Treetops Hospice named finalist in prestigious Smiley Charity Film Awards

Treetops Hospice has been announced as a finalist in the nationwide 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards.

The hospice’s six-minute film, Busting Myths: Hospice Care, features staff and volunteers from across the organisation as they challenge some of the most common misconceptions about hospice care.

In the film, contributors explain that Treetops is far from the “depressing and dark” place some might imagine. Instead, visitors often comment on how “welcoming, supportive and uplifting” the hospice feels.

The film also addresses the taboo surrounding conversations about death and dying. Treetops’ counselling experts highlight that openly discussing these topics can help people feel more prepared and less fearful of this natural part of life.

Philippa Shreeve, Director of Clinical Services, uses the film to clarify how the hospice is funded. She explains that while many assume hospices are fully funded by the NHS, Treetops receives less than 18% statutory funding. The charity therefore relies heavily on the generosity of its local community to continue providing vital care and support.

Michael Younger, Head of Marketing at Treetops Hospice, said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen as a finalist for the Smiley Charity Film Awards. Being recognised alongside so many fantastic charities is an achievement in itself, and we feel incredibly honoured.

“We chose to focus our submission on busting myths because these misconceptions are something we encounter so often at Treetops.

“Ultimately, we want people to feel confident asking questions and to better understand the compassionate, positive work that happens in hospices every day.

“We’d love our local community to get behind us. If you believe in the work we do and the importance of challenging hospice myths, your vote would mean the world and help us continue reaching even more people.

“We wish all nominees the very best of luck and look forward to the results in April.”

The final stage of public voting is now open and closes on Thursday 23 April. Winners of the Smiley Charity Film Awards will be announced on Wednesday 29 April, with each category winner receiving a unique Smiley Charity Film Awards trophy and a £3,000 prize.

To view the nominees and vote for Treetops Hospice, visit: https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/busting-myths-hospice-care