Seed Grant Graduation
St Joseph’s Community Unit, Trim County Meath
On 19 August 2026, we had the privilege of attending the graduation ceremony for the first six residents to participate in the Seeds Grant Initiative at St Joseph’s Community Nursing Unit, Trim, Co. Meath.
The event marked the culmination of a remarkable project called This Is Me, a creative and person-centred initiative designed to introduce residents to Advance Care Planning (ACP) in a meaningful and engaging way.
At the heart of the project is a simple but powerful belief:
- Every resident has a story.
- Every resident has a voice.
- Every resident has wishes that deserve to be heard.
A Person-Centred Approach
The This Is Me project was developed to help residents explore and share the experiences, values and relationships that have shaped their lives.
Beginning with six residents, the initiative encouraged participants to reflect on the footsteps that brought them to where they are today and to consider what matters most to them now. Through storytelling, themed discussions, personal reflection and celebration, residents were supported to share their life experiences, express their preferences and think about their future wishes.
Importantly, the project created a gentle and supportive pathway into Advance Care Planning, helping residents engage with conversations that can often feel difficult or daunting.
Bringing Caru Principles to Life
The This Is Me project is a powerful example of the principles that underpin the Caru Programme in practice.
It demonstrates the importance of:
- Knowing the person
- Starting conversations early
- Creating safe spaces for meaningful discussions
- Listening to what matters most
- Respecting individual preferences and values
- Supporting residents to have a voice in their future care
- Involving families where appropriate
- Reflecting on practice
- Embedding learning into everyday care
By focusing on the individual behind the resident, the project helps ensure that care is guided not only by clinical needs, but also by the person’s values, experiences and wishes.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
One of the lasting outcomes of the initiative is the creation of Life Stories booklets, which capture and preserve residents’ personal stories and reflections. These booklets provide a valuable resource for staff, families and residents alike, helping to ensure that each person’s voice remains central to their care.
There are also plans to expand the project to other residents, demonstrating its potential to influence the wider culture of the organisation and further embed person-centred approaches throughout the service.
Looking Ahead
The success of This Is Me reminds us that Advance Care Planning is about much more than planning for a future event. It is about understanding the person, recognising what matters most to them, and ensuring that their voice continues to guide decisions about their care.
As one resident’s story is captured, shared and understood, the project demonstrates a fundamental truth: if there comes a time when a person can no longer speak for themselves, those around them can speak with them, guided by their values, wishes and lived experiences, rather than simply speaking for them.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this inspiring initiative at St Joseph’s Community Nursing Unit, Trim, and particularly to the first six graduates whose participation has helped lay the foundations for an important and meaningful piece of work.