New hospice dream

Mar 4 2010 by David Powell, North Wales Weekly News

A CHILDREN’S hospice has launched a £250,000 appeal to extend the service it offers.

The two-fold expansion means staff at T Gobaith in the Conwy Valley will now be able to reach out and provide counselling to those who have lost loved ones in sudden deaths – such as accidents, cot deaths and suicides.

It will also allow the hospice to accommodate youngsters in a wider age range – from birth right up to 25 years old.

Health professionals are already referring people to the hospice’s sensitive listeners who have built up a wealth of experience from dealing with their traditional visitors: parents and siblings of youngsters with life limiting conditions.

T Gobaith officials have gained planning permission for the bricks and mortar to accommodate these expanded counselling sessions.

Organisers want to build counselling rooms in an extension to an existing outbuilding.

They also want to reconfigure existing rooms in the current main block for teenagers to use.

T Gobaith first opened its doors to children in 2004.

Fundraising manager Sarah Kearsley-Wooller MBE said: “The staff are excited about these changes.

“We have got planning permission from Conwy County Council. The building will hopefully be started in April or early May.”

Chief executive David Featherstone said: “T Gobaith currently has one counselling room, adjacent to the hospice, which ensures that those dealing with a family tragedy receive the necessary support.

“The demand for counselling is growing and the need for more space has become crucial.

“We are increasingly using our specialist skills to help families who have suffered the sudden and unexpected death of a child, for example through a road traffic accident, cot death or suicide, and also to help children and young people who have lost someone close to them in traumatic circumstances.”

Mr Featherstone added: “There is no designated space for teenagers and young adults and it is vital that we are able to offer this group of vulnerable young people a space where they can be themselves.

“We fully anticipate this new project will be achieved for under £250,000.

“We hope the community and local businesses who have always supported us will continue to appreciate the specialist work that T Gobaith does for children and families and will now help us to achieve the funds we need.”

To donate to the £250,000 fund, ring 01492 596581 or visit fundraising@tygobaith.org.uk