Vote for us in the Smiley Charity Film Awards

St Barnabas House, who are part of Sussex hospice charity Southern Hospice Group is calling for public support for their entry in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026. 

The short film ‘We’re here for you. Will you be here for us?’ launched as part of the Group’s adult hospices’ winter appeal – raising vital funds for hospice care across Sussex and awareness of the growing funding crisis in the sector. 

The film follows the experience of hospice patient Marc as he describes the care he received following his cancer diagnosis. 

Marc shares his very real fear that, when his time comes, there may not be the option of a hospice bed for him; a fear shared by many coming to the end of their lives across the UK. 

Southern Hospice Group Director of Fundraising and Communications Katie Cotton said: “We’re so proud and grateful to Marc for showing us all what hospice care has meant to him and his family. 

“We support thousands of families every year with specialist palliative and end-of-life care and want to be here for many more years to come, but we can’t keep running at a loss. Marc’s experience shows the positive change hospice care can have, helping families make the most of the time they have together. While resources like beds are limited, they are so valuable and – combined with community care – give people choice and support. That’s why we as a Group are pressing for more sustainable funding for hospices.” 

It’s the first time that the hospice group has made a joint film between its two adult hospices, St Barnabas House in Worthing and Martlets in Hove. The Group formed in 2024 following a merger and includes Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice near Arundel, whose reach extends into South East Hampshire, too. 

Cotton added: “We’re excited to enter the Smiley Charity Film Awards this year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a positive movement and bring attention to the issues facing not only families but hospice staff too. We’d love for our local community here in Sussex to show their support by watching, voting, and sharing our film.”  

Now in its ninth year, the Smiley Charity Film Awards is the world’s largest platform for films with purpose, celebrating creativity, compassion, and positive change. Previous hosts have included household names such as Lisa Snowdon and comedian and TV host Tom Allen, alongside industry experts from leading creative and humanitarian organisations.  

VOTE TODAY!

Voting closes 30 January 2026