Letter: Children’s Hospice holding drop in session for Peterborough parents

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) says it is “determined to address” how many families in Peterborough can access its vital care and support, as the charity begins consultation on how it might better meet the needs of the community.

EACH offers specialist nursing care, symptom management nursing, short breaks, wellbeing activities, therapies, counselling and volunteer services in the family home, all meeting the individual needs of a child and young person, and their entire family. Those can be delivered at one of its three hospices in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk, in family homes or closeby in familiar surroundings.

The nearest hospice to Peterborough is in Milton, just north of Cambridge, and currently EACH only provides support to 20 children, young people and family members in the Peterborough area. Estimates suggest there are between 300 and 380 children who could benefit from an aspect of EACH’s service, with that number expected to rise to almost 450 by 2026.

EACH will be holding a drop-in session for parents of children with highly complex and serious health conditions between 10am and 3pm today ( Friday, 31 January) at the Goldhay Centre.

Staff hope to hear their opinions on health and social care services for children in the Peterborough area, and how EACH might help. The charity has also set up an online survey for those unable to make it.

EACH offers care and support to any and all families in Peterborough and the rest of the region who have children with a life-threatening condition or complex health care needs, as well as those bereaved of a child because of their condition or complex health.

There will be creative activities for children and light refreshments at the drop-in session. Parents unable to make it are able to share their views at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EACHPb. Further information is available on 01223 815107.

Linda Maynard,

Acting Director of Care