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FAMILY SUPPORT NEWSLETTER
UPDATE FROM THE NORTHERN IRELAND CHILDREN'S
HOSPICE FAMILY SUPPORT TEAM
IN THIS ISSUE!
WELCOME
1
PAST EVENTS
2
FAMILY TOOL KIT
3
NEWS
4
UPCOMING EVENTS
5&6
Hello....Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Family Support Team
Newsletter!
In this edition we have a look back at all the events and
activities run by the family support service over the past 3
months, with some lovely pictures, and as always our activity
calendar will provide some dates for your diary for the next
quarter!
We have had a busy 3 months settling in the
new Family Support Service, and have had an opportunity to
meet with lots of lovely families who use the NICH services.
We look forward to meeting more of you at our next events.
At the Children’s Hospice, our Family Support team provide
support, information & advice and equip individuals with the
skills they need to look after their loved ones and themselves.
If you would be interested in availing of family support or
attending any of these events please contact the team by
ringing 02890777635 or email
VOL. 2 • Winter/Spring 2018
Dad's Day
Sibling Days
Under the Sea Family Fun Day
Parent and Tots
The NICH Family Support Service hosted a day for Dads in Belfast Cookery School in October
2017. Lots of Dads attended and were given some expert tuition on how to cook the perfect steak
dinner! Hopefully they have gone home to show off their new skills!
If you would be interested in learning about the next Dad's day please contact
the Family Support Team for more detail.
In November, 71 people attended the Under the Sea Family Fun Day in Exploris Aquarium in
Portaferry. The group got up close and personal with some marine life during a special guided tour,
took part in some arts and crafts activities and got to meet Dory, Nemo and Hank!
Everyone had a great day. Thanks to Exploris staff for their hospitality!
In October and November, the Family Support
Team hosted two afternoons specifically for
siblings of the young people who use hospice
services. This was an opportunity for young people
to talk about what life is like with a sibling who
uses hospice, meet some other siblings and to
have some fun with Jumping Clay.
In November the Family Support Service in
conjunction with the Community Hospice
Specialist Nursing Team set up the parent and tots
group. This group ran for 6 weeks, and gave
parents and their children the opportunity to have
some fun with Moo Music Sessions, and get to
know parents in similar circumstances. The group
was very well attended and will run again every
Monday during term time between 10 and 12.
Recent Events
"This has been a fantastic opportunity for my son to engage with peers in a
developmentally appropriate way. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet parents who face similar challenges raising a child with complex needs."
Family ToolkitIn each edition of the Family Support Newsletter we will be be showcasing a fun activity or
resource that you might find useful. This edition is the "Thanks a Bunch" activity!
Feeling thankful for the things we have can help us feel less sad about our problems and worries. Here's how to make a thankful tree to remind
yourself of the good things in your life.
You will need:A jam jar or small vase
Stickers or ribbon for decoration Long twigs or skinny branches
Pen or pencil Coloured paper
Scissors Hole punch
String, twine, thread or ribbon
1. First, collect twigs or thin branches from your garden or park. Remember, don't cut live plants
without permission.
2. Decorate your jar or vase. Add stickers or tie a piece of pretty ribbon around the neck.
3. Place the cluster of twigs inside the jar, as you would with a bunch of flowers. Your tree is now ready.
4. Cut the leaves out with the scissors
5. Write down something you're thankful for on each leaf. Then punch a hole in one end of them.
6. Tie each leaf to a branch using lengths of string, thread or ribbon.You don't have to add all of
the leaves in one go, you could save them and add them as you think of things you're
grateful for.
News
Unfortunately, January will be Jackie Rafferty's last month with the Northern Ireland
Children's Hospice, as she takes up a new post within the Southern Trust area. We
wish Jackie all the best for the future and thank her for her hard work during her
time with the NICH.
We will miss you!
In January the family support team will be hosting 2 parent forum meetings.
The meetings will be held on:
Monday 15th Jan in Horizon House from 7:00 - 8:30
&
Wednesday 17th Jan in Horizon West from 7:00 - 8:30
We hope to establish the Parent Forum as a partnership between parents/carers and
the NICH Family Support Team. It is a valuable way to share ideas, views, concerns
and make suggestions for improvement to the Family Support Service.
You are welcome to attend either meeting, both will have the same agenda. If you
plan to come along, please let us know which event you will be attending by emailing
Goodbye and Good Luck!
Parent's Forum
Coffee MorningsCoffee Mornings continued to run throughout Northern Ireland last year. Due to
staffing changes, there will be some changes to the areas of coffee mornings for
now, so make sure and check the activity calendar to find your local event.
Parenting and Social Media
The Western Health and Social Care Trust have recently released a new information resource for parents and carers entitled
"Respectful Sharenting" with some helpful guidelines, tips and considerations for posting pictures and information about your
children on-line and the potential impact that this can have on you and your child in the future.
Visit: http://www.westerntrust.hscni.net/pdf/SHARENTING%20BOO KLET.pdf for access to the leaflet.
