Children and young people's support
We offer bespoke care for children and young people whose loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal or life-limiting illness
When a parent or loved one is living with a serious illness, it can be difficult for families to know how to talk about what is happening and how to support one another.
Having the opportunity to start these conversations early, in a safe and supportive environment, can help family members share feelings, ask questions and better understand each other's experiences.
Accessing support early can help families develop practical coping strategies, strengthen communication and build resilience together. Professional and peer support can make a positive difference, helping children and families feel better equipped to navigate change, manage emotions and support one another during challenging times.
The knowledge Vicky from the Family Support Team shared with us gave us the confidence to have this incredibly difficult conversation with George. Her understanding and insights were incredible. Almost everything that Vicky had told us he might say, he said. And we were prepared.
We cannot change the inevitable, but we can help to make this time a little easier - building strength and resilience and creating memories that will stay with these children for the rest of their lives.
The slime-making event is one of my daughter’s favourite things to do, and to be able to come to the hospice where Grandad is currently receiving end of-life care is an amazing thing for his granddaughter. The team are amazing... caring for my father with dedication and care and for putting on events like these to bring families closer together and keep memories alive.
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You are all the kindest people I have ever met.
Registered charity in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557)
Thanks to the generous support of BBC Children in Need, we can continue to offer these free monthly support sessions!
This funding has secured the running costs of our Family Sessions for the next three years.
We host a free monthly support session for all families under our care and those living with a life-limiting illness in Kent.
Every child and young person we support at Heart of Kent Hospice experiences their situation in their own way. Many tell us that being included during a loved one's illness helps them feel connected, supported, and able to make a meaningful difference. Even small acts of care can provide a sense of comfort, purpose, and reassurance at a difficult time.
Our monthly sessions provide a safe and welcoming space where children and young people can have fun, take part in creative activities, meet others with similar experiences, and enjoy snacks and drinks in a relaxed environment.
Every session has activities for older children, including gaming on our new PlayStation, plus a quiet booth, sensory equipment and time to talk or simply be.
Children and young people can make a memory box, with tours of the inpatient unit available, or just come along and make memories.
A free lunch is served to all children in the cafe at 12pm.
There is no need to book. If you would like to find out more, please contact our Family Support Team on 01622 792200 or email fst@hokh.co.uk.
Sessions take place monthly on a Saturday at Heart of Kent Hospice, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7PU.
Precious Time
A book to help children and families talk about a loved one nearing the end of life
Lyndsey Stukalov-Stone from our Family Support Team has written and published Precious Time, a thoughtful and compassionate resource designed to help families begin conversations about life-limiting illness and the emotions that can arise when someone special is approaching the end of their life.
In recognition of the book's impact and innovation, Lyndsey was awarded Ingenuity in the Charity Sector at the Kent Charity Awards 2025.
The book can be read directly with children or used by parents, carers and family members as a guide to help start these often difficult conversations in an age-appropriate and supportive way.
Through both research and our experience supporting families, we know that children often want to be informed and involved when someone close to them is seriously ill. Open and honest conversations can help children feel included, understood and better prepared for the changes ahead. By introducing these discussions early, we can reduce uncertainty and provide support that helps prevent additional confusion and distress during an already challenging time.
A free copy of Precious Time is available to all children and young people receiving pre-bereavement support through Heart of Kent Hospice. To buy a copy of Precious Time, please click on the button below or speak to our Family Support Team at fst@hokh.org or by calling 01622 792200.
Buy now
Precious Time provides families with a sense of language and direction on what to say. Our instinct is to protect children and not upset them, but they want to know what is going on. It is less anxiety-provoking for a child to understand why people are upset rather than using their imagination.