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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.

A Chestnut staff member holds someone's hand
How to talk to older children and teenagers about illness, death and dying
Chestnut Tree House family counsellor Erika gives her advice on approaching conversations about grief with older children and teenagers.
A close up picture of a child playing with Lego
10 things you need to know when talking to children about illness, death and dying
Chestnut Tree House family counsellor Erika gives her advice on approaching conversations about grief with children aged five to 11.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Images of a selection of Vanessa's cakes
All the ingredients for a fantastic career
Vanessa is our Chef Manager at The House, she's celebrating her 20th work anniversary with us this autumn. We catch up with her to find out about what she loves about working here.
Two healthcare workers on a community visit
The best accessible days out in Sussex
If you're planning a day out in Sussex and have any accessibility requirements, our Activities Team leader, Jack, has you covered! He's sharing his knowledge you can can also have a fun and safe day out.
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 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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our services and opportunities to get involved in supporting children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

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