More than a children's hospice
More than a children’s hospice
At Helen & Douglas House, we’re here to support your child and your whole family – how, where, and when it feels right for you
Welcome to Helen & Douglas House: what to expect
If you’ve recently been referred, or are still finding out about Helen & Douglas House, you may be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply unsure what a children’s hospice means for your family. Many families tell us they had worries before their first visit. But when they step through our front door, they often tell us it wasn’t at all what they expected.
We’re here to support your child and your whole family, in whatever way feels right for you, wherever you want to be, for as long as you need us.
A place filled with play, specialist care and family support
You may imagine a children’s hospice as somewhere quiet and clinical. Instead, you’ll find a place filled with play, friendship, specialist care, family support, laughter and everyday moments together.
At Helen & Douglas House, your child can be themselves, your family can spend time together, and everyone can feel supported.
We’d love to welcome you for a visit, but there’s no rush. If you’d prefer, you can start by watching our short film, A Place You Didn’t Expect, and hear from families who share their experiences of Helen & Douglas House.
Our short film, ‘A Place You Didn’t Expect’, gives you the chance to hear directly from families who have been supported by us. Mums, dads and siblings all share what they thought before their first visit, what it was like to walk into the colourful hospice, and how we have supported them along the way. You’ll also meet some of the children we support and the friendly staff who are here for families every day.
This insight offers an honest and reassuring glimpse into day-to-day life at Helen & Douglas House. Families speak openly about their experiences, which may feel emotional at times, but there are no distressing scenes.
Watch whenever you feel ready and discover what Helen & Douglas House is really like.
We’re incredibly grateful to the families and staff at Helen & Douglas House who shared their stories in this film. It has been created by Helen & Douglas House, in collaboration with Ignite Creative, featuring families who are, or have been, supported by us.
Your first visit
Following a referral, your first visit will be about getting to know us at a pace that feels right for you – there’s no pressure or expectations.
We’ll show you around the bright, welcoming space, introduce you to some of the team, answer any questions and talk about what support might help your child and family. You may stay for a cup of tea and cake, or explore spaces designed for children like yours, from our sensory room to the arts & crafts area. The children’s bedrooms can be made into a space your child can make their own, whilst you can take a few moments to breathe, either on your own in our family flats or in our peaceful surroundings in the heart of Oxford.
At all times, you can take things entirely at your own pace.
Support that’s right for your family
Helen & Douglas House is here to support children living with life-shortening conditions, and the people who love and care for them. We provide round-the-clock care for babies, children, and teenagers aged 0-18, at Helen House, at home, in the community or in other settings where families feel most comfortable.
Every family’s needs are different. Whether you are looking for practical support, specialist care, time to rest and recharge, or simply someone who understands, we are here for you.
Whilst Helen & Douglas House can be a place of rest and reassurance, it is also filled with colour and laughter – where families can spend time together and make meaningful memories.
Care and support offered
- Extra support when your child is unwell
- A place where your whole family can stay
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Time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a comforting meal
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Support at the hospice, at home or in the community
- Activities and support for siblings
- Guidance for young people as they grow older
- Someone to talk to when you need advice
- Care and support through difficult times
Every family’s experience is different, and our focus is always on supporting both your child and your whole family.
If you’ve recently been referred, a member of our team will be in touch to talk through the next steps and answer any questions you may have. You can also self-refer, find out more at Referrals.
‘It was so much brighter than I expected. Everything’s really colourful here. And on either side, there’s like playroom space and a multi-sensory room, and there was a computer room and all kinds of stuff.
It seemed so much friendlier and upbeat and cheerful, and when Josiah said, ”it’s not really like a hospital, it’s more like somebody’s house”, then I just thought, okay, we’re going to be fine.’
Kathy, Josiah’s mum telling us their first impressions of Helen & Douglas House
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- Telephone: 01865 794749
- General: [email protected]
- Clinical: [email protected]
Helen & Douglas House is here for your whole family, wherever you prefer to be, with a range of services available from in-house care to support at home, and from sibling groups to family support
Looking into support, but not been referred?
You don’t need to wait for a professional referral to find out more about Helen & Douglas House. If you’re eligible for our services and wondering whether we might be right for your family, we’d be happy to answer any questions and talk through the support available.
Hearing from families
All services offered by Helen & Douglas House will be reviewed annually so that we can continue to offer families the best care. If a child exceeds our expectations and their health improves over time, we may signpost them to other services more suitable to their needs.
‘Helen House is amazing and we wouldn’t cope without the support they give.’
‘Always accommodating to our needs. Polite, professional and empathetic.’
‘We have been supported by Helen House for over 15 years. They have enriched our lives, helped us understand our son’s condition, and understand that life can still be good. They have been there for us in the good and the bad times. The staff are fantastic, so understanding and supportive of our child and our family. We always felt cocooned in safety when we stayed, like everything was all right. When we did have concerns, these were addressed quickly and effectively.’
‘Helen & Douglas House was a safe haven for us when our son was dying. It allowed us to be parents again and it was so good to be out of the stressful hospital environment.’
‘Helen House for us was like a home from home.’
Read stories from some of the families we support
Find out more about our services and other resources