Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, is encouraging constituents to get involved in Children’s Hospice Week.
Children’s Hospice Week, which runs from the 22nd to the 28th June, is the only week in the year that is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children’s hospices and palliative care services.
During the two years as Minister of State for Care, Caroline worked with palliative and end of life care services to help drive legislative reform and support. This included pushing for a £25 million funding boost for children’s hospices and speaking at events for Together for Short Lives, who support children and families with life-limiting or threatening conditions.
Together For Short Lives have provided an online wheel of challenges to get the whole family involved and to help fundraise.
Caroline has met with local providers, including Naomi House and Jacksplace near Winchester who provide care to more than 525 families from Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, West Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight via residential and outreach services. She had the pleasure of talking to dedicated nurses and care staff, as well as meeting a little girl called Dotty who, along with her family, was living in the Long Term Ventilation Unit.
Caroline commented:
“My Mum was one of the original fundraisers who helped to build Naomi House back in the 1990's and roped the whole family into her efforts, so it has a special place in our hearts. It was a privilege to go back and visit again last year as Minister, to see first-hand the services they offer and the warm and compassionate environment they create for children with life limiting illnesses and their families.
“This Children’s Hospice Week I encourage everyone to get involved, from taking a Together For Short Lives challenge to fundraising for Naomi’s House, Jacksplace and their wonderful team.”
Over the past few months as the country faces the impacts of Covid-19, the HM Treasury made £200 million available for children’s and adult hospices in England to help them meet the demand in their services.