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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.

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."
Nellie and Megan and nurse at Chestnut Tree House
Nellie’s story
"We are doing our utmost to live every one of Nellie’s days to the fullest, creating memories and finding the joy in everyday life. Families like ours are going through the worst thing imaginable, but the support of Chestnut Tree House really has helped."
Image of Beau and his brother
Beau’s story
"Unless you’ve visited, you don’t really understand what children’s hospices are about. People expect to see very poorly children and they’re surprised that it’s so full of life."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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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