Families helping families
Keep the summer fun going with our back-to-back family events this September!
Keep the summer fun going!
Make memories and make a difference
This September, your family can help families like Marta’s while making unforgettable memories together.
When Marta’s husband was nearing the end of his life, his final wish was to be at home with his family. Our Willen at Home team made that possible and supported Marta and their four young daughters with compassion and care every step of the way.
Today, Marta and her daughters are still part of the Willen family. They attend our family fundraising events, Marta volunteers with our Social Work team to support others and all because of people like you.
Now, it’s your turn to get involved.
Two amazing family events
Mini Moo
14 September
A family fun event! Our young participants are invited to
scoot, walk, or run one sponsored lap around Willen’s North lake. Dress up as your favourite character and enjoy game stalls and music too! 0-14 years.
Location: Willen Hospice, Willen Lake
Gulliver's Land
20-21 September
For one whole weekend, we’ll be taking over Gulliver’s Land! As well as all the usual fun rides, we’ll be making your weekend even more fun with games, stalls and entertainment!
Location: Gulliver's Land Resort
Children grieve differently to adults
We know that grief can occur even before the loss of a loved one, so we provide our service pre and post bereavement. They may need one to one and family support, or we could signpost them to other community resources e.g. Young Carers.
As Marta explained to us “Whenever Annie asked ‘Why’s Daddy not coming home?’ I had Social Worker Jackie literally holding my shoulder. She told me what to say, how to say it and how to slowly upgrade it as all of them grow up and their understanding of the world changes.”
We help young people and children to get their ‘voices’ heard and offer them the opportunity to talk about their feelings, concerns and wishes in a safe environment. After the death of their loved one we help them create special memories that they can treasure later on in their lives. Explore the ways we support young people below.
Talking to children
All individual support provided is tailored to the needs of the family and individual. Support is offered to the parents/carers or professionals working with them.
Art Therapy
Using art materials in a safe and confidential space, together with an Art Therapist, can help to communicate emotions that can’t always be put into words.
Schools
We can support a Child/Young Person’s educational establishment in providing support to the family experiencing a palliative diagnosis and/or following a bereavement.