The Bolton News and Bolton Hospice are taking the opportunity to celebrate their partnership and remind the public of the importance of local newspapers and the support they can provide organisations in their communities. Journalism Matters Week, which is an annual celebration of the importance of news outlets in the UK, runs from October 28 to November 3 this year. It is organised by the News Media Association (NMA) and highlights the enormous value that trusted journalism contributes to our democratic society.
By campaigning on behalf of their readers, newspapers can make a real difference to people’s lives and bring about change for the better. Last year, The Bolton News partnered with Bolton Hospice to raise awareness of the funding challenges facing the hospice and to mobilise local community support. The hospice team worked with Richard Duggan, Regional Editor North West and Editor of The Bolton News, on a communications strategy to raise the profile of the hospice and share important stories to demonstrate the vital care and support the hospice provides to the local community.
Regular weekly issues included stories from hospice staff, as well as patients and families who had accessed hospice services to highlight the importance of hospice care in Bolton. The front page of The Bolton News calling on readers to 'Save Bolton Hospice' (Image: Newsquest) Richard wrote an open letter to readers to voice why the hospice needed help, tackling some common misconceptions about.
