How you can help us

At Chestnut Tree House, we know how fortunate we are to have the support of our local community.

That’s never more apparent than at Christmas, when many kind-hearted people get in touch to ask how they can help. We often receive gifts from members of the public who want to bring some cheer to families using hospice care. This is a beautiful sentiment, but many of the children we care for have additional needs which mean that mainstream toys aren’t appropriate. When we speak to our children and young people about what they most enjoy, activities and days out come top of the list. Experiences like this offer children independence and a chance to do things they never thought possible. If you’d like to send a gift this year, please consider helping children and families make precious memories by providing an experience or fun day out. Spontaneous trips out to the local cinema, swimming pool or adventure park are out of reach for many of our families as they might involve transporting lots of medical equipment or having trained staff on hand. One of our young lads loves going to the Bluebell Railway with his community nurse – they’ve been so many times, she’s lost count!

Providing opportunities for fun and enjoyment is just as much part of children’s palliative care as pain management and symptom control. When you make a donation or send a gift voucher, you’re helping children with life-limiting conditions make precious memories – which is what Christmas is all about.

www.chestnut.org.uk/christmas