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Throughout February we have been inviting our supporters and families to ‘Show a Little Love’ and, at the same time, support local children cared for by Helen & Douglas House. It’s not too late for you to join in, so here you can find some highlights of the month of love and how you can get involved…

Show a Little Love – our families

Last week around 150 of the children we care for received special craft packs, just in time for St Valentine’s day (and half term!). Since the first lockdown last March, we have been sending out hampers and craft packs to help provide our families with essential items and to show them we are thinking of them during a difficult time. This February, our special craft packs contained five ‘valentine-tastic’ activities for the children to enjoy. These packs, which are often made up of items that are donated by supporters, included a heart wreath, a 3D rainbow, a heart spider, a bird and a penguin for them to make together as a family and to help keep the children busy. Featured below is Hannah from the care team putting together the craft packs and Jack enjoying his crafts at home.

hannah crafts and jackHelen, whose son Max is cared for by Helen & Douglas House, said this about the last hampers and packs we delivered at Christmas, ‘Helen & Douglas House sent us hampers and checked in with us during our isolation which has helped us feel connected to the outside world and reminded us that we haven’t been forgotten.’

As well as this, our siblings support team also held workshops on Zoom for the brothers and sisters of the children we care for. On Saturday 13th February they held two online groups, for the two different age groups, which featured live crafts and games. They had the chance to talk to other children in a similar situation and made an abstract heart canvas and a bird feeder and joined in with some Valentine’s themed games. As always, all the family were invited to join in (and help out if needed)!

Ava and Flora Gray, bereaved siblings said, ‘We really enjoy attending the sibling’s group. The Zoom sessions have been a really good release’.

‘The tasks are really fun and interactive during these difficult times.’ – Anonymous

siblings valentines

Show a Little Love – our supporters

Our supporters have been Showing a Little Love during February by holding Valentine’s day meal at home, then donating what they would have spent on that meal to the hospice. Others have been enjoying a coffee virtually with a best friend and donating what they would have spent at their local snazzy coffee shop! Many have also been leaving messages to cherished loved ones who deserve a mention on our MuchLoved Show a Little Love message wall, which is open to everyone. It isn’t too late for you to take part because Show a Little Love is for the whole of February. Visit Show a Little Love this February to find out more.

Show a Little Love graphics for webpage Jan 2021

Show a Little Love for children like Jack

At such a difficult time none of us should need a reason to help others and Show a Little Love this February. But, if you need any, it feels great to be able to support others, such as those local children and families of Helen & Douglas House, at a time when they need support the most. As a charity, most of the funds we need to raise to care for local children and their families comes from people like you. Your generosity helps local terminally ill children and their families, like Jack (pictured above), when they need us most.

Mary, Jack’s Mum said ‘We are very grateful to have Helen & Douglas House as support and to offer respite to care for Jack. They deal with his needs and allow me a brief chance for a break and an undisturbed peaceful night’s sleep. Jack enjoys the staff making a fuss of him and having fun in a safe and fun environment. 

‘Thank you very much for sending the valentine’s craft activities for Jack, we have really enjoyed making them. There were great ideas with very simple instructions. A huge thank you for thinking of us and for keeping our minds active and entertained.’

Share your story

If you’re taking part in ‘Show a Little Love’ this February, and making a donation, then we would love to hear what you are doing. Contact us our Community Fundraising team to tell us more at community@helenanddouglas.org.uk or share with us on social media. We can’t wait to see how you have been Showing a Little Love!

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