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Louie and Mum

Virtual Shine – Summer 2023

Our summer edition of Shine introduces our new three-year strategy, and our plan to help more bereaved families than ever before. Our welcome for this edition of Shine comes from Lisa, who joined us in September 2022 as our new Director of Care.
A photo of Lisa Dennis

Welcome from Lisa

“It had been a long-held desire to work in a dedicated children’s palliative care setting and the first six months I’ve been at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, has reinforced why.

“I’ve been struck by the expertise, knowledge and dedication of the care team and how each and every day they ensure we provide the very best nursing, medical and holistic care to the families who need us.

“Reading Louie’s incredibly sad story, evidences the importance of the bereavement support we offer to families, and how much this is needed. It also serves as a reminder of the vital role of our Family Support Workers.

“We’re only able to provide this bespoke care thanks to supporters like you. I’m pleased we can share our new strategy for the coming years so you can see how, with you, we aim to continue and increase the vital support and services we offer to more families.”

Latest News

Talking Transition

We supported Aiden and Sophie as they travelled to Glasgow to speak at the Hospice UK conference.

For Every Family

We’ve launched our new strategy to guide our work for the next thee years.

Cost of living increase

Cost of Living

Inflation is having a huge impact on many of the families we support, so we’ve been working to help them tackling rising costs.

trees being unloaded at Merrist Wood

Tree-mendous support

Thank you for making our first ever Christmas tree recycling service a huge success. We’re already looking forward to next year.

Louie

Louie’s story

Despite arriving prematurely and needing immediate surgery, Louie, a happy and playful baby, had been discharged from hospital and was reaching the usual milestones, until he caught what seemed to be a common cold in the summer of 2021.

Features

A supported child wearing glowing goggles at our GLOW event

A look inside family events

The support we provide is for the whole family. One way we provide this is through our much-loved family events, held regularly throughout the year. These events provide a vital opportunity in giving supported and bereaved families a safe space to talk, socialise and make important lasting memories.

Val Howard

Day in the life of a volunteer Bereavement Counsellor

Val Howard has been a volunteer Bereavement Counsellor at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices since 2011. Prior to this role, she has supported and been involved with other teams at the charity since the late 1990s.

Get involved

Feeling lucky?

Tuckwell Chase Lottery raises a phenomenal amount of money to support Shooting Star Children’s Hospices every year. The lottery celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, so why not sign up for your chance to win, while supporting local hospice care.

Shop

Planning a clearout?

As we welcome the longer, brighter days do you feel like having a spring clean? Our lovely charity shops play a vital role in helping fund our care service, and they can only do so with quality items to sell. Our shops are situated across Surrey and west London and welcome unwanted quality items.

Our amazing corporate volunteers

Courageous Corporates

We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our corporate partners. Whether it’s fundraising, volunteering or providing expertise or products, they make a difference to local families facing the toughest of times. Contact our Corporate Team to find out how your company can get involved.

Coronation

Coronation celebrations

Are you set to celebrate the King’s coronation this summer? Why not support us at your street party – be it a bake sale, tombola or regal lucky dip – get in touch with our Community Team
for help and ideas!

Copies of Shine Magazine

Print edition

If you’d like to receive the printed version of Shine magazine, which comes out twice a year, these are sent to everyone who has made a donation within the last 12 months, and opted in to receiving post.