Happy child in a wheelchair

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.

8 results
Image of a Nurse holding hands with a parent
Supporting families after the death of a child
Meet Claire, whose role involves helping parents and carers when they experience a bereavement and helping the whole family through the emotional impact of the death of a child.
Image of heart in a book
How we use storytelling in children’s hospice care
Find out how we make stories accessible for all children we care for at the House.
Two children having fun at the house
Top 5 ways you can make your home, business, or school more accessible for children
All too often, places take a one-size fits all approach to making their space accessible, but there’s a huge range between everyone’s physical and mental abilities so spaces need to be designed with the user in mind. 
Maisy Leigh at the pool
Benefits of hydrotherapy at a children’s hospice
Discover the magic of our hydrotherapy pool. Anna, our Clinical Director has written about what makes our hydrotherapy pool so special, and how children and families benefit from using it.
A member of staff and a young person making music at the hospice
The power of music in children’s hospice care
Hear from Jack, our Activities Team Leader in his own words about the power of music at Chestnut Tree House.
A patient at Chestnut Tree House
What does palliative care mean?
Anna Jones, Director of Children’s Services, explains what exactly palliative care means, and the types of services we offer to children and young people.
Chestnut Tree House gardens
Welcome to our gardens!
We are very privileged to have access to a beautiful outdoor space. Not only that, but we're surrounded by natural landscapes, much of which is largely undisturbed and living happily and naturally.
Having fun in Chestnut Tree House garden
What to expect when visiting a children’s hospice
We want you to know what to expect when visiting Chestnut Tree House, so that hopefully you won’t worry.

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.