Preparing a Voices for Hospices event

1. Contact your local hospice

If you are a member of the public, choral society or choir, the first thing you need to do is contact your local hospice to let them know that you are interested in doing an event. This way they can support you with your activities. In addiiton, they will be able to ensure there isn't multiple events going on in close locations that may compete with each other.

Find contact details for your local hospice and/or palliative care service.

2. Choosing the event's format

You can choose any type or combination of types of concert. These could be classical music, folk, jazz, pop, opera, musicals, dance or poetry readings.

The event should start at 7.30pm if possible.

3. Performing oratorios

There are two types of oratorios which you can do for Voices for Hospices.

Prepared performance

This is when a performance is planned by a choir or combination of choirs and choral societies. The singers do no pay to sing but can be encouraged to obtain personal sponsorship. Audience ticket prices are generally higher for a prepared performance.

Come and sing

This is when anyone can come and sing on the day (with or without rehearsals). Those who attend pay for to take part. This is a participatory event and it does not matter if the attendees know the music or not.

4. Marketing and registration

Your local hospice may be able to help you market the event. In addition, materials are available on this website including the logos.

Don't forget to register your event too as this will ensure that it is displayed on the website and is in the final evaluation of the Day. You can register your event on the website up until the 9 October 2009.

5. Programmes

Programme inserts text are available on this webiste on the materials page.

If you would like ideas for your programme design, please contact us.

6. PR and Press

Key messages and generic press releases are available on this website to be adapted to support your PR activities. In addition, there is a PR toolkit which gives guidance on successfully accessing press coverage. If you have particularly queries around press and PR, please contact media@helpthehospices.org.uk.

7. Unifying factor

The story submitted anonymously from Malayisa has been chosen as the unifying factor for the event this year. Read the story here.

Submit your own message or story about hospice and palliative care to help show the benefits of hospice and palliative care.

7. Evaluation

We will evaluate the success of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day and Voices for Hospices through an online survey which will be on the website in October. Please ensure you complete this survey as it enables us to monitor the effect of the activities. In addition, it ensure you are included in the official report of the Day.

We also want to share the photos of your activities around the world. Please send photos of the event to info@hospiceinnovation.dk Your photos will then be displayed on the website www.worldday.dk.