Supporting young patients and their families
The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice cares for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and supports their families and those close to them. There are over 750 life-limited children and young people living in Northern Ireland. Each year Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice helps around 250 families and also support 150 bereaved families. Life- limiting illness includes conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy and genetic disorders such as Batten’s Disease, and life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Caring for a life-limited child puts an enormous strain on family life and, for some families, holidays, family activities and outings prove difficult or impossible. Meal times become staggered, sleep is often interrupted and parents rarely have time to themselves. Siblings of the sick child inevitably feel left out as parents often provide 24-hour care for the life-limited child. At times, families can feel overwhelmed by their situation, both physically and emotionally. The children’s hospice helps by providing care, support and friendship to the whole family, throughout the child’s illness and after the child has died.
The children’s hospice is situated in Newtownabbey, overlooking Belfast Lough. In addition to purpose built children’s accommodation, there are family rooms, art and music rooms, play areas, a multi-sensory room and a hydrotherapy pool. Offering a home from home environment, Horizon House is a place where children and their families feel safe, welcome and supported.
