What is children’s hospice care?
Children’s hospice care supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and the people who love them. It includes specialist nursing, emotional support, short breaks and end-of-life care.
But it is also about something simple. Time together.
As Beth, one of our Senior Children’s Palliative Care Nurses, says:
“Most of our care actually happens outside of the hospice. When we first meet families, the thought of being at home can be scary, especially if they have been in hospital for a while, so our support can enable families to be at home together doing what is important to them.
As time goes on, our care centers on the home and can include anything from symptom management, talking to siblings, liaising with other professionals and continuing to enable families to live as normal a life as possible.”
Evelyn’s story
“There’s such a taboo around dying. Yes, it’s a terrible thing to go through, but hospices can give you special family moments. Keech made something that could have been traumatic into something beautiful, and we hadn’t expected that.” – Kayleigh, Evelyn’s Mum
For Evelyn and her family, hospice care meant time together.
Evelyn died peacefully and pain-free on 23 November, in the arms of her mum and dad as they sang her favourite bedtime song.
Her story shows why this care matters.
Read Evelyn's Story
Care that adapts
Demand is rising and needs are becoming more complex.
Rosie, a Tots and Toys volunteer, sees it every day:
“I’ve seen a lot of change at Keech. The needs of the children we support are more complex, but Keech keeps adapting. It is a privilege to be part of that.”
Why your support matters
Children’s hospices are under pressure.
That is why Keech’s Spring Appeal matters. It helps us continue to support families from day one, wherever they need us.
“Children’s hospices are under increasing financial pressure, but the need for our services is greater than ever. With the support of our community, we can continue to be there for families when they need us most.” – Liz Searle, CEO
What your donation can do
could support a call to our 24-hour advice line
could give a child time to play and enjoy being a child
could provide specialist nursing care
