The SPARK Project examines the best way to deliver pastoral, spiritual and religious care to children with life limiting illnesses and their families. Helen & Douglas House were involved in recruiting families pre- and post-bereavement to take part, as well as supporting focus groups. At the moment, we know very little about how to meet the pastoral, spiritual and religious needs of children and young people diagnosed with a life-threatening or life-shortening condition, and their parents.
The aim of this study is to gather evidence the NHS and children’s hospices can use to guide how they meet these needs, including the role of chaplaincy services (sometimes called pastoral and spiritual care services). It will also explore how chaplaincy services can support clinical and care teams involved in the care of these children and young people.