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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.

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 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
Image of three children paddling in the sea.
What it’s like having an autistic child
"My son is an amazing little boy, and I know with the right support he will grow into an amazing young man. I will do everything in my power to ensure he achieves the success that he deserves. I will forever be his advocate when he cannot verbalise his needs."
Two children having fun at the house
What happens when young people outgrow children’s hospice care?
Sharon - Head 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.
Image of a montage of chestnut tree image with our 21 anniversary logo on it - reading: 21 years of care for children and families
What advances have been made in children’s hospice care in the past 21 years?
Anna - Director of Children's Services, shares her experience of how children's palliative care has changed, and how Chestnut has adapted to these essential changes.
Nicola’s blog
“I like to go out and do things without my mum and dad, and one of the only times that happens is when I’m at Chestnut Tree House. Going to Chestnut feels like I’m going somewhere by myself which is cool.”
Summer with her family in the countryside
Summer’s story
"You're not taught to be a parent. So you're definitely not taught to be a parent of a dying child."
Image of a montage of chestnut tree image with our 21 anniversary logo on it - reading: 21 years of care for children and families
Our 21st Anniversary
This year is a very special year in the history of Chestnut Tree House, as throughout 2024, we will be marking 21 years since we opened our doors.
Nora and family out and about
Nora’s story
"Before Chestnut Tree House, there was no one else who could look after Nora when she’s not at school. It’s not fair to leave her with family members because she needs constant care."
A child with her dad playing in the accessible playground 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-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.

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. It costs almost £9 million to run the hospice, with our NHS grant only funding around 7% of these costs. 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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