SETU Launches Collaboration With The All Ireland Institute Of Hospice And Palliative Care

The launch comes as part of Palliative Care Week.

South East Technological University (SETU), through its ‘Supporting Family Carers across Ireland’ project, is announcing a new collaboration with the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) to deliver a Level 6 Certificate in Advocacy for family carers, and former family carers, across Ireland.

Officially launched during Palliative Care Week 2026, the collaboration recognises the invaluable contribution family carers make in supporting people with palliative and end-of-life care needs and acknowledges the critical role advocacy plays in ensuring that the voices of carers and those they care for are heard.

The fully funded programme has been designed to develop participants' understanding of advocacy while providing practical skills in communication, leadership, rights, responsibilities and influencing positive change. Delivered flexibly online, the programme enables carers to access higher education while balancing their caring responsibilities.

The programme forms part of SETU's ‘Supporting Family Carers Across Ireland’ project, funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), which has provided flexible, accredited educational opportunities to hundreds of family carers nationwide.

Nicola McEntee, Project Lead at SETU, said:

"Family carers are advocates every single day. Whether they are navigating healthcare services, communicating with multidisciplinary teams, or ensuring that the wishes of the person they care for remain central to decision making, advocacy is an essential part of the caring role. We are proud to collaborate with the AIIHPC to deliver this innovative programme, which recognises carers lived experience while empowering them with accredited learning that builds confidence, develops practical advocacy skills and strengthens their voice."

"At SETU, we believe education has the power to transform lives. By providing flexible, accessible opportunities such as the Certificate in Advocacy, we are supporting family carers not only in their caring roles but also in their personal, educational and professional development. This programme reflects our commitment to widening participation in higher education and ensuring that carers' expertise is recognised and valued."

Yvonne McCahill, Programme Manager, Policy and Engagement at AIIHPC, said:

"Family carers are essential providers of palliative care and are a vital support to palliative care services right across the island of Ireland. Their knowledge, compassion and commitment make an extraordinary difference to the lives of those they support. Through this collaboration between Voices4Care, AIIHPC’s volunteer group of people with lived experience of palliative care and SETU, we are delighted to help strengthen carers' ability to advocate with confidence, ensuring that the needs, preferences and dignity of people receiving palliative care remain at the heart of every conversation and every decision."

"Education is central to improving palliative care. By investing in the knowledge and skills of family carers, we are helping to build more compassionate, person-centred services while recognising the invaluable contribution carers make across our communities every day."

The programme is also open to former family carers, recognising the significant contribution their lived experience can continue to make through advocacy, volunteering, peer support, education and policy development.