As part of Palliative Care Week (Sunday 6th to Saturday 12th September 2026), North West Hospice Charity has announced the return of its podcast, The Journey Together, for a second season.
The theme of this year’s campaign is It’s Not What You Think, an invitation to pause and reconsider what palliative care really is, what it might mean in our own lives, and how it supports people now and into the future.
Season two focuses on supporting every step of the journey, and on the wide team of people who make that support possible.
Each episode sits with one part of that team and asks what they do, when to reach out to them, and what changes for a patient and family when they are involved early.
Chartered physiotherapist Lynn O’Connor opens the season with a conversation about rehabilitation, independence and everyday joy, and the permission to keep doing the things that matter.
Senior occupational therapist Aoife McCarroll follows with the small adaptations that protect dignity and identity, to helping to remain independent to getting to a granddaughter’s confirmation.
Public health nurse Regina Henry describes the quiet, layered work of helping people stay in their own homes, and of minding the families who are doing far more than they give themselves credit for.
Dr Conor Mitchell, GP partner at Bayview Family Practice in Ballyshannon, offers a warm and honest GP’s view of palliative care and the continuity of knowing your own doctor.
Dr Anna Cleminson, Consultant in Palliative Care at North West Hospice, speaks about the consultant’s role across community, hospital and inpatient settings, and about being a companion rather than a presence that takes over.
Tomas Kelly of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in Sligo walks through the supports available when illness or caring changes a household’s income, from carer’s payments and mortgage arrangements to wills andplanning ahead.
Claire Walsh and Nora Durcan of the Department of Social Protection, alongside Orla Barry of Citizens Information, set out the entitlements many families never realise they can claim, and make the case that seeking support is a right rather than a charity.
Mary Forte reflects on the everyday of North West Hospice Charity, and the people behind it.
Together, these voices give a fuller picture of what palliative care means in practice. Not only medical care, and not only the final weeks, but a team of people whose work is to help someone live as fully and as much like themselves as possible, for as long as possible.
“Palliative care is still one of the most misunderstood parts of healthcare,” says Mary Horkan, Communications and Fundraising Manager at North West Hospice.
“This year’s theme, It’s Not What You Think, asks people to stop and question what they believe about it, and that is exactly what this season does.
“Whether you’re supporting someone you love, working alongside patients and families, or simply thinking ahead for yourself, this season is well worth a listen.”
The first three episodes are released on Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th September, and a new episode every Tuesday after that.
The podcast is available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and via the North West Hospice website.