Share your story
Tell your child’s story to help generate vital funds and support the hospice
Why your stories are important to the hospice
As a charity, we rely almost entirely on public donations to fund our work. The most powerful way to encourage supporters to donate, or fundraise, is to tell the stories of the families we support, like yours.
If you’d like to help us with this, we’d be very grateful, but there is no obligation. You can see some of our previous stories, told in a multiple ways, by visiting our social media pages, or by exploring our blogs and stories pages. Read on to find out more.
How we collect and store your story
With your consent, we will capture your story in various formats, including written words or audio recordings, photographs and/or videos taken at the hospice or at hospice events, or with that which is shared with us, such as personal photos or written reflections.
Your personal data will be stored securely and only accessed/used in accordance with your preferences and our privacy policy. Your consent will remain valid, or unless you contact us.
If your circumstances or we wish to use your story in a way not already specified, we will contact you for additional consent.
Your story may be shared in:
- Our printed and digital materials (e.g. newsletters, leaflets, posters) in the hospice, at events or in our charity shops,
- Our website and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, YouTube),
- Local press (print, radio, online) and with approved third parties such as fundraisers or partner organisations,
- Internal communications, such as staff training, team briefings, or internal reports and updates,
- Family communications, such as newsletters or updates shared with other hospice families,
- Research and evaluation purposes, to help us better understand and improve the care we provide.
Tell us your marketing consent preferences
To give your consent, please fill in the form below. If you have preferences or wish to decline consent, please ensure this is completed on the form so we have these details on file.
Family Consent - Helen & Douglas House
To give consent, please complete the form below. You can specify your preferences/exclusions on the form. Before you start make sure you have: your child’s name, DOB and condition, and details of parent/guardians including email, phone and address.
Did you know? Gathering content for your story and media is done over the course of your journey with us. This may be months, years or longer and may continue after a child’s death. Your stories are incredibly powerful, and we value you and your sharing preferences throughout the whole process.
Tell your story like mum Leanne has told Lily-Mae’s story
“For nearly nine years, my life was dedicated to Lily-Mae and making sure that she was happy and safe. The way that she had passed away was just so quick. There was no time to prepare anything.”
Leanne, Lily-Mae’s mum
With our help and support, Lily-Mae was able to get the support and care she needed during her short life. Her mum Leanne got the support she needed as a carer, and then at the end of her daughters’ life. This care continues even after a child has died, as our Family Support and Bereavement Team have been working with Leanne since she lost Lily-Mae providing her with bereavement support.
We can’t do this without you
Families like yours, who come to Helen & Douglas House, depend on our care and support us. We are here to help them face everyday challenges during their children’s short lives and to cope with living with a child with a life-shortening or terminal illness. By telling your story, you will be telling supporters about the expert care and support you receive, which is made possible by their donations.