If you are thinking that your child could benefit from the services Little Havens Children's Hospice provides, you may be feeling apprehensive and have some questions.
We have done our best to answer some of these questions. However, if you would like to speak to the Care Team in confidence please call 01702 552200.
What is Little Havens Children’s Hospice?
Little Havens is part of Havens Hospices, which also includes our sister adult hospice Fair Havens. We are a charity which provides care for children who have life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. We are based in Thundersley, near Rayleigh but care for children from across Essex and the outer London boroughs.
We provide care 24/7 all year and this care comes in various different forms; respite breaks (short breaks) for the whole family or just the child, symptom control, end of life care, day stays, family and child events (such as organised trips and parties), telephone advice, pre and post bereavement care.
What is it like there?
Little Havens is a purpose built, architecturally designed building within maintained woodland just five minutes drive from the A127 and A13. We pride ourselves on our informal and relaxed atmosphere as the building is designed to be a “home from home.” So there is a lovely kitchen where home-cooked meals are served every day, lounge areas and beautiful landscaped gardens.
There is plenty to do here with a computer room, teenage den, multi-sensory room, swimming pool and messy play area. For those who want some peace and quiet there are dedicated lounge areas, quiet parts of the garden and each child has their own bedroom. We have eight bedrooms (two especially for teenagers with en-suite facilities) and two specialist bathrooms. All of our building and gardens are wheelchair accessible.
Who can use Little Havens?
Our service is for children and young adults who live in Essex, who are between 0-19 years of age and who have a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. The child may still be receiving curative treatment but there is a risk that this may fail, treatment to prolong their life, their treatment may be purely to keep them as comfortable as possible or they may not be receiving treatment. We provide care for the child and the whole family.
How are stays booked?
Respite stays are planned breaks which provide a break for the child, rest and recuperation for the family and an opportunity to have some fun! They can be booked so that the whole family stays or just the child. We book these stays about eight weeks in advance and they are usually between two-five nights, but can be up to seven nights.
Families are also able to request dates that suit them and we try to accommodate these requests as well as the needs of the children requiring other types of care such as symptom control and end of life care.
What happens at Little Havens?
There is a lot to do at Little Havens or you can do nothing at all! Each child will receive one to one care every day, and their carer will provide unique and child-focused care as negotiated with you. As well as lots of fun things for children to do such as arts, computer play, swimming, music, games and outdoor play, there are also more structured activities we can plan.
Our in-house teacher can liaise with a child’s school to ensure they are supported in continuing their education. The Care Team will ensure there is Supportive Care for the family, be a listening ear or give advice on care. We can follow therapy routines as well as provide the nursing and medical care that is required. We recognise the importance of family time and we can be as involved or as removed from this care as you wish. The only routines that are set in stone are lunch and dinner time!
Who cares for children at Little Havens?
We have a multi-disciplinary team which means the Care Team has a mixture of skills and qualifications. We do not wear uniforms and hope that this makes you feel as comfortable as possible. We do, however, wear name badges. Around half of the Care Team are registered nurses who come from a variety of backgrounds.
We also have a team of on-call doctors who work with a child’s own paediatrician, consultant or GP to provide medical care. We also have a music therapist, teacher and teaching assistant, play specialist, family support worker, nursery nurse and NVQ-level carers. We have a key worker system to ensure families know who to contact if they need anything
Is there a charge for the services?
No. You will never be charged for any services we provide. All of our care is free. This is possible because, as a charity, our supporters make kind donations which are gratefully accepted.
What do families need to bring with them?
All meals and activities are provided free of charge, as well as our care. We will also provide all bedding, sheets, towels etc. Please bring with you all of your personal belongings, clothes and toiletries for you and your child.
You will need to bring all of your child’s medication and any special equipment your child may need such as wheelchair, mobility equipment, sleep systems, therapy equipment, nebulisers etc. Please note that if you wish to bring any electrical equipment other that your child’s you must make the Care Team aware.
What do other people think about Little Havens?
Here are just a few comments for families and children who are using the hospice:
“Little Havens means peace and tranquillity for our family – we are cared for well here.”
"After my first visit, I wished I’d rung sooner. I couldn’t believe how lovely and welcoming Little Havens was. In hospital, people do stare at you and your baby. At Little Havens we are accepted for who we are.”
“I was close to breaking point but now things are much better now we have Little Havens as support. My children love going to Little Havens so this is a treat for us all. If we didn’t have Little Havens our family would have split up. It really has been a lifeline.”
“I think Little Havens is really cool. I was a bit worried at first but it was OK, everyone there made me feel at home. I liked the swimming because it helps with my muscle exercises.”
“I was as guilty as many people in thinking the hospice was a gloomy place that very sick children went and parents gave all the care – how wrong could I be? My son’s personal care is taken care of and I get to spend quality time with my daughter. I know he’s being well looked after.”
How can my child be referred?
Anyone can refer a child for care at Little Havens Children’s Hospice. This means that it can be a professional involved in the child’s care, a teacher or group leader, a parent, a friend or the child themselves. Whoever refers a child mist have the permission from the parent/guardian and must have enough basic details for us to begin the referral such as name, date of birth, address, parent’s name, contact details and a diagnosis.
Most commonly parents refer their own child or a nurse makes the referral. The best way to refer a child is by telephone. You can call us 24 hours a day on 01702 552200. You will speak to a Care Team Member who can give you advice and talk you through the process.
What happens after we are referred?
The Care Team will send you a Consent Form which you need to sign and return saying that you give consent for us to speak to your child’s doctor and other professionals involved in their care. We will then gather information to support our decision on whether your child meets our criteria.
This usually takes a few weeks but can be done more quickly in an emergency situation. We will keep you informed throughout this process and tell you the outcome as soon as possible. If you are accepted for care you will be invited for an introductory visit for about an hour to meet the team, see the hospice and ask questions before your first stay.
How do I contact the hospice? You can call us on 01702 552200. If your question is not urgent you can e-mail the Care Team at lhcareadmin@havenshospices.org.uk
Our postal address is Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, Essex SS7 2LH.
