Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice is holding an open day to dispel the myths around hospice care.

Taking place on Friday October 12, the open day aims to encourage people to find out more about hospice care by meeting staff and volunteers.

The day at the hospice in Erdington will include a question and answer session with clinicians, a talk about well-being, an art activity, refreshments and the chance to find out more about volunteering and events.

Coinciding with national Hospice Care Week, 8-14 October, the event is open to all and is free of charge.

The open day will also introduce people to John Taylor’s Friday Social Group which aims to bring local elderly residents together for friendship and company.

Hospice Head of Brand and Media Diane Parkes said: “At our open day people can ask all the questions they want to know about hospice care. People can be afraid of hospices but when they come to John Taylor they realise it’s a lovely, warm and friendly place where we offer so many different services – it’s not what they expect.

“If you go back in time John Taylor was all about in-patient nursing care and, while that remains important today, our teams are also out in the community providing all kinds of services from acupuncture to art psychotherapy and social support to spiritual care.

“Visitors are welcome to just turn up on the open day but if they are able to let us know in advance it helps with catering – simply email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a name and number of people.”

The open day is at John Taylor Hospice, 76 Grange Road, Erdington B24 0DF on Friday October 12 between 11am-3pm with a programme of events scheduled. People are welcome to come for the full programme or drop in for an hour or more. Full programme details are on the hospice website www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk

John Taylor’s Social Group takes place every Friday between 10am-3pm and is open to local elderly residents who are not receiving hospice care and would like to come along to have a chat, enjoy lunch and meet new friends. For more information on joining the Social Day contact John Taylor Hospice Living Well Centre on 0121 465 2000.