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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
Stars suite with bunny and teddy
Making memories with your child
We look at how making memories can help bereaved parents, and parents who know their child won't live until adulthood. And some of the different ways our families choose to create and remember memories.
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.
A selection of images of Lilly
Lilly’s story
"The team at Chestnut Tree House are brilliant and they need all of the help and support that they can get so they can continue doing what they do for families like us. I don’t know what we would do without them."
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.
Image of a joyful child at the hospice
Mikey’s story
Mikey was just nine-months old when he was fitted with a tracheostomy to help him breathe. His condition is so complex that he's the only one in the world with his condition - Mum, Chevonne gives us a glimpse into their life.
A support worker and child on a slide
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 at the hospice
Archie’s story
"Chestnut consistently put the child first to make sure they can have a childhood that, although vastly different from their peers, offers them the chance to experience the same joys and little things in life that is all part of growing up."
Maisy Leigh and family
Maisy-Leigh’s story
Get to know Maisy-Leigh and her family. Mum Hayleigh gives us a glimpse into their lives together and how Maisy-Leigh's rare genetic condition shapes their lives.
Gracie and family at the House with a llama
Gracie’s story
Gracie has epilepsy and a rare disorder called Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome. Her mum, Aly, shares what it's like living with both.
Nic and Jack playing playstation at the House
Nic’s blog – What hospice support for young adults looks like
Nic has a huge personality and is always making us laugh. He's been coming to Chestnut Tree House since he was 4, so he's the perfect person to tell you what it's like here!
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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