Strengthening Care Through Relationships: Highlights from the MGF Lunch & Learn Series

The Manchester Global Foundation launched its first “Lunch and Learn Series” with a talk by Dr. Sarah Yardley, Associate Professor of Palliative Medicine at the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, titled “What Helps in Real Life: Practical Ways to Strengthen Care Through Relationships.” The talk explored how relationship-based approaches can improve palliative care outcomes for people living with complex mental health conditions alongside advanced incurable physical illness. Dr. Yardley highlighted structural inequalities that lead to poorer pain management and reduced access to palliative services for these patients, emphasising the importance of inclusive, coordinated care across health and social systems. Drawing on lived experiences and global examples, she discussed how stronger relational networks between healthcare professionals, patients, and communities can foster trust, improve communication, and promote equity in care. The session also presented practical strategies, such as active listening, patient advocacy, and enabling collaborative teamwork, to create safer, more compassionate, and more inclusive healthcare environments. The talk was attended by doctors, postgraduate students, and researchers from the community, creating an engaging platform for discussion and learning.