Welcome to Zest

Zest supports young adults aged 14 upwards with progressive and incurable illnesses - ensuring they get specialist care to enjoy life to the full.

Through our shop in Ipswich, and pop-up events, you can help raise money for this vital service.

See what Zest is all about in this video by East of England Co-op:

What is Zest?

St Elizabeth Hospice has been developing Zest since 2015, working closely with East Anglia's Children’s Hospices & other services, to ensure young adults have a smooth transition into adult care.

Zest supports young adults aged 14 and upwards with progressive and incurable illnesses to ensure that they get the specialist care, tailored treatment and services they need to be able to enjoy life to the full.

Through this specialist care, young adults with challenging conditions are able to fulfil their aspirations, whether this is to manage their symptoms, access opportunities in the community and reduce loneliness by enabling them to meet and have fun with friends.

Zest is also about engaging with young adults through volunteering and fundraising through our shops and unique events - including fashion shows, auctions and attending festivals, such as Latitude.

Contact our Zest young adult service on 01473 707032 for more information.

Zest Care Standards for Families:

- We will ensure all care is provided with dignity, respecting what is important to you

- We will provide holistic care that includes the whole family

- We strive to create a home from home environment

- We will strive to make your priorities our priorities

- We will give you our empathy and energy to enable the best care

- We will provide care with a smile, and do all we can to enable you to feel happy at Zest

- We will provide proactive care, attention to detail and think outside the box

- We will offer you fun and social opportunities at Zest, whilst in the background providing high standards of care

- We strive to enable you to have control over your care

- We will encourage wise decisions but recognise when you able to make your own choices

- We will ensure staff have the skills and confidence needed so you can trust us and feel safe at Zest

- We will enable you to share ideas and together ensure we are innovative at Zest

- We will always be open to learning from you and will always aim to improve your experience of Zest care

Zest services on offer in your local area:

Ipswich & East Suffolk:

Transition nurse coordination support for young adults living with life-limiting or incurable illness
Group support with Zest X-Change - a monthly evening social group for young adults 14 years upwards, a monthly parent support group and a monthly Saturday family drop in session.
Regular proactive 6 monthly clinical reviews with a doctor or nurse, and access to the hospice multi-disciplinary team. Discussions of each person at a multidisciplinary meeting on a regular basis.
Development of emergency care plans and other care plans to guide all health and social care professionals in the individualized management of the young adult.
Residential short break weekends for those aged 18 and above
Zest Days - themed activities every Friday at St Elizabeth Hospice for those aged 18 and above.
Support from our OneCall advice phoneline out of hours which includes consultant support: 0800 567 0111

West Suffolk:

Transition nurse coordination support for young adults living with life-limiting or incurable illness
Group support with Zest X-Change - a monthly evening social group for young adults 14 years upwards, a monthly parent support group and a monthly Saturday family drop in session.
Residential short break weekends for those aged 18 and above
Zest Days - themed activities every Friday for those aged 18 and above.

Colchester & North East Essex:

Transition nurse coordination support for young adults living with life-limiting or incurable illness
Group support with Zest X-Change - a monthly evening social group for young adults 14 years upwards, a monthly parent support group and a monthly Saturday family drop in session.