Latest blogs
The Hospice Garden: A sanctuary of sensory delight
Helen & House children’s hospice is located in the heart of Oxford, but we are very fortunate to have outside space so we can spread our care and support into the outdoors. Our hospice opens out into our garden that offers a variety of sensory experiences, as well as being a tranquil and calming place for children and families. It serves many purposes from a space to bake, to a place to play, to an environment to make memories together, and have locations to offer reflection. Read more
![A buzzing day out for the siblings at Westbury](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17165617/beekeeping_blog-400x284.jpg)
A buzzing day out for the siblings at Westbury
In June, a group of the siblings joined Rosa and Laura from the Siblings Team, and Westbury Bee Group at Westbury Arts Centre in ... Read more
![National Bereaved Parents Day: A Reflection with Michaela](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/02094513/new-website-headers-in-divi-1000-pixels-good-for-news-blogs-case-studies-31-400x284.png)
National Bereaved Parents Day: A Reflection with Michaela
Today is National Bereaved Parents Day, a time to recognise and raise awareness for parents and carers whose child has died. At ... Read more
![Celebrating Father’s Day with Love and Reflection](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/12153249/new-website-headers-in-divi-1000-pixels-good-for-news-blogs-case-studies-30-400x284.png)
Celebrating Father’s Day with Love and Reflection
This Father’s Day, if you're celebrating with the important father figure/s in your life, we hope you have a wonderful day ... Read more
![Celebrating Inclusivity and Support at Helen & Douglas House](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/11132852/new-website-headers-in-divi-1000-pixels-good-for-news-blogs-case-studies-29-400x284.png)
Celebrating Inclusivity and Support at Helen & Douglas House
It’s Pride Month, and at Helen & Douglas House, we proudly embrace diversity and foster an inclusive environment for all. As an ... Read more
![Dying Matters Awareness Week: How we talk about Dying Matters](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/30082207/new-website-headers-in-divi-1000-pixels-good-for-news-blogs-case-studies-15-400x284.png)
Dying Matters Awareness Week: How we talk about Dying Matters
Parenthood is full of ideals, expectations and hopes as well as some trepidation as to what’s to come. How will life change, what kind ... Read more
![Weekend fun with the Network Saturday youth group](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/30082040/network-saturday-e1714574844327-400x284.png)
Weekend fun with the Network Saturday youth group
Last weekend, we joined the Youth & Transition team and some of our amazing volunteers for an action-packed Network Saturday youth ... Read more
![Meet Ellen, a Helen & Douglas House Nurse](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/30082103/new-website-photos-for-the-rotating-image-gallery-1000-pixels-6-400x284.png)
Meet Ellen, a Helen & Douglas House Nurse
Help us fund a nurse for a year In honour of International Nurses Day on 12th May, we’re hosting an exclusive first look at our Summer ... Read more
![A unforgettable day out at Millets with the Elephant Club](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/30082108/jess-and-tayla-sibs-day-400x284.png)
A unforgettable day out at Millets with the Elephant Club
Earlier this month, we spent the day with the siblings team and the Elephant Club as they celebrated National Siblings Day at Millets ... Read more
![A journey of charity and adventure](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/30082212/new-website-photos-for-the-rotating-image-gallery-1000-pixels-2-400x284.png)
A journey of charity and adventure
Hear from Janet, who participated in the London to Paris Bike Ride in September 2021, raising an incredible £15,000 for Helen & ... Read more
![Running for a cause: inspiring stories from our London Marathon runners](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/30082122/new-website-photos-for-the-rotating-image-gallery-1000-pixels-5-400x284.png)
Running for a cause: inspiring stories from our London Marathon runners
As the London Marathon approaches, the excitement isn't just about the race itself; it's about the incredible individuals who are ... Read more
![A Day in the Life of a Siblings Worker](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/30082233/holly-sibs-worker-1-400x284.png)
A Day in the Life of a Siblings Worker
We primarily care for children living with life-shortening and terminal conditions. But, we also provide support for siblings too. ... Read more
![Meet Carissa – Assistant Catering Manager at Helen & Douglas House](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/30082250/carissa-400x284.png)
Meet Carissa – Assistant Catering Manager at Helen & Douglas House
We'd like to introduce you to Carissa, our assistant catering manager here at Helen & Douglas House. She's been with us for 9 ... Read more
![An Egg-cellent Easter party at the hospice](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/30082251/pippa-1-1-400x284.png)
An Egg-cellent Easter party at the hospice
Last Sunday, the hospice hosted a sunshine-filled day of festive fun for the children and their families. There were lots of laughter, ... Read more
![Meet Harry – a physiotherapist at Helen & Douglas House](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/30082347/website-images-july-2023-hf-800-x-589-px-1-1-400x284.png)
Meet Harry – a physiotherapist at Helen & Douglas House
Harry is a physiotherapist at Helen & Douglas House. For the last nine years, Harry has specialised in paediatric physiotherapy ... Read more
![Conquer the Peaks: 7 Reasons to take on the Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/30082404/website-images-july-2023-hf-800-x-589-px-400x284.png)
Conquer the Peaks: 7 Reasons to take on the Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons? If you're pondering ... Read more
![The magic of Sensory Play](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/30082517/5-400x284.png)
The magic of Sensory Play
A massive thank you to Claire from Embracing Arts for putting on an incredible sensory show at the hospice last week. We were joined by children and their families who use Helen & Douglas House services. It was a sensory-tastic afternoon! Read more
![Meet Lucy – a nurse at Helen & Douglas House](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/30082908/nurse-lucy-for-webpage-july-2023-2-400x284.png)
Meet Lucy – a nurse at Helen & Douglas House
Lucy Butters is nurse on our care team here at Helen & Douglas House. As no day is ever the same, we asked her to talk us through ... Read more
![Home Volunteers of Helen & Douglas House](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/30083044/helen-jacks-family-400x284.jpg)
Home Volunteers of Helen & Douglas House
We care for terminally ill children and their families at our hospice in Oxford, in hospital, the community and at home. The families ... Read more
![Outreach Nursing – Caring for children at home](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/30083608/Pippa-4-400x284.jpg)
Outreach Nursing – Caring for children at home
One of the special things about our care at Helen & Douglas House is that we’re able to offer it to children in the place they ... Read more
![Makaton – using signs, symbols and speech at the hospice](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085112/Webpage-Banner-Image-1540-x-740-pixels-School-Jan-2022-400x284.png)
Makaton – using signs, symbols and speech at the hospice
Communication is an essential life skill and, because speech is not always possible for many of the children who we care for, it is ... Read more
![Running the Oxford Half: Emily’s Story](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085107/Website-Header-images-3rd-party-events-400x284.png)
Running the Oxford Half: Emily’s Story
Emily, whose daughter Neve has brain cancer comes to the hospice for short supportive stays, ran the Oxford Half Marathon in 2021 and ... Read more
![Hospice school: Back to school](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085112/Webpage-Banner-Image-1540-x-740-pixels-School-Jan-2022-400x284.png)
Hospice school: Back to school
Did you know that we have a school at Helen & Douglas House? Some of you might as we did an update a few years ago on our blog. If ... Read more
![From volunteer to member of staff](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085117/Webpage-Banner-Image-1540-x-740-pixels-400x284.png)
From volunteer to member of staff
‘Volunteering enhanced my skills and reminded me why I went originally went into nursing before I had my children. I loved being back in the care environment. So, when I found myself with more time, I joined the care team as a member of staff, which I am so pleased about.’ Read more
![Christmas celebrations at Helen & Douglas House](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085123/Christmas-at-Helen-Douglas-House-400x284.png)
Christmas celebrations at Helen & Douglas House
We’ve been looking forward to celebrating Christmas this year with our families this year as we weren't able to celebrate in person last year. Find out what special activities we got up to at our Christmas parties and which member of the royal family we visited. Read more
![Opening the Helen & Douglas House Garden](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085132/4-400x284.png)
Opening the Helen & Douglas House Garden
Her Royal Highness, the former Duchess of Cornwall visited Helen & Douglas House on Tuesday 13th July to meet families supported by the hospice in the garden to learn how they have been coping with the pandemic. Read more
![Her Majesty The Queen Visits Helen & Douglas House](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085145/1-4-400x284.png)
Her Majesty The Queen Visits Helen & Douglas House
Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall visited Helen & Douglas House on Tuesday 13th July to meet families supported by the hospice in the garden to learn how they have been coping with the pandemic. Read more
![How Oli celebrate’s Father’s Day](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085155/Graphics-for-website-2-400x284.png)
How Oli celebrate’s Father’s Day
‘Helen & Douglas House has given us the opportunity and space to create special memories to treasure during the most difficult of times. As they are a charity, we felt it was so important to raise funds for them to ensure they can continue to care for children like Patrick, and to support families like ours’. Read more
![How we support siblings](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085201/Crafts-Siblings-2-400x284.png)
How we support siblings
‘Helen & Douglas House has given us the opportunity and space to create special memories to treasure during the most difficult of times. As they are a charity, we felt it was so important to raise funds for them to ensure they can continue to care for children like Patrick, and to support families like ours’. Read more
![Spring fashion trends: Fresh spring finds from Helen & Douglas House charity shops](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085350/spring-fashion-trends-and-styles-400x284.png)
Spring fashion trends: Fresh spring finds from Helen & Douglas House charity shops
We’re delighted to introduce you to our Helen & Douglas House seasonal trend picks which is a round-up of the top items selected ... Read more
![How we’re ‘Showing a Little Love’ throughout February](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085207/2-5-400x284.png)
How we’re ‘Showing a Little Love’ throughout February
‘Helen & Douglas House has given us the opportunity and space to create special memories to treasure during the most difficult of times. As they are a charity, we felt it was so important to raise funds for them to ensure they can continue to care for children like Patrick, and to support families like ours’. Read more
![The therapeutic value of cuddling and stroking a therapy cat at our children’s hospice](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085336/meriel-with-a-therapy-cat-at-helen-and-douglas-house-children-hospice-400x284.jpg)
The therapeutic value of cuddling and stroking a therapy cat at our children’s hospice
At Helen & Douglas House we love to welcome animals into the hospice to complement and support the palliative care we provide, ... Read more
![No New Clothes For A Year](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085218/photo-of-a-wardrobe-400x284.jpg)
No New Clothes For A Year
Guest blog from sustainable personal styling expert Victoria Lochhead from Frankie & Ruby. No New Clothes For A Year? Here are ... Read more
![Mum Ellie becomes a fundraising inspiration on social media](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085224/Body-images-1-1-400x284.png)
Mum Ellie becomes a fundraising inspiration on social media
‘Helen & Douglas House has given us the opportunity and space to create special memories to treasure during the most difficult of times. As they are a charity, we felt it was so important to raise funds for them to ensure they can continue to care for children like Patrick, and to support families like ours’. Read more
![How we support older children at the hospice and beyond](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085227/1-1-400x284.png)
How we support older children at the hospice and beyond
Emma is our Youth and Transition worker at Helen & Douglas House. She told us about her role at the hospice and how she supports the older children we care for, from the ages of 13-19, until they move on to adult care with other healthcare providers. Read more
![How young fundraisers used ‘pedal power’ to raise vital funds](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085232/Website-Feature-Image-1-1-400x284.png)
How young fundraisers used ‘pedal power’ to raise vital funds
This summer a group of school friends from The Blake Primary School in Witney took part in a sponsored cycle challenge to raise funds ... Read more
![How we have continued to care during a pandemic](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085240/Care-team-in-scrubs-400x284.png)
How we have continued to care during a pandemic
This is Dr Emily Harrop, our Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Care & Medical Director at the hospice. We found out more about ... Read more
![Wardrobe Detox: Your 5 point plan to re-organising your wardrobe](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085238/woman-decluttering-400x284.jpg)
Wardrobe Detox: Your 5 point plan to re-organising your wardrobe
Try detoxing your wardrobe and you’ll find the rewards are liberating and utterly worth it. By donating your discarded items to your ... Read more
![Make a virtual gift this Father’s Day to help children like Toby](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085244/Untitled-design-400x284.png)
Make a virtual gift this Father’s Day to help children like Toby
‘Helen & Douglas House has given us the opportunity and space to create special memories to treasure during the most difficult of times. As they are a charity, we felt it was so important to raise funds for them to ensure they can continue to care for children like Patrick, and to support families like ours’. Read more
![How Patrick’s family raised over £10,000 in just six months](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085249/Untitled-design-1-400x284.png)
How Patrick’s family raised over £10,000 in just six months
‘Helen & Douglas House has given us the opportunity and space to create special memories to treasure during the most difficult of times. As they are a charity, we felt it was so important to raise funds for them to ensure they can continue to care for children like Patrick, and to support families like ours’. Read more
![Tandem skydive: how it feels to fly whilst raising vital funds for a charity](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085253/holly-with-her-daughter-jasmine-header-400x284.jpg)
Tandem skydive: how it feels to fly whilst raising vital funds for a charity
Imagine standing on the edge of an open doorway in an aircraft flying at 13,000 feet. As you experience the noise of the engines and ... Read more
![Non-verbal communication: ‘My boys cannot talk but they communicate to me with their eyes’](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085259/stanley-with-his-mum-at-helen-and-douglas-house-4-400x284.png)
Non-verbal communication: ‘My boys cannot talk but they communicate to me with their eyes’
As a children’s hospice, we welcome a variety of children of differing ages, abilities and living with a range of conditions through ... Read more
![Hospice school: How we help the children keep up with their schoolwork](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085303/Finley-with-Louise-400x284.png)
Hospice school: How we help the children keep up with their schoolwork
You might be surprised to discover a schoolroom at our children’s hospice. Here, every day, we have a teaching assistant to help our ... Read more
![8 reasons why our summer pirate party rocked (the boat!)](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085315/Hannah-Jone-Nurse-Jack-and-Mary-Mead-min-1-400x284.jpg)
8 reasons why our summer pirate party rocked (the boat!)
As fun, laughter and creating special memories is at the heart of what we do at Helen & Douglas House, we never miss an excuse for ... Read more
![Furniture trends: How to bring style to your home with second-hand treasures from our furniture shops](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085317/customers-shopping-at-helen-and-douglas-house-400x284.jpg)
Furniture trends: How to bring style to your home with second-hand treasures from our furniture shops
This year the public consciousness has turned firmly to helping the planet, so it’s only natural that sustainability is one of the ... Read more
![When play therapy turns into a river adventure](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085324/Hannah-Taplin-and-Family-7-min-400x284.jpg)
When play therapy turns into a river adventure
Helen & Douglas House is well-known for the respite care we provide to babies, children and teenagers and the support we give to ... Read more
![Spare a thought for Dad’s like Jason this Father’s Day](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085329/jack-with-his-dad-jason-and-brother-noah-400x284.jpg)
Spare a thought for Dad’s like Jason this Father’s Day
Here at Helen & Douglas House we’re asking local families who are celebrating Father’s Day on 16 June to spare a thought for local ... Read more
![Meet Rhian, our learning disability nurse](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085332/nurse-rhian-with-jack-at-helen-and-douglas-house-children-hospice-400x284.jpg)
Meet Rhian, our learning disability nurse
For Rhian, one of our learning disability nurses, no shift is ever the same which is due to the nature of the care and ... Read more
![What does Mother’s Day mean to Helen & Douglas House mums?](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085342/adult-child-hand-photo-1-400x284.jpg)
What does Mother’s Day mean to Helen & Douglas House mums?
Mother's Day can be a precious time to celebrate the relationship between mother and child. On the morning of Mother’s Day many ... Read more
![Meet Dr Emily Harrop](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085345/doctor-emily-with-jenson-at-helen-and-douglas-house-children-hospice-400x284.jpg)
Meet Dr Emily Harrop
Meet Dr Emily, our Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Care and Lead Doctor. A few years ago, she told us about her career in medicine ... Read more
![The benefits of hydrotherapy: How splishy-splashy moments ease a wide range of symptoms](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085400/sienna-enjoying-a-therapy-pool-at-helen-and-douglas-house-children-hospice-400x284.png)
The benefits of hydrotherapy: How splishy-splashy moments ease a wide range of symptoms
One of the things Helen & Douglas House is known for is the respite care we provide for local terminally ill children. When the ... Read more
![How our hospice uses outdoor sensory experiences to help terminally ill children](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085412/toby-in-helen-and-douglas-house-garden-children-hospice-400x284.jpg)
How our hospice uses outdoor sensory experiences to help terminally ill children
Helen & Douglas House charity is known for the care we provide to babies, children and teenagers inside the hospice, but our ... Read more
![How our children’s parties create memorable moments for their families](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085415/summer-party-2018-at-helen-and-douglas-house-children-hospice-400x284.jpg)
How our children’s parties create memorable moments for their families
We love to throw a good party to create magical moments that really lift our children's spirits and live long in the memory of their ... Read more
![The role of music therapy at children’s hospices: We love music and so does Nathan](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085433/music-therapy-at-helen-and-douglas-house-children-hospice-400x284.jpg)
The role of music therapy at children’s hospices: We love music and so does Nathan
Music positively affects us all physically, psychologically and emotionally and the health benefits of music are ... Read more
![How furry friends bring comfort and joy to Helen & Douglas House](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085427/finley-with-amate-animalia-at-helen-and-douglas-house-400x284.jpg)
How furry friends bring comfort and joy to Helen & Douglas House
Amate Animalia, a charity based in the Cotswolds who educate people about exotic animals & their specialist needs, recently bought ... Read more
![How we celebrate Easter at the local children’s hospice](https://helen-douglas-house.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30085423/finley-with-chicks-at-helen-and-douglas-house-400x284.png)
How we celebrate Easter at the local children’s hospice
Easter at a children’s hospice is quite different to other children’s Easter celebrations. Terminally ill children who come to stay at ... Read more
Donate now
We need to raise £3.6 million each year to care for local terminally ill children at the hospice and at home.