Making Memories When a Life is Short
When a life is short, every moment is precious and it is important that these children and their families are given the chance to thrive, have fun and make memories to treasure while they can. The Hope House environment is tailored for their special needs, and the programme of activities and events the community foundation has funded creates opportunities for them to experience quality moments together, safe in the knowledge that their team of professionals, who are familiar with the needs of each family, are at hand to provide extra support when needed. They to reduce the isolation faced by families, who tell us it's a lifeline to them.
Many families also struggle with transport and need the support of our adapted vehicle or an adapted taxi to bring them to the hospice. One family has told us:
"We would never be able to be able to buy the experiences you have given us. The tears are of joy and thankfulness".
This funding has brought a sense of community to a group who are so often isolated by their heartbreaking circumstances.
Reducing Isolation
Children and families told us that they enjoyed "being included" and "meeting other families". They also said, "I talked to people, I didn’t want to leave" "I made new friends".
Improving Wellbeing
Families said:
"such a special family day full of happiness" "I loved everything" "it was so much fun", "all the lovely people", "seeing everyone's happy faces".
Building Trusting Relationships
The activities and events that were funded help to break down perceptions of what a hospice is/does and the fears surrounding this so that the team is able to build strong, trusting relationships with families. It is vitally important to have these in place for the end-of-life stage.
One mum talked about her anxieties around seeing unwell children and did not believe staff when they said they would learn to love it, but now she focuses on the lovely time they all have, making memories together.
One sibling wrote this message in a thank you card:
"Dear Hope House, thank you for bringing love to me, my mum and my family. From sibling stuff to extra nights for A, it all has made a difference. These 9 years (when I was 1 and A, 2) has helped everyone, especially my mum. Every time we come it brings us all sooooo much joy! When times are stressful, you've made it better.
Love from P and family".
The difference your funding made
Your donations enable life-changing projects like this every day, all over Cheshire and Warrington. Thank you for supporting our community.
Thank you
