CHARITY We know how challenging this year has been for everyone and we are so grateful for the amazing support you continue to offer to local charities like Chestnut Tree House. We recently caught up with Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice to see what is going on and find out how you and your colleagues can support them this Christmas time.
CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE
MAKING CHILDREN’S HOSPICE CARE POSSIBLE When the pandemic struck, Chestnut Tree House had to respond really quickly. Their aim throughout the pandemic, as always, has been to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum and where possible, maintain all services and activity to ensure that they can support the children and families who need hospice care, whilst also continuing to raise the funds they need to sustain these services. Unfortunately, in March, the hospice had to close their doors to all but urgent and end-of-life care in accordance with government guidelines. The team continued to support families in different ways, and by August, the hospice was able to re-open for short breaks, something that was helpful to families who have been shielding at home for months. The hospice has also recently introduced family annexe days, giving families the chance to spend some precious time together in a dedicated area of Chestnut Tree House to play games, get messy with arts and crafts, or simply spend some time away from home. Times are still tough, but Chestnut Tree House are feeling really encouraged that they
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are working out new ways to support children and families. It currently costs over £4.6 million each year to provide all the care services offered by Chestnut Tree House. Families are never charged for their care and less than 9p in every pound is funded by the
government, so they rely heavily on the generosity, help and support of the people of Sussex. Chestnut Tree House couldn’t do this without the support of people like you. Thank you. You make children’s hospice care possible.
