Chestnut Tree is the only children's hospice in Sussex and provides specialist care and support to 260 life-limited children and young adults and around 1,000 family members from across Sussex. In addition we are currently supporting 91 bereaved families whose children have died. In brief, services include: Short breaks and end of life care for life-limited children and young adults at Chestnut Tree House and in the community, support for siblings, Bereavement support, Therapeutic activities.
Why the community needs usWith a major proportion of their time devoted to providing round the clock care (accompanied by a complex schedule for administering drugs) daily life will be exhausting for parents with a tremendous strain placed on the whole family due to the demands of caring for their sick child. This becomes more acute as the child's condition deteriorates and end of life care is required.The wide range of services provided by Chestnut Tree House support the family throughout the entire disease process.
Our impact on the communityLast year, thanks to the wonderful support of local people the hospice was able to povide:- 2,345 nights of care- 543 day care sessions- 1,509 home visits- Support to 19 families following the death of their child- Care to an additional 54 children and young aduts. Despite ever increasing costs, all services continue to be provided free of charge. Please help ensure that this can continue as we know there are many more children and families in Sussex who right now would benefit from our help.
Volunters are sought for a variety of roles at the hospice, especially:- Act as buddies for our teenagers- To assist with play activities- General administration- Housekeeping- Reception- Catering- Maintenance- Gardening. If you can help, please contact Guy Gilder on 01903 871808 or email guy.gilder@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk for more details.
