Gemma Allen (she/her)
@gemmaallen.bsky.social
Director of Strategy, Innovation & Communications, The Mary Stevens Hospice.
Co-founder/ Lead No Barriers Here. Independent Consultant. Ally 🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
#equity #research #education #coproduction #leadership #systemchange #hapc
www.nobarriershere.org
Co-founder/ Lead No Barriers Here. Independent Consultant. Ally 🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
#equity #research #education #coproduction #leadership #systemchange #hapc
www.nobarriershere.org
Pinned
It’s a privilege to share the latest film from No Barriers Here 🎥
We hope that it offers an insight into the key elements of the approach and why it’s important to work in an equity-informed way.
#palliativecare #hpm
youtu.be/vyeEFl_DOHo
We hope that it offers an insight into the key elements of the approach and why it’s important to work in an equity-informed way.
#palliativecare #hpm
youtu.be/vyeEFl_DOHo
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
"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-...
A blog from Bridget Corneil, a No Barriers Here facilitator 🇨🇦
www.nobarriershere.org/messy-table-...
November 7, 2025 at 9:12 PM
"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-...
A blog from Bridget Corneil, a No Barriers Here facilitator 🇨🇦
www.nobarriershere.org/messy-table-...
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.
It highlights the persistent inequities in access to #palliative and #EoLc across the country…a postcode lottery that continues to fail too many people.
The National Audit Office has published a report on the financial sustainability of England's adult hospices, calling it a matter of "national importance".
It says the Govt lacks clarity on how its funding impacts hospices as demand for end of life care rises.
www.hospiceuk.org/latest-from-...
It says the Govt lacks clarity on how its funding impacts hospices as demand for end of life care rises.
www.hospiceuk.org/latest-from-...
October 30, 2025 at 5:34 PM
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.
It highlights the persistent inequities in access to #palliative and #EoLc across the country…a postcode lottery that continues to fail too many people.
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.
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.
October 25, 2025 at 12:35 PM
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.
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.
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!
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!
September 8, 2025 at 6:35 AM
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!
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!
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
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
September 4, 2025 at 7:07 PM
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
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
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
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-...
www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-...
September 4, 2025 at 8:06 AM
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-...
www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-...
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
📆 Monday 24th November
⏰ 09:30 - 16:30
📌 Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ
Register: www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-...
@mariecurieuk.bsky.social @goodlifedeathgrief.bsky.social @mshospice.bsky.social
September 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
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
📆 Monday 24th November
⏰ 09:30 - 16:30
📌 Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ
Register: www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-...
@mariecurieuk.bsky.social @goodlifedeathgrief.bsky.social @mshospice.bsky.social
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-...
Join us for @nobarriershere.bsky.social Facilitator Training on Thursday 16th October at The Mary Stevens Hospice
www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-...
August 27, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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-...
Join us for @nobarriershere.bsky.social Facilitator Training on Thursday 16th October at The Mary Stevens Hospice
www.nobarriershere.org/facilitator-...
Beautiful views over Staffordshire for Sunday cricket game, with the bonus of plum trees ripe for scrumping!
August 3, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Beautiful views over Staffordshire for Sunday cricket game, with the bonus of plum trees ripe for scrumping!
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.
Today we held our celebratory book chapter launch with bubbles (non alcoholic), cake, certificates of authorship, golden wrapped books & cards!
THIS is meaningful co-production!
@jedjerwood.bsky.social @dvcsaraho.bsky.social @gemmaallen.bsky.social @dvcdudley.bsky.social @mshospice.bsky.social
THIS is meaningful co-production!
@jedjerwood.bsky.social @dvcsaraho.bsky.social @gemmaallen.bsky.social @dvcdudley.bsky.social @mshospice.bsky.social
July 30, 2025 at 6:47 PM
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.
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
Really pleased to share our methods paper - C-CARE the methodology underpinning No Barriers Here
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
July 14, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Really pleased to share our methods paper - C-CARE the methodology underpinning No Barriers Here
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
🚨 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
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
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
July 14, 2025 at 4:43 PM
🚨 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
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
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
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
22 strangers with one thing in common
YouTube video by Sarah Offley
youtu.be
June 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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
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
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.
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.
June 20, 2025 at 6:27 PM
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.
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.
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
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
June 18, 2025 at 8:20 PM
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
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
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...
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...
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.
www.politicshome.com
June 13, 2025 at 8:49 AM
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...
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...
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! 🌹
I’m in my happy place in the garden but I really wish you could smell my roses! 🌹
June 11, 2025 at 4:59 PM
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! 🌹
I’m in my happy place in the garden but I really wish you could smell my roses! 🌹
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 🇬🇧
June 8, 2025 at 8:25 PM
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 🇬🇧
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
🌈 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
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🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
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🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
June 2, 2025 at 6:31 PM
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
🌈 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
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
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...
Inclusive and accessible #PEoLC care should be a right - not a privilege
Illustration:@casshm.bsky.social
www.nobarriershere.org/wp-content/u...
June 2, 2025 at 6:02 PM
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...
Inclusive and accessible #PEoLC care should be a right - not a privilege
Illustration:@casshm.bsky.social
www.nobarriershere.org/wp-content/u...
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 🌿
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 🌿
June 1, 2025 at 2:32 PM
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 🌿
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 🌿
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🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
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🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
June 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
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🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
"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
Really pleased to share this reflective editorial published today in Progress in Palliative Care
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/TMKYD...
@nobarriershere.bsky.social @gemmaallen.bsky.social @ellieclack.bsky.social @sharonhudson.bsky.social @jamillahussain1.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/TMKYD...
@nobarriershere.bsky.social @gemmaallen.bsky.social @ellieclack.bsky.social @sharonhudson.bsky.social @jamillahussain1.bsky.social
Reflections on working in health inequity in palliative care: Learning from the No Barriers Here project five years on
Published in Progress in Palliative Care: Science and the Art of Caring (Ahead of Print, 2025)
www.tandfonline.com
May 29, 2025 at 5:09 PM
"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
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
Really pleased to share this reflective editorial published today in Progress in Palliative Care
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/TMKYD...
@nobarriershere.bsky.social @gemmaallen.bsky.social @ellieclack.bsky.social @sharonhudson.bsky.social @jamillahussain1.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/TMKYD...
@nobarriershere.bsky.social @gemmaallen.bsky.social @ellieclack.bsky.social @sharonhudson.bsky.social @jamillahussain1.bsky.social
Reflections on working in health inequity in palliative care: Learning from the No Barriers Here project five years on
Published in Progress in Palliative Care: Science and the Art of Caring (Ahead of Print, 2025)
www.tandfonline.com
May 28, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Really pleased to share this reflective editorial published today in Progress in Palliative Care
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/TMKYD...
@nobarriershere.bsky.social @gemmaallen.bsky.social @ellieclack.bsky.social @sharonhudson.bsky.social @jamillahussain1.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/TMKYD...
@nobarriershere.bsky.social @gemmaallen.bsky.social @ellieclack.bsky.social @sharonhudson.bsky.social @jamillahussain1.bsky.social
Reposted by Gemma Allen (she/her)
Thx 🙏 @jedjerwood.bsky.social and @gemmaallen.bsky.social for genuinely changing the way so many of us approach and reflect on health inequity in palliative care @nobarriershere.bsky.social.
Lessons for life here: “We must also be willing to share power, listen, slow down & do things differently.”
Lessons for life here: “We must also be willing to share power, listen, slow down & do things differently.”
If we are brave enough to ask people about themselves and what and who is important to them, what they find difficult, what they are fearful of and what they need, we may have a chance to really improve the experiences of the people we care for.”
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reflections on working in health inequity in palliative care: Learning from the No Barriers Here project five years on
Published in Progress in Palliative Care: Science and the Art of Caring (Ahead of Print, 2025)
www.tandfonline.com
May 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Thx 🙏 @jedjerwood.bsky.social and @gemmaallen.bsky.social for genuinely changing the way so many of us approach and reflect on health inequity in palliative care @nobarriershere.bsky.social.
Lessons for life here: “We must also be willing to share power, listen, slow down & do things differently.”
Lessons for life here: “We must also be willing to share power, listen, slow down & do things differently.”