Referral criteria
We help families with young children (under the age of 18) where either a parent or child is suffering from terminal or life-limiting illness. We also support young families who have suffered a recent bereavement.
Our houses are available for families to spend quality time together or for carers to have a rest without the severely ill family member, depending on circumstances.
The family must be referred by a recognized healthcare professional who has known the family for at least six months. The Holiday Application Form can be completed by the family or their healthcare team but, in either instance, a letter from a healthcare professional in support of the application must be attached. It should explain a little about the situation and why they think the family particularly need a break.
I have got to know some fantastic nurses and care teams in the hospices I have dealt with so far. These relationships have proved very important to me, especially with regard to the referrals, and I hope very much that I might extend our service to include other organisations. Obviously, the success of the scheme depends on the houses being left in the condition that they were found. Through our contacts at each hospice, we have been referred families who are both needy and respectful.
