Sign in

Gemma Allen (she/her)

@gemmaallen.bsky.social
1.2K followers 1.2K following 282 posts

Hospice Director. Co-founder of No Barriers Here. Independent Consultant. Ally 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈 #equity #research #education #coproduction #leadership #systemchange #hapc www.nobarriershere.org

PostsRepliesMedia
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
A tricky journey to publication, particularly for those impacted by social & political events during the project. Adopting a coproduced approach ensured inclusion of voices often missing from #peolc discussion - grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy & expertise to this study 🙏🏽
000
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
A visit to @sthelenahospice.bsky.social this week to deliver @nobarriershere.bsky.social facilitator training to colleagues working in Colchester & neighbouring communities. Interested in becoming a facilitator? Our next available date is 24/09 or contact us for bespoke delivery 😊 #PEoLC
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
After a 50hr+ week, I’m finally relaxing! It’s the start of the season 🏏 The sun is out (for now), I’m settled with a new book and sheep are bleating away in the next field 🐑 Perfect April day but roll on suncream season 😆
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Pleased to share this paper from @victstuproject.bsky.social team 🔍 What does it really take to make public engagement & involvement activities in research meaningful, rather than tokenistic? Grateful to have been part of an amazing team on this study. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Getting It Out There: Reflections on the Process and Impact of Public Engagement Activities in a Study on End‐of‐Life Care Planning With People With Intellectual Disabilities
Introduction Many tools and interventions developed from research projects are not properly implemented in health and social care practice. Engaging with stakeholders is an important part of the imp...
010
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
No Barriers Here @nobarriershere.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
We’re delighted to be at the @pccongress.bsky.social in Brighton Visit @jedjerwood.bsky.social & @sharonhudson.bsky.social in the Art Exhibition to learn about No Barriers Here, the work we’re doing & view our exhibit curated by The No Barriers Here Artists Collaborative. #peolc #pcc2026
032
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
You know you work in a hospice at Christmas when you bump into ‘Santa Paws’ in reception arriving on his sleigh bed! 🥰 #PetTherapy #Hospice
0100
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
fruitsoftheforest.bsky.social @fruitsoftheforest.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Please take a listen to this amazing song written by my friend @susywallmusic.bsky.social All proceeds going to @mshospice.bsky.social ditto.fm/one_day_in_d...
ditto.fm
One Day in December
Listen to One Day in December
031
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Yesterday’s view from my hotel in Leith and today’s from Liverpool. Feeling ready and inspired for day one of the @hospiceuk.bsky.social Conference. #HUK2025
060
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Then it’s a quick hop tomorrow evening onto another train 🚆 to Liverpool for the @hospiceuk.bsky.social Conference where Jed will be presenting some of the findings from our study ‘Just ask me’ Looking forward to a connecting with friends & colleagues! Who else will be there? #PalliativeCare
020
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
All packed ready to head up to Edinburgh later today🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Looking forward to delivering @nobarriershere.bsky.social training with @jedjerwood.bsky.social in Leith tomorrow. Thank you to Helen MacGregor at @mariecurieuk.bsky.social & @goodlifedeathgrief.bsky.social for the invitation & support. 1/2
120
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
I like the Rowan berries too! 😍😍
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
…off I head to Etsy!
110
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
No Barriers Here @nobarriershere.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
"And there it was again, the messy table: glue sticks, paper, laughter, tears, and the brave beauty of people sharing what matters most. These workshops are never tidy, but they are always real." A blog from Bridget Corneil, a No Barriers Here facilitator 🇨🇦 www.nobarriershere.org/messy-table-...
031
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
This report on the financial sustainability of adult hospices in England paints a sobering but not an unexpected picture. It highlights the persistent inequities in access to #palliative and #EoLc across the country…a postcode lottery that continues to fail too many people.
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
Saturday morning spent writing conference abstracts (last-minute deadline panic) but enjoyable and reflective. 6 months in and my new role has been both challenging and rewarding. It has presented opportunities to learn and grow, and I’m grateful for the experiences, lessons and trust placed in me.
060
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
After the pause of the weekend, stepping into a new week is a chance to carry forward what matters most (instead of what is loudest) and think about the week ahead. Mondays can often feel like a sprint 🏃‍♀️ and rushing through a to-do list, so today I’m reminding myself where to spend my energy!
160
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Like @nobarriershere.bsky.social the cards are a great tool to support inclusive & equitable discussions. And even better… @kingstonuniversity.bsky.social & @mariecurieuk.bsky.social have collaborated to provide a FREE print & deliver service! 👇 www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support... 2/2
mariecurie.org.uk
End of life planning toolkit for people with a learning disability
An end of life planning toolkit for people with a learning disability, that includes easy read guides and picture cards about funerals and illness.
020
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Yesterday, I received my toolkit from the @victstuproject.bsky.social It was a privilege to be part of this study & see the publication of these resources. These are now in place with our hospice Day Service, IPU & Community Engagement teams to support accessible #EoLC planning conversations 1/2
130
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief @goodlifedeathgrief.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
No Barriers Here' Facilitator Training shares arts-based methods and less verbal approaches to open up meaningful conversations. It is designed to help you support more people to be included, heard and supported when planning for their future care. www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-...
011
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Join me & @jedjerwood.bsky.social for @nobarriershere.bsky.social Facilitator Training - Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 📆 Monday 24th November ⏰ 09:30 - 16:30 📌 Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ Register: www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-... @mariecurieuk.bsky.social @goodlifedeathgrief.bsky.social @mshospice.bsky.social
053
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Absolutely recognition is key & there’s lots more to do in terms of education. NBH offers a public health approach to pall care (often with people who are well) with early conversations, community awareness/engagement & creating spaces for people to explore their wishes.
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Sorry one more! People need clear, accessible information about how to access services. But the real deficit lies within the services themselves. We need to engage meaningfully & listen to our communities, welcome referrals & feedback to continually improve how we address & remove barriers to care
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Ensuring individuals (inc professionals and community workers) feel equipped & supported to start these conversations is crucial alongside removing systematic barriers. 2/2
110
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
That’s such an important perspective Jane. No Barriers Here challenges assumptions & supports people to think more openly about palliative care & future care wishes. But you’re absolutely right - the referral pathway is another place where barriers & inequity need to be challenged.
110
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Explore how arts-based approaches can transform advance/future care planning with people who experience barriers to accessing #palliativecare Join us for @nobarriershere.bsky.social Facilitator Training on Thursday 16th October at The Mary Stevens Hospice www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-...
031
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
Beautiful views over Staffordshire for Sunday cricket game, with the bonus of plum trees ripe for scrumping!
030
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
A day of joy and celebrations! I’m immensely proud of this book chapter, our co-authors and everything that @nobarriershere.bsky.social stands for.
030
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
Fabulous!
000
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
Dr Jed Jerwood (PhD) @jedjerwood.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Really pleased to share our methods paper - C-CARE the methodology underpinning No Barriers Here journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
011
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
🚨 New paper alert! 🚨 I’m incredibly proud to share our publication in #SageJournals @ijqmonline.bsky.social: C-CARE: An Arts-Based, Co-Produced Research Methodology for Understanding and Addressing Inequalities in Healthcare. 🔗 journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/... @jedjerwood.bsky.social
journals.sagepub.com
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
031
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
That would be wonderful!
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
This is amazing, congratulations Katherine! 👏
100
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Thank you for sharing @dvcsaraho.bsky.social, these stories are a stark reminder of why listening, inclusion and person-centred care are not optional but essential. 2/2
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
A powerful film by @dvcdudley.bsky.social & Shout Out Academy. Highlighting the voices too often ignored, it tells the stories of people who were failed by healthcare systems & professionals. People whose needs were not heard & whose experiences were dismissed. 1/2 youtu.be/0B-GNbxZSds
youtu.be
22 strangers with one thing in common
YouTube video by Sarah Offley
110
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
I have these in a pot but going to move into the ground next year, so pretty!
020
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
As the Bill moves to the House of Lords, I hope it prompts debate & action to safeguard our most vulnerable. Everyone, regardless of the choices they make, must be able to access the highest standard of #EoLC. To achieve this palliative care must be increased, equitable & adequately funded.
040
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Calling all Scottish #palliative & #healthcare colleagues 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 We’ve been approached to deliver No Barriers Here Facilitator Training in Scotland later this year (likely November) & inviting expressions of interest Please email: gemma.allen@marystevenshospice.co.uk to be added to the mailing list
021
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
This bill raises serious concerns as it hasn’t done enough to protect the most marginalised in our society. Regardless of your personal stance, we all have a duty to centre those most at risk. We must ask: Who gets protected? Who gets forgotten? www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
I consulted marginalised groups on the assisted dying bill – there is fear
The Terminally Ill Adults Bill offers a choice to a small but important group of people who want the option of assisted dying.
021
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Amazing news!
000
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Sometimes you need to take a moment out of a busy day to just sit quietly for a few minutes. I’m in my happy place in the garden but I really wish you could smell my roses! 🌹
A bright pink David Austin rose in full bloom
040
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
While our sons were off enjoying Sam Fender (not jealous at all 🤣😬), my husband and I embraced our inner tourists exploring our capital city. Always find something to rediscover in London 🇬🇧
020
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
🌈 Create and advocate for safer, inclusive spaces 🌈 Support LGBTQ+ organisations and initiatives 🌈 Acknowledge intersectionality, no one is one identity or characteristic 🌈 Be visible, vocal and values-led 2/2
000
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
What does meaningful LGBTQ+ allyship look like? 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ 🌈 Listen to lived experiences without judgment 🌈 Use inclusive language 🌈 Respect pronouns and share own pronouns 🌈 Challenge discrimination and call it out when you see it 🌈 Educate yourself 🌈 Recognise and celebrate diversity 1/2
100
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
No Barriers Here @nobarriershere.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
It’s #PrideMonth & we’re sharing our resource ‘It’s more than rainbows in receptions’ - Working with LGBTQ+ People in Palliative and End of Life Care. Inclusive and accessible #PEoLC care should be a right - not a privilege Illustration:@casshm.bsky.social www.nobarriershere.org/wp-content/u...
083
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Hope you feel better soon Donna, it’s horrible feeling unwell when you’re away from home….even worse when you need to get on a plane. Take care 💕
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
A full weekend in the garden, hands deep in soil! The new raised bed is already whispering promises of what’s to come and with incense curling through the air, both the cat & I have found our calm (one of us far more effortlessly 😆) Some days don’t need grand gestures…just some time & space 🌿
A raised garden bed with pink, purple and white flowers. There’s a mirror leaning up against a fence, a moon gazing hare ornament and pink roses growing up a trellis. A small tabby cat who is curled up asleep on a brightly patterned garden cushion and bench. A terracotta pot with French lavender. Four incense sticks are burning in the pot. A tall wall of jasmine, white climbing roses and other shrubs.
020
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Pride Month is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of the courage & resilience of the LGBTQ+ community I’ll always stand in solidarity with those who paved the way & those still fighting for equality & justice, with a commitment to creating spaces where people are seen, heard, valued & safe🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈
A photo of the Pride Progress Flag against a blue sky and over the sea.
000
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
Sharon Hudson she/her/they @sharonhudson.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
"If we as individuals and players in health systems, lean into discomfort, & it IS uncomfortable, of being with people we find different to ourselves & put down the pressure to know everything about everyone, we might connect back to our professional & human curiosity?" 👏 @jedjerwood.bsky.social
085
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Amazing news, congratulations @andreabruun.bsky.social 👏
010
Gemma Allen (she/her) @gemmaallen.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Have a fabulous time, it’s on my agenda for next year!
010