Care after death
When a child dies, families need time, and a safe, gentle space in which to grieve. Our care doesn’t end when a child’s life does. In the days and the long months that follow, we’re here for the whole family.
Our quiet room
Our quiet room is a private bereavement suite where a baby, child or young person can stay for several days after they have died. Their family can spend time with them there, and can also stay at the hospice during this time.
Families can make the room their own, bringing in photographs, decorations and things that were special to their child. They can spend time together, welcome relatives and friends, hold and care for their child, and create keepsakes and memories if they wish.
Having this time can help families through the first difficult days after their child has died. Rather than having to say goodbye straight away, they have a calm, private space where they can take things at their own pace, supported by people they know and trust.
Every family is different, so we listen to what matters to them and support their wishes, including any cultural, religious or spiritual traditions that are important to them.
Manaaki Mats
Manaaki Mats are a specialist cooling resource that can give families more time with their baby, child or young person after they have died. They can be used in our quiet room or, where appropriate, at home, so families can spend this precious time together in the place that feels right for them.
The mats gently keep a child’s body cool, slowing the natural changes that happen after death. This can give families time to hold and be close to their child, welcome family and friends, create keepsakes, and follow any traditions that are important to them.
Bereavement support
Our care for the family doesn’t stop when a child dies. We’re here to offer emotional and practical support, in whatever way each family needs, because everyone’s grief is different.
Our family support team are specialists in bereavement. The team includes family support nurses and workers, counsellors, sibling support specialists, a spiritual support worker and a cultural link worker, and they’re on hand to help with everything from emotional support to guidance with funeral arrangements.
We provide ongoing support at home, at the hospice, over the phone and online. Our bereavement support lead and team of counsellors are there to offer support and bereavement counselling, helping families find ways to live with their loss.
The death of a child changes a family forever. Grief never truly leaves, but in time, families can find ways to live alongside their loss, holding on to precious memories of the child they love. We’re here to help them find that path, at their own pace, whenever they’re ready.
Here when you need us
If you’d like to know more about the care and support we offer families, please get in touch.