About Us
The Hospice Society of West Hants is a nonprofit organization based in Ellershouse, Nova Scotia, dedicated to increasing death literacy, promoting end-of-life education, and building a more compassionate community. Through local events, workshops, and outreach programs, we help individuals and families better understand dying, death, grief, and caregiving. Whether you’re looking for support, education, or a way to get involved, we are here to walk alongside you.​
​The Hospice Society of West Hants seeks to facilitate community engagement and support for local hospice services in our community.
Mission
To improve death literacy and end-of-life support for community members in and around West Hants, Nova Scotia, by providing education, resource-sharing, and connecting individuals to available services.
Vision
To provide holistic support for individuals & caregivers throughout their life-changing illness journey. We strive to build a compassionate network of volunteers, healthcare providers, & community partners.
Our Values
​ Respect & Dignity
Dignity is perceived in various ways by different individuals. Acknowledging and respecting these differences is the initial step in fostering trusting relationships.
Compassion
Grief is a shared human experience. We recognize your feelings of loss and seek to support you on your path to healing.
Communication & Teamwork
​You are the central figure in your own narrative. By expressing your needs, you enable us to more effectively plan and implement the necessary programs in our community.
Integrity
Being accountable to the community and stakeholders serves as the foundation of trust for our organization.
The Hospice Society of West Hants began its journey in Ellershouse, Nova Scotia, in November 2023. It was born out of many meaningful community conversations at the Ellershouse Death Cafés, where residents expressed the growing need for more local end-of-life support services.
Nearly a year after its inception, and following even more community engagement, the Society held its first official information session in the fall of 2024, with nineteen individuals in attendance. We officially became a registered not-for-profit society with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies on October 10, 2024. Our first working and administrative Board of Directors was also established that same week.
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Today, the Hospice Society of West Hants is a small but dedicated team working through the early stages of building a sustainable, community-centered organization. In the near future, we will be looking for volunteers to support fundraising efforts and other important activities that help us provide compassionate hospice care and death literacy in the West Hants region.​ ​
Future Plans
Our goal is to improve death literacy and end-of-life care for community members in West Hants and the surrounding areas. We aim to provide education and support related to end-of-life preparation and mental wellness, directly serving the needs of the West Hants community. We are committed to working in collaboration with local service providers and are supported by the generosity of our donors.
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Although our current focus is on building strong partnerships and helping care for those in our region, our long-term vision is to establish a hospice facility right here in West Hants.​
Volunteers form the backbone of this hospice society, infusing it with compassion, care, and unwavering dedication.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have championed our mission and vision in recent months—you are truly the driving force behind our cause.
- HSWH Board of Directors