the last year

This time last year, we couldn’t possibly have predicted the challenges we would face over 2020. The pandemic took us all by surprise, changing how we all lived our day to day lives almost overnight. At Tyˆ Hafan, we had to rapidly review how we delivered our services and find new ways to be there for children and families when we couldn’t be side by side. Although children and families were shielding for much of the year, we have continued to provide emergency care at the hospice as well as end-of-life care. This has brought an extra layer of support when it has been needed most, and we are so pleased to have made a difference at these difficult times. Alongside keeping our services running, we have been continuing our refurbishment so the hospice will be ready to welcome more children and families when it is safe to do so. With families at home, our community services have stayed in touch by video, providing support for families and activities for children in our uniquely Tyˆ Hafan way – we’re getting through this together but miss each other. Last year we completed a vital piece of work with our north Walian counterparts and the Welsh arm of Hope House, Tyˆ Gobaith – it was entirely focused on understanding what families want and need from us. We called our report ‘Family Voices’. The report, based on a survey of views from families using or who have used hospice services, provides a vital voice in understanding what these needs are. These are families who do not just want their voices heard, they need their voices heard. These families see hospice support as their “lifeline” – somewhere they turn to when they need help. We had an amazing response with over 133 respondents. They told us just how vital our services are, but also how desperate families and young people are for more of what we do. Respite care is for coping and wellbeing but they also spoke of needing more. We know that our support is more important than ever, and this report is essential in helping us plan for the future. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views and help us shape the future of children’s To read the full Family hospice support in Wales.

Voices report, please visit: tyhafan.org/ familyvoices