ST Helena’s Hospice celebrated their hospice week with a special afternoon tea in Clacton

The tea took place at the hospice’s Tendring Day Centre, in Jackson Road, Clacton, on Monday.

Patients enjoyed the tea with staff as part of the hospice’s bid to promote their week-long Time We Talked campaign, which ends on April 6.

This year the charity is asking people to pledge to talk more about death, dying and bereavement in a bid to create a better understanding.

Holly Smart, head of marketing and communications, said: “We know that North East Essex has a population growing at a rate faster than the national average, with a higher than average proportion of older people in the population, and that since 2012 the actual number of people dying each year is also increasing.

“We also know most people wish to die in their home or care home, or under hospice care but many still die in hospital.

“A lack of openness can affect the quality and range of support and care services available to patients and families. It has also affected our ability as individuals to die where or how we would wish."

To make a pledge visit www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/timewetalked