Transition to adult services
Moving from familiar children’s services onto adult services can bring with it multiple emotions, some may feel excited for change and others may feel anxious about stepping into the unknown.
Transitioning from children’s services to adult services can sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing and we want to help make that transition as smooth as possible. Our aim is to ensure that young people feel prepared for transition, while feeling safe, heard and understood.
What does transition look like?
Transitioning from children's service to adult services will include all services working together and Children's Hospice South West are part of the multi-disciplinary team that will be involved. CHSW will be involved in transitions that include moving to adult hospice care/ palliative care services more so then other transition routes, however, we are still happy to support transition work with everyone.
We understand that each young person’s transition journey will look different, and this requires tailored support that meets the individual’s needs. At CHSW our goal is to offer person centred planning that supports the creation of an individual transition plan.
When does transition start?
Transition planning begins when a child turns 14, this allows for a gradual process, giving plenty of time to prepare and will always move at an appropriate pace for each individual. We work alongside the whole family to prepare for transition together.
If you want any further information or have any questions about transition, please email your Hospice Team who would be happy to support you:
- Little Bridge House
- Charlton Farm
- Little Harbour
How we support teenagers
Children’s Hospice South West realises a teenager’s needs are different to a child’s and therefore they are given their own space where they can browse the Internet, play pool or listen to music with their peers.
As all teenagers wish to be independent, the hospice also holds teenage focused weekends, giving them the opportunity to come and stay without their families.
3 different weekends are arranged each year, plus 1 sensory teenage week. The weekends are often themed to suit varied interests including pamper days, cars and games.
The weekends tend to be relaxed, with a range of activities, late nights and often several takeaway meals! It gives the teenagers the chance to socialise with others and time to talk about their experiences. It is also a bit like having a sleepover with friends, something they might not be able to do because of their condition
Beth and Ceri's story
For anyone, growing up can be a very confusing and difficult thing but for us, growing up also meant getting weaker which was terrifying. The staff at Little Bridge House played a vital part in helping us become the independent, life-loving women we’ve become today who are employed, about to live independently and continue to push boundaries and break stereotypes.