Helen & Douglas House

Hospice care for children and young adults in Oxford, England

Helen House, Oxford

Helen & Douglas House is a registered hospice charity based in Oxford, England, providing palliative care for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions. It was the world's first children's hospice, established to offer respite and end-of-life care in a supportive environment.

History

Helen House was founded in 1982 by Sister Frances Dominica, a member of the Anglican religious order, the All Saints Sisters of the Poor. The hospice was named after Helen Worswick, a young girl with a terminal illness whose family inspired the creation of a dedicated space for children needing specialized care. The success of Helen House led to the establishment of Douglas House in 2004, which focused on young adults aged 16 to 35.

Services

Helen & Douglas House provides a range of services tailored to the needs of children and young adults with life-limiting conditions. These services include:

• Respite Care: Offering families a break from the demands of caring for a child with complex needs.
• End-of-Life Care: Providing compassionate support during the final stages of life.
• Bereavement Support: Helping families cope with the loss of a loved one through counseling and support groups.
• Family Support: Assisting families with practical and emotional challenges through social work and advocacy.

Facilities

The hospice is equipped with specialized facilities to ensure comfort and care for its patients. These include:

• Sensory Rooms: Designed to provide a calming environment with lights, sounds, and textures.
• Therapy Rooms: Offering various therapies such as music, art, and physiotherapy.
• Gardens: Beautiful outdoor spaces for relaxation and reflection.

Community Involvement

Helen & Douglas House relies heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. Volunteers play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations, assisting with care, administration, and fundraising activities. The hospice organizes various events throughout the year to engage the community and raise awareness about its mission.

Thai Corner, Oxford

Challenges and Future Plans

The hospice faces ongoing challenges, including securing sufficient funding to maintain and expand its services. Future plans involve enhancing outreach programs to support more families in the community and developing partnerships with other healthcare providers to improve the continuum of care.

Related pages

• Palliative care
• Hospice care in the United Kingdom
• Children's hospice