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 family receives a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, we understand the impact this can have on children and young people.
We offer 1-1 sessions for children and young people, as well as monthly Family Sessions. We can also work closely with schools and families to ensure they can access a range of support in the community, help with days-out and memory making.
Our social work support is both therapeutic and practical, tailored to the individual needs of the family, child or young person. We have a dedicated family room and toys at the hospice to ensure all ages feel welcomed and a part of the hospice community.
You can contact our Family Support Team by calling 01622 792200 or emailing fst@hokh.co.uk.
The children and young people that come to Heart of Kent Hospice for support are all unique and often report the benefits of being involved during a family member's illness.
Being a part of this journey and feeling like they can support their loved one, no matter how small, brings comfort in their grief.
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.
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.
Family Sessions
We host a free monthly support session for all families under our care and those living with a life-limiting illness in Kent.
Our sessions focus on fun activities for children and young people with snacks and drinks provided. There is no need to book, but if you have any questions please contact our Family Support Team by calling 01622 792200 or emailing fst@hokh.co.uk.
Sessions take place on a Saturday once a month at Heart of Kent Hospice, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7PU.
Our next Family Sessions
'Precious Time' - a book to support children and families who have a loved one approaching the end of their life.
Lyndsey Stukalov-Stone, from our Family Support Team, has published a book called Precious Time. This special book offers families with children support to start a conversation about life-limiting illnesses and to explore feelings that arise when someone special is going to die. This book can be read to the child directly or parents, family or carers can use it as a steer on how to begin starting these difficult conversations with a child.
We know through experience and research that children seek to be informed and involved when someone special to them is reaching the end of their life. By starting this conversation early, we can support the child, and avoid crisis situations which can cause further confusion and distress.
A free copy of Precious Time is available to all children and young people needing pre-bereavement support under our care.
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 nowPrecious 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.