In London it is estimated
that there are likely to be 1,920 children
with a life limiting or life threatening
condition at any given time, half of whom
will require active palliative care. During
any one year about 300 of these children
will die.
Richard House provides
respite and palliative care for children
and young people, and their families, via
a range of specialist services. These include
Day Care, a Residential Service with family
flats, and a range of Outreach Services
including support from a team of Befrienders.
The hospice
facilities include a family spa room, multi-sensory
room, music therapy room and a range of
other specialist equipment.
The hospice, based on the
edge of London Docklands is also pleased
to have a Locum Consultant as part of its
team as well as a music therapist, occupational
therapist and a physiotherapist. Care from
these highly trained professionals is part
of the service offered at Richard House
or, where the need arises, in the children's
homes.
Richard House needs to
raise £2.4 million pounds every year.
No charge is made to families and with negligible
statutory funding, this vital work depends
entirely upon the generosity and support
of individuals, companies and trusts. Volunteers
also make an important contribution.
Fundraising activity takes
many forms including a range of activities
and campaigns run by the fundraising team
at the hospice. The Richard House 5p Appeal
is a major initiative for 2005 with thousands
of special collection boxes being distributed
for people to fill with their "unwanted"
5p coins. Led by Richard House Patron and
England footballer, Joe Cole, the aim is
to collect 1,000,000 coins by the end of
the year.
More information on every
aspect of the hospice and its work is available
by calling 020 7511 0222 or by visiting
www.richardhouse.org.uk. |
