Childrens Hospice Care

Family Support

As well as social work and support for young adults crossing into adult hospice services, we provide a large range of counselling, therapies and groups and events for the whole family. Whether it’s creative therapies for the child, counselling for a parent or a support group for other relatives, our committed therapists and counsellors look after everyone. We also offer free therapy to give parents an opportunity to switch off from the stresses of life and take some time to relax.

Respite

Caring for a terminally ill child or young person is emotionally and physically exhausting, particularly at times of change or when a child is nearing the end of their life. That’s why we offer respite to families when they need it most.

Planned respite

Planned respite at the hospice gives families the opportunity to leave their child overnight in a safe environment. They will receive all the specialist care they need and be given lots of opportunities to socialise and have fun.

Families tell us that having a complete break allows them to do things they do not normally do. This could be going for a haircut, doing some shopping or having a nice meal out with their partner. Some families may choose to stay at the hospice with their child in one of the family flats, allowing them to enjoy time together.

We provide respite to families based on the medical condition of the child or young person and on the urgent support needs of the family at the time.

Emergency respite

Sometimes a family may need help in an unexpected situation. This may include the child’s main carer falling ill, deterioration of the child’s condition or a major facilities failure at home for a longer period.

At Shooting Star Children’s Hospices we pride ourselves on our flexible care. We will always do our best to support a family in a crisis situation.

End-of-life care

Our core aim is to provide expert nursing and medical care. This includes managing difficult symptoms for children at the end of their life. Our symptom and community nurses work to ensure families receive support in their preferred place of care – whether that’s at home, at our hospice or in hospital.

Bereavement support

We have a dedicated area at each hospice where a child can lay at rest, allowing their family to say goodbye in a familiar and supportive environment. Care does not stop after a child has died. We will continue to provide a range of support for the entire family.