/ whatmattersmost. Here you can listen to the stories firsthand in episodes, you can see the striking images and portraits taken by Ceridwen and watch the 40-minute short film that has been produced by the team.

We shared the exhibition at the AllWales Palliative Care Conference at Gregynogg Hall in October 2023 and the film was shown at the Hospice UK Conference in Liverpool in November 2023. Both times the feedback was fantastic, and the project has been welcomed. The conversations have started!

Of course, the story as ever will not end, if you would like to share your experiences, stories and feedback we will welcome it. Please contact us through the exhibition pages on our website.