On a visit to Chestnut Tree House, kids can be astronauts for the day in the multi-sensory room, discover new smells and sights in the sensory garden, bounce high on the wheelchair trampoline, or form their very own pop group in the music room.

From circus performances to animal visits and social evenings for parents, there are fun and inclusive events for all the family, both at the hospice and across Sussex and South East Hampshire. These activities offer parents the chance to just be parents rather than carers, and siblings the space to talk to people who understand.

As well as care provided at the House, we have a community nursing team of expert clinicians which visits families at home, taking children out to explore their local community and giving tired parents and carers the chance to take a well-earned break.

Then, when the time comes, Chestnut Tree House is there for children and families to provide specialist end-of-life care and ongoing support. There is a bereavement suite, ‘Stars’, which has a special bedroom for the child to lay at rest, as well as accommodation for the family. Ongoing bereavement support is available through counselling, bereavement groups and remembrance events.

The generosity of the local community makes this happen. It costs almost £6 million every year to provide hospice care for local children, with only 21% of this funded by the government. You can show your support by fundraising, volunteering, taking on a challenge, playing the Chestnut Tree House lottery, or leaving a gift in your will.

Corporate partnerships are also a great way to work together to raise your business profile and fundraise for us – through strategic partnerships, events, sponsorship and in-kind support. By getting involved, you can help achieve social responsibility goals, engage and motivate your staff and ensure you participate in the wellbeing of your community.