Havens Hospices has two films nominated in the Smiley Charity Film Awards. With enough votes, the charity will be shortlisted for the next round of voting.

The charity, which has two hospices based in Prittlewell and Thundersley, was nominated alongside well-known national charities such as Dementia UK and Age UK.

Its first film to be nominated is its Dying Matters campaign, which asks four members of its care team why it's vital to have conversations around illness, death and bereavement with loved ones.

The second film shortlisted is “What if Havens Hospices didn’t exist?”, which tells the stories of families cared for by Little Havens children’s hospice and Fair Havens, and why its hospice care is vital to their loved ones.

Amy Dearing, Havens Hospices spokesperson, said: “Havens Hospices was absolutely thrilled to learn we had been nominated in the Smiley Charity Film Awards. Storytelling, through film in particular, is a powerful tool that helps us raise awareness of our work and the impact our supporters’ donations have on the families we care for.

“We’re honoured to be able to tell the stories of families that rely on our care and members of our Care Team, and we cannot thank them enough for sharing their stories. Please vote for Havens Hospices, it’s free, takes less than a minute and will mean the world to the charity and those we’re supporting.”

Caring for babies, children and adults, Havens Hospices specialist Care Team looks after the whole family throughout illness, death and bereavement, putting wellbeing at the centre of their support. The charity doesn’t charge a penny for any of its services, thanks to the donations and generosity of the community.

To vote for Havens Hospices’ two films, visit www.smileycharityfilmawards.com/videos/dying-matters-at-havens-hospices-2022 and www.smileycharityfilmawards.com/videos/what-if-havens-hospices-didnt-exist by Monday 16th January.

To see more of the charity’s films, visit www.youtube.com/havenshospices