CHILDREN'S HOSPICE CARE

Our Youth Worker builds supportive relationships with our young people aged 14 and over and, in particular, those in the process of transitioning to adult services.

They work in partnership with other voluntary sector organisations to enable our young people to fully participate in their local communities. As part of that we social groups.

For young people entering adulthood, our transition service helps them move smoothly into adult care. It can be a frustrating experience, both for the young person and their family.

Our pioneering work is setting national standards. This work ensures that the young people have their needs acknowledged, are able to access social activities and that the right care and support is available for them and their families.

their concerns. The Hospice offers a chance to meet others and a change of environment. They will also have the opportunity to talk about their own particular situation.

Day Therapy aims to improve the quality of life for patients in a supportive environment. Sessions are held throughout the week and visits can be flexible according to your needs. It is also enables you to meet other patients, manage your condition and maintain your independence.

Attending will give patients the opportunity to:

• Have an individual assessment of needs.• Access clinical support and interventions as needed.• Participate in diversional activities, learn new skills and crafts. • Participate therapeutic groups, such as breathlessness, exercise and relaxation.• Access therapies and treatments to improve sense of wellbeing.• Be signposted to other services.

ellenor offer a different approach to care for children and young people. Instead of them coming to the hospice, the hospice comes to them, allowing the family to stay together.

We were the UK’s first children’s full hospice at home service, and still one of only a very few acute services providing oncology and end of life care to seriously ill babies, children and young adults in the home. We are the only charity in Kent and Bexley to provide such care.

We have always had a very clear focus: to enable babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions to receive care in their place of choice, which, in our experience, is overwhelmingly their own home.

We offer a seamless service of care for children and young people between 0 - 24 for those referred to us by the age of 19. We work closely with a variety of care providers to provide chemotherapy, palliative and end of life care.

This is provided 24 hours a day for 365 days a year. In the event of urgent issues, families are able to access our on-call service.

We support children receiving chemotherapy in their own homes, this can reduce the need for hospital visits enabling the child to remain with their families at a difficult time.

We are also able to offer short breaks and respite to children, as well as pre and post bereavement support for the whole family.

A Short Break is fun for the child, and siblings, and can free up some special time for the family and carers.

Our Respite and Short Breaks staff will generally come into the home, but from time to time, and where appropriate, they may take the child or young person on a short-break trip out of the home.

We have a number of group respite and short breaks for patients and siblings.

Our regular Family Drop-Ins, held during school holidays, give parents and carers a chance to meet other families, to exchange experiences and share some mutual support. As they do so, their children are able to enjoy organised games and activities.

Our team is always on hand to offer support, care and guidance.