How We Help “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 Adults We can support a young person up to the age of 25 years when it is felt that Hope House Children's Hospices is the best choice to offer them care. If a young adult has a longer life expectancy, we will work with the family and local adult services to help to find appropriate services for the future and will ensure that the family feel supported through transition. 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. 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 and Bereavement Support There are times when we all encounter difficult or painful experiences which we need to talk through with someone else. Counselling offers a safe, confidential space where you are listened to, accepted and understood. A space in which to find a way forward. Counselling and bereavement support is available to families using Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith. It is also available to anyone living in Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid and North Wales who has been affected by the death of a baby, child or young person up to the age of 25 years when they died in any circumstances. Our counsellors are professionally trained and offer help to children, young people, adults, couples and whole families. Our service is free and confidential and Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. 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 The 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. For more information about our counselling services please email [email protected] or call the Sunstone Centre on 01691 672618, or email [email protected] or call Conwy Court on 01492 554443. Read special stories about how our services have already helped local children and families here...