Day for bereaved families to remember

While the pandemic has meant that Shooting Star Children’s Hospices are currently delivering all their clinical care from Christopher’s and Shooting Star House is closed for now whilst families continue to shield, they have been looking at how they can use Shooting Star House flexibly to provide support.

This was possible when they invited bereaved families to a special day of remembrance.

The care team ensured that the Tranquil Suite was prepared with soft music, candles and oils, and flowers picked from the garden. Families were able to view the Memory Book and hang stars for their children on the memory tree.

Working remotely to support the bereaved families has highlighted many extra challenges they’ve faced during this time. One mum has been unable to visit the cemetery due to it being closed and so found a chance to come to Shooting Star House profoundly therapeutic.

Families were able to use the day in their own way – some just took time to sit quietly and grieve alone, something that’s been almost impossible to do during lockdown, whilst trying to balance work and home schooling.

One parent said, “I don’t have the words, but I am so grateful for all the time today. The hospice is so sad, but so peaceful too, and to sit with you properly was, well, it was lovely… I sat in that room, I sat with you and not on my own…I could of sat with you all day.”

A huge thanks must go to the volunteer who helped complete all the Memory Book pages and the volunteer gardeners and team from Corporate Partners Fourfront who all gave their time to ensure the gardens looked lovely for the visit from families.