Rainbows Selected by Hospice UK to become Centre of Learning for Transition

Rainbows is being supported by Hospice UK and The National Lottery Community Fund to improve transition for young people and their families.

Transition describes the process of supporting young people to move from children’s to adults’ services in a purposeful and planned way that supports children and young people’s medical, psychosocial, educational and vocational needs.

The Transition Service began at our hospice 12 years ago and supports young people and their families from the age of 13 up to 25. Information is delivered at the appropriate stage of their transition via leaflets, webinars, young people and family days, transition assessments and individual targeted support.

Now Hospice UK has received a four-year funding programme from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. Along with three other hospices, we were identified as a Centre of Learning and will receive funding for a transition post over a four-year period.

Sharon Warner, Transitions Lead at Rainbows, said: “Moving from children’s services into adults’ services can be a daunting time. The number of children and young people with life limiting conditions is increasing. As young people mature, their needs and preferences change, and the support they need has to be adapted accordingly. It’s important to put the young person at the centre of their care, designing services with their voice and input, which is why we have been involved in this lengthy process to apply for support from The National Lottery Community Fund.

“If transition from children’s to adult hospice care is not effectively planned and managed, the young person might not be able to get the professional care they need. This could affect their physical and mental health and be challenging for families and loved ones. We are delighted to be able to develop our transition programme.”

The programme will also develop and collate useful data for hospices to identify more young people who need support in their area and gather best practice to share with the sector. The programme will support and educate hospice staff to better care for young adults with life limiting conditions.

Anita Hayes, Clinical Quality Lead at Hospice UK, said: “Transition from children’s to adults’ services is incredibly daunting, as young people and their families move from the safety and security of the care they’ve come to know, into a completely new system. It’s vital that they have a clear plan for what care will look like once they leave children’s services, and this generous funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will help hospices support more young people and their families through this challenging time.”

Susie Farren, Deputy Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, added:
“We’re delighted to work with Hospice UK on this vital programme, which will actively involve young people and their families in improving care for those with life limiting conditions.”