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
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
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!
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
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 🇬🇧
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🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈
Today’s read at cricket: Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
I’m only a few chapters in but I’m already swept up in these powerful, interwoven stories of Black British women across generations and identities.
A reminder of how many ways there are to be.
I’m only a few chapters in but I’m already swept up in these powerful, interwoven stories of Black British women across generations and identities.
A reminder of how many ways there are to be.
May 24, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Today’s read at cricket: Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
I’m only a few chapters in but I’m already swept up in these powerful, interwoven stories of Black British women across generations and identities.
A reminder of how many ways there are to be.
I’m only a few chapters in but I’m already swept up in these powerful, interwoven stories of Black British women across generations and identities.
A reminder of how many ways there are to be.
I participated in a wellbeing walk around the hospice grounds during lunch today for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, taking time to appreciate being outdoors in nature.
Along the way, we gathered a few treasures and created a simple display of natural art 🍃
#Nature #StaffWellbeing #Hospice
Along the way, we gathered a few treasures and created a simple display of natural art 🍃
#Nature #StaffWellbeing #Hospice
May 15, 2025 at 5:47 PM
I participated in a wellbeing walk around the hospice grounds during lunch today for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, taking time to appreciate being outdoors in nature.
Along the way, we gathered a few treasures and created a simple display of natural art 🍃
#Nature #StaffWellbeing #Hospice
Along the way, we gathered a few treasures and created a simple display of natural art 🍃
#Nature #StaffWellbeing #Hospice
This week is #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and at Mary Stevens Hospice the focus is on staff wellbeing.
We’ve created awareness boards ℹ️ planned wellbeing walks 👣 and creative activities 🎨
Because like any strong community, we’re stronger when we support one another 💚
#Wellbeing #MentalHealth
We’ve created awareness boards ℹ️ planned wellbeing walks 👣 and creative activities 🎨
Because like any strong community, we’re stronger when we support one another 💚
#Wellbeing #MentalHealth
May 13, 2025 at 7:33 PM
This week is #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and at Mary Stevens Hospice the focus is on staff wellbeing.
We’ve created awareness boards ℹ️ planned wellbeing walks 👣 and creative activities 🎨
Because like any strong community, we’re stronger when we support one another 💚
#Wellbeing #MentalHealth
We’ve created awareness boards ℹ️ planned wellbeing walks 👣 and creative activities 🎨
Because like any strong community, we’re stronger when we support one another 💚
#Wellbeing #MentalHealth
It’s a beautiful day for cricket! 🏏
Sunshine overhead, book in hand, picnic packed, flask full and suncream at the ready.
Simple pleasures ☀️
Sunshine overhead, book in hand, picnic packed, flask full and suncream at the ready.
Simple pleasures ☀️
May 10, 2025 at 12:11 PM
It’s a beautiful day for cricket! 🏏
Sunshine overhead, book in hand, picnic packed, flask full and suncream at the ready.
Simple pleasures ☀️
Sunshine overhead, book in hand, picnic packed, flask full and suncream at the ready.
Simple pleasures ☀️
A fabulous Friday!
Thank you @drkathrynmannix.bsky.social for insightful, thoughtful & honest conversations, plus adding your wise words to our hospice wisdom tree 🌲
Also a big thank you to @jedjerwood.bsky.social & @sharonhudson.bsky.social
#palliativecare #hospice #DyingMattersAwarenessWeek
Thank you @drkathrynmannix.bsky.social for insightful, thoughtful & honest conversations, plus adding your wise words to our hospice wisdom tree 🌲
Also a big thank you to @jedjerwood.bsky.social & @sharonhudson.bsky.social
#palliativecare #hospice #DyingMattersAwarenessWeek
May 9, 2025 at 10:17 PM
A fabulous Friday!
Thank you @drkathrynmannix.bsky.social for insightful, thoughtful & honest conversations, plus adding your wise words to our hospice wisdom tree 🌲
Also a big thank you to @jedjerwood.bsky.social & @sharonhudson.bsky.social
#palliativecare #hospice #DyingMattersAwarenessWeek
Thank you @drkathrynmannix.bsky.social for insightful, thoughtful & honest conversations, plus adding your wise words to our hospice wisdom tree 🌲
Also a big thank you to @jedjerwood.bsky.social & @sharonhudson.bsky.social
#palliativecare #hospice #DyingMattersAwarenessWeek
Tomorrow afternoon and evening is going to be special!
We can’t wait to welcome @drkathrynmannix.bsky.social to @mshospice.bsky.social for these TWO sold out events for #DyingMattersWeek.
In partnership with The Heath Bookshop, @brumyodo.bsky.social and @nobarriershere.bsky.social 💛
We can’t wait to welcome @drkathrynmannix.bsky.social to @mshospice.bsky.social for these TWO sold out events for #DyingMattersWeek.
In partnership with The Heath Bookshop, @brumyodo.bsky.social and @nobarriershere.bsky.social 💛
May 8, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Tomorrow afternoon and evening is going to be special!
We can’t wait to welcome @drkathrynmannix.bsky.social to @mshospice.bsky.social for these TWO sold out events for #DyingMattersWeek.
In partnership with The Heath Bookshop, @brumyodo.bsky.social and @nobarriershere.bsky.social 💛
We can’t wait to welcome @drkathrynmannix.bsky.social to @mshospice.bsky.social for these TWO sold out events for #DyingMattersWeek.
In partnership with The Heath Bookshop, @brumyodo.bsky.social and @nobarriershere.bsky.social 💛
A bank holiday weekend of cricket 🏏
First 50 of the season yesterday off 18 balls for the boy, followed by today’s annual charity game with father and son playing to raise money for @mshospice.bsky.social
A joy to see beautiful walls of wisteria in full bloom at Enville CC!
First 50 of the season yesterday off 18 balls for the boy, followed by today’s annual charity game with father and son playing to raise money for @mshospice.bsky.social
A joy to see beautiful walls of wisteria in full bloom at Enville CC!
May 4, 2025 at 8:48 PM
A bank holiday weekend of cricket 🏏
First 50 of the season yesterday off 18 balls for the boy, followed by today’s annual charity game with father and son playing to raise money for @mshospice.bsky.social
A joy to see beautiful walls of wisteria in full bloom at Enville CC!
First 50 of the season yesterday off 18 balls for the boy, followed by today’s annual charity game with father and son playing to raise money for @mshospice.bsky.social
A joy to see beautiful walls of wisteria in full bloom at Enville CC!
They are Cass, all the line drawings are by Lee - a very talented member of my team!
May 2, 2025 at 3:40 PM
They are Cass, all the line drawings are by Lee - a very talented member of my team!
Today, I’m officially in my new role as Director of Strategy, Innovation & Communications at Mary Stevens Hospice. A very proud moment and I’m so looking forward to everything that this new opportunity brings.
Celebrating low key whilst son is at cricket training with a pub cob & a shandy! 😆
Celebrating low key whilst son is at cricket training with a pub cob & a shandy! 😆
May 1, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Today, I’m officially in my new role as Director of Strategy, Innovation & Communications at Mary Stevens Hospice. A very proud moment and I’m so looking forward to everything that this new opportunity brings.
Celebrating low key whilst son is at cricket training with a pub cob & a shandy! 😆
Celebrating low key whilst son is at cricket training with a pub cob & a shandy! 😆
Are you looking for an independent consultant to drive inclusive project development or advise on equitable access to care?
I now have availability for one short-term, pt project and would love to collaborate with an organisation who want to make a difference.
📧 g.allenconsultancy@yahoo.com
I now have availability for one short-term, pt project and would love to collaborate with an organisation who want to make a difference.
📧 g.allenconsultancy@yahoo.com
April 22, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Are you looking for an independent consultant to drive inclusive project development or advise on equitable access to care?
I now have availability for one short-term, pt project and would love to collaborate with an organisation who want to make a difference.
📧 g.allenconsultancy@yahoo.com
I now have availability for one short-term, pt project and would love to collaborate with an organisation who want to make a difference.
📧 g.allenconsultancy@yahoo.com
Out of office on 😃
A welcome change of pace & a few sneaky purchases from the garden nurseries today 🪴
It's been an intense few weeks so I’m fully embracing no alarm clock for the next few days, although I’ll still be wide awake by 6am!
For tonight, the candles are on & my feet are firmly up!
A welcome change of pace & a few sneaky purchases from the garden nurseries today 🪴
It's been an intense few weeks so I’m fully embracing no alarm clock for the next few days, although I’ll still be wide awake by 6am!
For tonight, the candles are on & my feet are firmly up!
April 17, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Out of office on 😃
A welcome change of pace & a few sneaky purchases from the garden nurseries today 🪴
It's been an intense few weeks so I’m fully embracing no alarm clock for the next few days, although I’ll still be wide awake by 6am!
For tonight, the candles are on & my feet are firmly up!
A welcome change of pace & a few sneaky purchases from the garden nurseries today 🪴
It's been an intense few weeks so I’m fully embracing no alarm clock for the next few days, although I’ll still be wide awake by 6am!
For tonight, the candles are on & my feet are firmly up!
Back in my happy place, watching the boy play cricket 🏏
I've come to appreciate how this time gives me the space to clear my head each week - no work, no deadlines, just the simple pleasure of choosing which book to dive into for a few hours 📚
I've come to appreciate how this time gives me the space to clear my head each week - no work, no deadlines, just the simple pleasure of choosing which book to dive into for a few hours 📚
April 12, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Back in my happy place, watching the boy play cricket 🏏
I've come to appreciate how this time gives me the space to clear my head each week - no work, no deadlines, just the simple pleasure of choosing which book to dive into for a few hours 📚
I've come to appreciate how this time gives me the space to clear my head each week - no work, no deadlines, just the simple pleasure of choosing which book to dive into for a few hours 📚
I’m deep in transcripts from the latest No Barriers Here research & once again, reflecting on how far we have to go.
Everyone deserves dignity & care at the end of life, but not everyone receives it. Access to #palliativecare isn’t equal & equity isn’t just a ‘nice thing’ to have, it’s essential.
Everyone deserves dignity & care at the end of life, but not everyone receives it. Access to #palliativecare isn’t equal & equity isn’t just a ‘nice thing’ to have, it’s essential.
April 11, 2025 at 7:23 AM
I’m deep in transcripts from the latest No Barriers Here research & once again, reflecting on how far we have to go.
Everyone deserves dignity & care at the end of life, but not everyone receives it. Access to #palliativecare isn’t equal & equity isn’t just a ‘nice thing’ to have, it’s essential.
Everyone deserves dignity & care at the end of life, but not everyone receives it. Access to #palliativecare isn’t equal & equity isn’t just a ‘nice thing’ to have, it’s essential.