Welcome

Everyone deserves the opportunity to think about, talk about, and plan for what matters most at the end of life. Yet for many people, this opportunity is limited by inequality, exclusion and barriers within health and care systems.

No Barriers Here is an innovative, arts-based approach to advance care planning that was co-produced with people with learning disabilities in 2019. Since then, it has grown through collaboration with underserved communities, creating inclusive and creative ways for people to explore their wishes, values and priorities for the future.

Using accessible, arts-based methods, No Barriers Here enables people to express themselves in ways that go beyond words. The approach creates safer, welcoming spaces where everyone can participate in exploring advance care planning.

In doing so, No Barriers Here also contributes to death literacy – helping individuals, communities and professionals build the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand death, dying, grief and planning ahead. By creating opportunities for open conversation, arts-based methods and shared learning, the approach supports people to make informed choices, communicate what matters most and feel more confident navigating experiences of serious illness, dying and bereavement.

Many people who experience inequity do not have the same opportunities to plan for the end of life. Systemic barriers, social and economic disadvantage, discrimination, and a lack of confidence among health and care professionals can all prevent people from having their voices heard. We believe that equitable palliative and end-of-life care begins by ensuring every person has the opportunity to express what matters most to them.

Planning ahead gives people greater choice and control. By sharing your wishes, values and preferences, you increase the likelihood that those around you will understand what matters most and support your decisions when it matters most.

Since 2019, we have continued to develop No Barriers Here through co-production with underserved communities. Together, we are creating a movement for more equitable, inclusive and person-led advance care planning that also strengthens death literacy across communities, helping to normalise conversations about death and dying and ensuring every person’s voice is heard, valued and respected.