Search
Donate
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.

6 results
Care support worker looking happy
What does a Nurse Associate do?
We catch up with Rachel who's worked at the hospice for over 14 years. She tells us everything you wanted to know about the role of a Care Support Worker at a children’s hospice.
Sibling event in the woodland
Why all children benefit from making dens
Elaine, Activity Co-Ordinator at Chestnut Tree House gives us a fascinating insight into the importance of making dens for children with life-limiting illnesses and their siblings. How this form of playing helps build self-esteem and broaden their imagination.
Chestnut Tree House gardens
Our sensory gardens
Find out all about our sensory garden from Head Gardener, Nick.
Image of a child playing the piano
Communicating through music
Therapist, Joe, tells us about the innovative BritPop Therapy initiative, helping children and families connect through music.
Image of a drawing and drawing utensils.
Art is for everyone
Elaine Ford, Activities Co-ordinator, talks about the amazing artwork that the children at the House make. She also discusses the different ways art helps the children deal with their emotions and how it makes them feel.
Care support worker looking happy
Celebrating our team on International Nurses Day
Anna Jones, who is director of children’s services at Chestnut Tree House, tells us what's so fantastic about the nursing profession. As we celebrate International Nurses Day on 12 May!
Happy child having fun at Chestnut Tree House

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-shortening 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 over £4million 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.