Our activity days - fun for the whole family!

Throughout the year, we organise a range of activity days at the hospice that you and your family might enjoy.

In the past these have included:

• Beach day
• Festival of Light celebration
• Animal day
• A family photoshoot session

We also host an annual Christmas party for families whose children are currently supported at the hospice.

These days are organised by our Family Support Team - please tell us if you have any suggestions of themes you might like to see!

Sibling support

Looking after a child with complex needs can be a lot for family members to handle, and there’s no way of knowing how your children might react when their brother or sister is poorly.

Our sibling service offers support for children over five on both a 1:1 and a group basis for those that need it, either at Bluebell Wood or at school.

Our workshops help children understand their feelings, using group games and by creating tools such as worry monsters and stress balls that help them to explore emotions such as worry, anger and sadness.

“My Worry Doll helps me get rid of my worries. I like sibling workshops because I make new friends, it's fun to do and you get to use the things we make as stuff to help.”

Tilly

Our 1:1 work gives children some dedicated time just for them, when so much is often happening at home, but also aims to get children to talk and open up emotionally.

We also hold regular peer support groups for our teenage siblings, both at the hospice and off site – where they have freedom over what activities they choose to do.

From time to time we also hold fun sessions for all siblings that offer a variety of activities, giving them chance to simply have fun with other children experiencing similar situations to them.

Our service also includes bereavement support to children whose brother or sister have passed away.

We understand that every child is unique though and our experienced Sibling Co-ordinator will work with your child to support them in the way they need.

To find out more about our sibling support services, call our Family Support Team on 01909 517 369, or email [email protected]

Family support

Our Family Support Co-ordinators organise regular wellbeing groups for parents and carers at the hospice, which gives you the chance to have time out for yourself, learn new skills, and meet people who are in a similar situation to you. Previous workshops have covered activities ranging from yoga and mindfulness to aromatherapy.

Our Family Support Team can also offer you tailored advice and support on topics such as funding applications, or just a listening ear.

To find out more about our services for parents and carers call us on 01909 517 369.