This year the families supported by ellenor have felt the effects of lockdown more than anyone, with social isolation taking its toll, families have been left exhausted after months of providing 24/7 care for their child at home.
We are launching our first-ever Silent Online Auction fundraiser, with 100% of the money raised going towards supporting the hospice in providing the very best end of life care across Kent and Bexley.
One Northfleet family has experienced for themselves the vital support that we offer in all sorts of circumstances – including the current pandemic - and to both children and adults.
So, as I write this, we are in Week 7 of the UK lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, and for many people, we have settled into something which feels like ‘the new normal’. Whilst none of this has been a bed of roses, some people have managed to find comfort in the fact that the pace of life has slowed down and that we can take a second to watch the world go by.
While nurses and doctors are at the heart of hospice care, there are many other individuals who play an equally important role in providing holistic support. Chaplains are a key part of the palliative care team, offering comfort and spiritual strength to people with life-limiting or terminal illnesses.
For children especially, grief can be a massive, bewildering issue. Fail to help them deal with it, and the implications for those children and young people.
We are pleased to announce that Vikki Harding has been appointed to permanent Chief Executive with immediate effect.
“The patient-centred approach is essential in improving lives. We are adapting our services to help our patients make the most of the time they have left. Our patients want and need to be involved in their own care that gives them as much control as possible.” - Dr Russ Hargreaves
“Demand for our services is ever increasing. As a result, we have reached a point where our facilities are restricting us from providing outstanding care, we need to extend and redevelop our hospice building.” - Vikki Harding, CEO
Music therapy has shown to have a positive impact on older patients, in particular those with dementia and is becoming increasingly included in the activity calendar in care homes.
Gravesend Panto visited our hospice on Friday 22 November bringing some festive cheer and laughter.
Children’s hospice workers were given the Queen of Arendelle treatment on Sunday as a special thank you for their incredible work with seriously ill children and their families in hospices across the UK.
“Christmas can be a wonderful time for many, but we are reminded every year of how difficult it can be for some. It is a real milestone for friends and families after a loss and we recognise the importance of stopping for a moment and celebrating the lives of our loved ones”.
Children receiving care at ellenor hospice in Gravesend have received a donation of life-changing technology worth thousands of pounds from children’s charity Lifelites.
When children are unable to articulate what death means to them, music therapy can help them process the feelings of grief and pain that the loss of a parent inevitably brings.
Record breaking numbers took part in ellenor’s annual Twilight Walk.
All sponsorship money raised through the event will go towards care and support for patients, families and carers living with life limiting or terminal illness in Kent.
We all know how good it can be to chat over a cuppa – especially during tough times.
ellenor has been awarded the highest possible rating for the safety, quality and hygiene standards of its food catering services.
