“We were really nervous and scared but from the minute we walked through the door the nurses welcomed us all with love.They had the skills to cope with Evie’s complex conditions and were brilliant at looking after the rest of us too. Suddenly things seemed more bearable”        Evie's mum Linda

Respite Care

Our respite service gives families a much-needed break from their daily caring routine. The number of the visits to Hope House or Tŷ Gobaith depends upon a number of factors, including the current health of the child or young person. No charge is ever made to families.

All families are invited to stay at the hospices with their sick child and they may do as much, or as little, of their care as they wish. Siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and close friends are all welcome. They are encouraged to make themselves at home, relax, join in activities or spend time talking to team members about any fears and concerns they may have.

Some families choose to bring their sick child to Hope House or Tŷ Gobaith while they go away for a break or spend time with healthy brothers and sisters. Arrangements can be made for friends or family members to visit the child or young person while they are staying with us, and families may contact us at any time.

Families choosing to stay at Hope House or Tŷ Gobaith can stay in en-suite bedrooms close to their children. Some rooms are adapted for family members with a disability.

The care team is made up of a variety of health and social care professionals which enables true holistic and bespoke care. The Medical Officer is a local GP with additional qualifications in palliative medicine.

Care For Young People

We can support young people as they transition into adulthood at 18 years.

If a young adult has a longer life expectancy, we will work with the family and local adult services to help find appropriate services for the future. We will ensure that the family feel supported through transition to contribute to providing the young person with future opportunities and achieving goals.

Download our Transition Pathway

Antenatal And Neonatal Support

We are able to offer support to families whose baby has been diagnosed with a complex or life-threatening condition during pregnancy, who has been born from 24 weeks with a life-threatening condition or who has sadly died.

Our experienced neonatal link nurse works closely with the neonatal and midwifery units within the catchment areas of both Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith.

You can read more about our services in our antenatal and neonatal support leaflets.

End Of Life Care And Immediate Care After Death

Our care for a child or young person at the end of their life includes symptom management and additional support for family members and carers before, during and after death.

We will do everything possible to meet the whole family's needs and wishes during this very difficult time. We are experienced in talking to families about care planning for end of life and will work with other professionals involved with the family whenever possible, if families wish.

Our immediate care after death can take place at the hospices or within your own home. We have the equipment and the skills so that families can spend time saying goodbye in their own way and in their own time.

Any child or young person who has died, whether or not they have had previous contact with us, can receive our care in the most appropriate place, usually at home or in the hospices. The family will then have access to the full range of support services.

Where a family wishes to remain at home as their child approaches the end of their life, our community team will do all they can to ensure they feel well supported.

Counselling

There are times when we all encounter, difficult, upsetting or stressful experiences that can feel overwhelming. It can be helpful to talk these feelings through with someone else. Counselling offers a safe, confidential space where you are listened to, accepted and understood. It is an opportunity to explore difficulties, space in which to find a way forward.

Our Counselling Service is available to families registered with Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith hospices. Click here for more information.

Bereavement Counselling

At such an emotionally challenging time following the death of a loved one, our experienced counsellors can offer support. Grief is different for everyone and sometimes this can be recognised within family relationships and dynamics. No two people grieve in the same way, our counsellors can support you to process your grief in your own way, individually or as a couple.

Our Bereavement Counselling Service is available to Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith hospice families and also to close family members bereaved of a young person up to 18 years of age within the community. Click for more information.

Sibling Support

Our sibling support team offer support and fun to brothers and sisters of children using Hope House or Tŷ Gobaith.

This includes age-specific activity days and outings where siblings can meet up and share concerns with others who truly understand what it is like to live with a brother or sister who has a life-threatening condition.

Bereaved siblings are also supported by specially-trained staff either individually or in small, therapeutic groups.

Social Work

Our social work team provides advocacy, guidance and support to the children, young people and families who use Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith. They may also provide financial advice, help with housing adaptation applications and support with transition to adult services.

For more information about any of our care services please email [email protected] or call 01691 671999, or email [email protected] or call 01492 651900.

Undecided about whether we can help you? Read some of the first hand stories from local families who have used our services here...