Turning pain into purpose

Bethlehem House Operations Manager, Jay Chipman, was inspired to provide a service to support Tasmanian families after she was diagnosed with blood cancer one week before Christmas in 2014.

Ms Chipman was recently acknowledged at Government House as the winner of the Outstanding Achievement and Innovation in Palliative Care at the 2024 Palliative Care Awards.

It is yet another example of the huge hearts our staff and members have for those in need!

The mother of two said her family’s life was turned upside down and they had to quickly deal with a whole new world of terminology, constant appointments and hospital stays.

“It was draining in every sense. Physically, emotionally, financially, logistically and spiritually,” Ms Chipman said. 

“Upon reaching out for support at that time, I was met with replies that I would enter a waiting list for support - that waiting list would find me without support for up to three to four years.

“I couldn’t believe that there was little to no support for young families in Tasmania. All I wanted was a break from the ongoing stress that we endured for a year. So as I recovered, I felt determined to build a service in our state that fostered hope in addressing the needs that we felt during our cancer experience.”

In 2018, Ms Chipman founded Homely Retreats, which has provided tailored respite at no cost for around 600 Tasmanian families throughout their cancer journeys.

“The service typically includes two to three nights of suitable accommodation and a travel hamper, both tailored to the specific needs of each family,” Ms Chipman said.

“Families report the extensive benefits of this time away, including space for rest, reconnection with loved ones and an opportunity to create everlasting positive family memories during a tough time.”

Palliative Care Tasmania Chief Executive Officer, Veney Hiller, said in establishing Homely Retreats, the sole provider of family respite in Tasmania, Ms Chipman had given Tasmanian families a beautiful gift, ensuring they were cared for, supported and connected with their family. 

"Through her own personal experience with cancer, Jay knows the importance of a strong and connected family unit at a time when a family member is receiving or recovering from cancer treatment,” she said.

“What started as a passion project has grown into a much-needed service that has had positive impact on hundreds of families.

“Jay has shown true compassion, kindness and innovation in all aspects of her work. She should be incredibly proud of her achievements and by recognising her we inspire others to get involved, to support her work or access the services that Homely Retreats provides in the community."

Homely Retreats is a member of the Palliative Care Network which brings together more than 60 community organisations that work to support people living with life limiting conditions.

“It is lovely to receive recognition for the hard work that myself, our team of staff and many donors and volunteers have contributed to support hundreds of families over the past five and a half years,” Ms Chipman said.

“It has been an absolute joy and honour to meet and work alongside so many incredibly compassionate Tasmanians who have contributed to the success of our organisations operations.”

The Society welcomed Jay into our family through her new role at Bethlehem House in July. We can see the alignment of values such as compassion, courage, empathy, respect, integrity, advocacy and commitment. We know that her presence at Bethlehem House will be as beneficial for our residents as it will be for the marvellous team supporting them.