What we do
We help local children with life-limiting and terminal conditions to live life to the full, even if that life is short.
A comforting place filled with laughter
Helen & Douglas House helps local families cope with the challenges of looking after a terminally ill baby or child who will die prematurely.
Helen & Douglas House is a warm, homely place for local children living with life-limiting and terminal conditions, and their families. We provide round-the-clock care in a comforting environment. Our hospice is filled with laughter, whilst also being a peaceful place where families can create happy memories in their last days, weeks, months or years together.
Making the most of their time together
The hospice is a special place that feels homely, where families can make the most of their time together and create happy memories during their children’s short lives. When a child dies, we are there to support the whole family at this really difficult time.
Based in Oxford, but supporting families from surrounding counties, we care for children with life-limiting and terminal conditions at the hospice and through our outreach service. At Helen & Douglas House, the world’s first children’s hospice, we care for babies and children up to the age of 18.
Parents, brothers, sisters, and grandparents are all part of the Helen & Douglas House family. At the toughest time of their lives, we give families the time and space to enjoy the precious moments they have left with each other. In the midst of exhaustion and grief, we help them cope with their child’s final days.
Martha’s story
The death of a child, of any age, brings heartbreak and devastation. Sophie and Ed’s first baby, Martha, was born in a critical condition and she passed away in Sophie’s arms at 5 days old.
“One day unexpectedly you might get knocked over by a wave and you won’t see it coming and when you do you will be so grateful that there is a place like Helen & Douglas House in your home city. (…) Coming here made us feel like two parents with a daughter.”
Ed, Martha’s dad
We can’t do this without your help
The families who come to us at Helen & Douglas House depend on our care and support us to help them face every day challenges during their children’s short lives or cope with living with a child with a life shortening or terminal illness. With your help, we can give them the expert care and support they need as they are living with a life-shortening condition.
Make a donation
We need to raise over £3 million each year to care for local terminally ill children at the hospice and at home.