An event bringing together the ’coalition of the willing’ in the island was held over the last week.

Compassionate Isle of Man is a network of charities, authorities and support groups who work together to help people in challenging times.

The event at the Sefton brought together charities and government authorities such as Hospice Isle of Man, the Department of Health and Social Care, Tynwald members and the police.

Lead member of Compassionate Isle of Man Wendy Smith told the Courier that it is a ’coalition of the willing, providing just enough support, just in time.

She added: ’Trained volunteers support people at the end of life, to assist in a person’s request to die at home, support families to reduce carer burden, work in partnership with healthcare professionals to provide a package of care, and have "just been there" during emotionally demanding times making unbearable situations more bearable.’

The work includes meeting the challenges of a population confronted with experiences of serious illness, aging and frailty, dying, care giving and loss and to consider how we can respond to such challenges and ’Back Home boxes’.

These are offered to people who live alone when they are discharged from hospital so they don’t have to immediately worry about purchasing groceries.

Anyone who would like further informationshould contact Wendy Smith on 647498 or Jeanette Hogg on 647492.