Publish date: 20 March 2026
In our new series of impact stories, we look at how Mersey Cares is making a difference to service users, patients, staff and services across Mersey Care…
Memory-making resources such as fingerprint keepsakes, memory bears, and hearts were introduced as part of a pilot programme by Mersey Care’s district nursing teams. These items offer comfort and emotional support to patients and their families during end-of-life care, aiding the grieving process while also enhancing staff confidence in delivering compassionate care.
Speaking about the impact of the memory box items, a district nurse shared how she offered items to family members and they were gratefully received.
“The range of keepsakes were left with the family so they could decide which items they would like. Quite a few family members were interested in the items, with memory bears and hearts gifted to them. We created fingerprint keepsakes with them onto wooden hearts which turned out really well. The family really loved them – it was really positive experience for them during such a difficult time.”
Collaboration with the Palliative Care Team to design bespoke cards to support families
We also collaborated with the Palliative Care Team to create a collection of bespoke bereavement cards for both adults and children. Working closely with the charity and our Mersey Care design team at every stage, we developed a meaningful range of cards with a heartfelt, personal touch. Each design was carefully crafted to support emotional expression, offer comfort, and help people feel seen, understood, and cared for during times of loss.
Inside, each card includes a blank space for staff to write their own personal message. On the reverse, there is a supportive note along with a telephone number individuals can call if they need additional help or are struggling to cope.
Deputy Associate Director of Nursing & Patient Experience, Deborah Tubey, said:
“When a loved one or someone important to you has died, it is often difficult to find the right words. The development of the Trust bereavement cards has been a wonderful piece of work, clinically led by our amazing Specialist palliative care and Community nursing teams for adults and children. The cards provide a compassionate approach to bereavement signifying the end of their nursing care with our services and enables the clinical colleagues involved to deliver a compassionate and person-centred approach to the end of that care journey. Thanks to all the team at Mersey Cares charity for supporting this worthwhile project"
Read more including a case study in our Impact Report
Does your service need support?
If you would like to discuss funding a project to support your service, get in touch with our charity team (charity
One way to raise funds for your service is by taking part in a team fundraiser. Recently, the Halton Children and Young People’s Service took part in the Liverpool Santa Dash raising over £1,000 to support an upcoming art project.
Upcoming Mersey Cares Fundraisers
🏃Mersey Tunnel 10k – 12 April 2026
🪂Skydive to support Mental Health Awareness Week – 16 May 2026
🥾Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – 6 June 2026
🎽The Port Sunlight 10K and 5K event - 7 June 2026
☕NHS Big Tea - 29 June - 10 July 2026
🚴London to Paris Cycle for ZSA – 22 July 2026
🌙Snowdon at Night 2026 – 1 August 2026
Northern Lights Trek Challenge for ZSA – February 2027
Or you can design your own team fundraiser such as a bake-off or sponsored silence – with support from Mersey Cares.
There may also be grants the charity can apply for to support a project – so drop us a line!
Get inspired and read more about what Mersey Cares has made possible!
