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Welcome to our Blog

Thoughts from staff, young people and family members. We’re covering a range of topics that we think you’ll find useful, plus inspiring stories and topics we’re really passionate about. You can find out more about what we do as a local charity children’s hospice – and current research and up to date advice.

twinkling different colour stars
When words don’t feel enough – how to support a friend when their baby has died
Practical help for anyone providing support to a friend or loved one going through the loss of a child.
A woman holds a child and they smile at each other
It’s been a summer to remember
Activities are a big part of our work with children, young people and their families, creating a space for them to just be themselves and live life in the moment. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve seen so far in the summer of ‘25.
A pottery rabbit
Stronger together: how bereaved parents can support each other
Our Family Liaison, Sarah, hosts events and activities for both our bereaved and non-bereaved families and provides a listening ear for anyone who needs it.
Heidi’s story
"Getting the diagnosis was bittersweet. Hearing that our daughter has a life-limiting condition was horrific, but at the same time it’s opened a lot of doors, now we have an amazing medical team around us – which includes Chestnut Tree House."
Jack playing with play foam with children in the Chestnut Tree House garden
The best job in the world
Meet Jack, Activities Team Leader at Chestnut. His job is to think like a child and put on fun activities that are accessible to all the children we support.
Mum and son on a Chestnut Activity day
Thomas’s story
"I feel guilty admitting it, but the first time I left him here gave me such a rest. He had a beautiful room overlooking the garden, and I knew that he had the right medical team to care for him."
A support worker and child on a slide
Celebrating our team on International Nurses Day
We celebrate the amazing nurses at Chestnut Tree House and how they use their knowledge and voices to influence the future health care of our children and young people.
MIKEY HAVING FUN
Supporting children with tracheostomies
Ventilation specialist, Hannah, answers key questions about trachy care, challenges, and quality of life.
Looking at the eyegaze
Innovative therapy approaches to non-verbal children
How do we communicate with someone non-verbal? Counsellor, Erika, shares some ideas and clever use of tech to make sure everyone at Chestnut is able to express themself in an authentic way.
Sibling event in the woodland
Why all children benefit from making dens
We look at the importance of making dens for children with life-limiting illnesses and their siblings. How this form of playing helps build self-esteem and their imagination.
Chestnut Tree House gardens
Our sensory gardens
Find out all about our sensory garden, and how to make your own, from Head Gardener, Nick.
Loui with tubes and bandages in Hospital and Zoe in family photo
Loui’s story
"We have learnt so much from having Loui in our lives. He made us parents and also neurological scientists (part-time). He will always be our brave soldier, and we will be forever proud of our boy."
Image of Zac in his wheelchair on a special swing

Our family stories

Read our family stories to see how Chestnut Tree House has impacted the lives of so many. All have come directly from our wonderful families who have shared their experience of caring for a child with a life-limiting illness.

Family stories

Get to know more about us:

We provide hospice services to children and young people across East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire. Every year we support 300 children with life-limiting conditions to live their lives to the fullest. From day trips out and activities at the House, specialist care in their own homes and providing families with short breaks and support.

If you’d like to support us to help us continue to provide our services, care and support for children and families who know they don’t have long together then there’s a few ways you can get involved:

  • Fundraise! We’ve got lots of helpful hints and top tips for you to put on your own fundraising event.
  • Join an event. From marathon runs, overseas treks and daring abseils… take on a personal challenge while raising money.
  • Make a donation. We need almost £6 million every year to provide hospice care for local children and their families, with only a small amount of this coming from central government. Without your incredible help we wouldn’t be able to continue to support children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

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