Mountbatten Hampshire’s eye-catching new community van aims to transform the way our hospice and end-of-life care charity supports communities in Southampton and other parts of the county.

The bright yellow vehicle, based at our hospice in West End, Southampton, but ready to hit the region’s roads, is a mobile hub for information sessions and support groups.

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It was purchased with grant-funded money from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which supported Mountbatten’s aim to raise awareness of the services, provided by our expert staff, to those who may not know about the breadth of care and support available to them.

The project has been made possible with the help and support of Vansco, Advanced Locksmiths, Atlas Conversions, SC Tints and Extreme Signs, as well as a generous donation from a local supporter.

Above: Mountbatten staff and supporters on launch day, with the new community van

From Atlas Mobility Conversions, Mary Cordina said: "We hand-built a lot of it, to meet what Mountbatten needed. It was a lovely job to do.

"For me, it's very, very important to support Mountbatten Hampshire.

"This was my late husband's — Joe Cordina's — business. He got cancer and we had six weeks from diagnosis to the end. I decided to take the business on for him. He would have been so proud that we completed this job." 

Behind the wheel and staffing the van will be members of Mountbatten’s specialist community nursing team, among others.

They are on a mission to increase the provision of vital palliative and end of life care, reaching isolated patients, those who live in areas of deprivation and those who do not yet know about the 24/7 expert care available to them — both in our hospice and in their own homes.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), parts of Southampton are among the most deprived areas of Hampshire. 

Mountbatten’s community hub will be visiting those areas, along with Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hedge End, North Baddesley, Romsey, West Meon, Wickham and Colden Common and Winchester.

Advanced Locksmiths' Peter Griffiths said: "We were called in by Vansco to sort out the keys. We added extra ones, to ensure there are enough for all the Mountbatten staff members who will be driving the van.

"It's lovely, isn't it? It's come on a long way since we saw it as a shell!" 

Above: The new van. Below: Mountbatten Hampshire's head of community and public engagement, Chrissie Dawson and nurse, Sue Bell, who will be among those driving the van to its appointments

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• Would you like the Mountbatten Hampshire community vehicle to visit you?

• Email Chrissie Dawson, head of community and public engagement on [email protected]

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Above: The new van. Below: Mountbatten Hampshire's director of operations, Becky McGregor, cuts the ribbon on launch day

Mountbatten supporter, Raj Chadda, donated vital funds to help with the vehicle's conversion, in memory of his wife, Laj.

"She always liked donating to charity. Mountbatten has done a wonderful job with the new van," he said.

Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, said: “Mountbatten Hampshire is delighted to be rolling-out this incredible accessible van. 

“It will play a huge role in helping our charity reach new communities across Southampton and parts of Hampshire, ensuring our vital expertise and 24/7 hospice and at-home care, plus bereavement support, is available to those who need it.

“Two thirds funded by the public through donations and grants, and with Mountbatten’s NHS contribution failing to rise in line with inflation, our charity is seeking increased community support.

“Thank you to those organisations and individuals who have worked alongside us to support the delivery of Mountbatten Hampshire’s new community vehicle.”

Mountbatten’s aim is to change public perceptions around death, dying and bereavement and to meet the needs of everyone who requires our care and support, ensuring no-one is ignored — and the community bus will go a long way to help us achieve this.