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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.

12 results
Johnathan sitting with a family member, smiling
What it’s like being a social worker in a children’s hospice
"Working with Chestnut families, you have the opportunity to make someone’s life a little bit easier. We can also help them get as much as they can out of life, and that’s a wonderful thing."
What does a children’s hospice chaplain do?
"At Chestnut Tree House, we want to honour the whole person, and that includes supporting their spiritual needs too. It doesn’t necessarily relate to religion, although for some this may be an important part of their spirituality."
Image at chestival - of a family having fun
Helping families to support each other
We have a lot of experts working at Chestnut Tree House. But sometimes, the best person to help is someone who’s been through it themselves. That’s why we are running more events for bereaved and non-bereaved families to meet and share their experiences
Two children having fun at the house
What happens when young people outgrow children’s hospice care?
Anna - Director of Children's Services, shares information about how children transition from child services into adult services, and how we support young people and families in this process.
Two women tightly holding hands on couch at home close-up
How couple’s therapy can help the whole family
Parenting can take a toll on any relationship. But when you have a child with a life-limiting condition, everyday stresses such as managing finances are magnified and supplemented by extra pressures.
A caring nurse with her hand on a woman's shoulder
Looking after yourself: support for carers
Caroline Young, Child and Family Support Team Lead, talks about how we can help you if you're a carer.
PAT dogs and a child with nurse
What do PAT dogs do, and why are they so important in children’s hospice care?
Meet Shrimp and Twiggy - PAT dogs at the House who provide lots of support and fun for our children. Find out how therapy dogs help at a children's hospice.
A young girl wearing glasses looking into the camera, sitting in a wheelchair
Making child’s play inclusive
Find out how we make sure play at the hospice is inclusive. Plus, some tips and tricks that you can follow at home!
Close up image of a child's hand and a Chestnut tree nurse
Caring for ventilated children
Hear from our ventilation nurse specialist about caring for children on ventilation both in and out of the hospice.
Two healthcare workers on a community visit
Our care outside of the House
Care doesn't start and end at the hospice! We're also proving services in family homes, and taking children for fun days out.
A young person and adult communicating with sign language
Total communication
Find out what Sensory Play is and how important it is for all children, especially those with life-limiting illnesses. PLUS a quick and easy playdough recipe you can make with your little ones.
Child playing with a try of toys
Sensory play explained
Find out what Sensory Play is and how important it is for all children, especially those with life-limiting illnesses. PLUS a quick and easy playdough recipe you can make with your little ones.
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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