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Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) have recently thanked West Cornwall Youth Trust (WCYT) for their generous donation of £2000 to the charity.

This grant will go towards funding a residential trip for siblings of children who are cared for by the charity at its Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell. The trip will give siblings, many of whom are also young carers for their brothers or sisters, the chance to take part in a range of activities to build confidence, develop skills, make friends and share experiences. 

Some of the funding will also go towards day trips for the children with life limiting conditions who use Little Harbour, giving them the chance to experience some of the same things that their brothers and sisters can take part in as well as children of a similar age. Helping to ensure the children do not feel isolated and giving them some special memories for their families to treasure.

Nick Fletcher, WCYT Trustee, said: “We’re delighted to support one of the programmes run by Little Harbour which have a real and significant impact on so many young people.”

Upon receiving the grant, Ann Juby, Trusts and Grants Fundraiser for CHSW’s Little Harbour said:

These breaks have such a positive impact on the teenagers taking part.  This year, the grant will also enable the children staying at the hospice with life-limiting conditions to take part in some of the activities their brother or sister experience on their residential break.  We are therefore so grateful to the WCYT for their continued support in providing these wonderful opportunities for these children and their teenage siblings.

Little Harbour is currently supporting over 100 children with life limiting or life threatening illnesses and over 160 siblings. The hospice has a dedicated Sibling Support Team who arrange activities when brothers and sisters come to stay at the hospice for short breaks and give them the chance to not only play and have fun like other children their age but also give them support emotionally. 

Laura Seberry, Senior Sibling Worker at Little Harbour said “The Sibling Team are excited to be organising another teenage weekend for Spring 2018. This break will offer our siblings, both current and bereaved, the opportunity to make friends sharing similar lives, try something new, and most importantly have fun. Being a sibling of a child with a life limiting condition can feel isolating at times so this break will encourage new friendships. It will also act as a reminder that they are not alone and that the Little Harbour Sibling Team is here for support throughout and after their journeys.” 

Little Harbour in St Austell costs around £3 million a year to run. The hospice provides short breaks, respite, palliative care as well as end of life care and bereavement support to local families whose child or children is suffering with a life limiting or life threatening condition.

Source:  Children's Hospice South West