Family area
Whether your family is already supported by us, or you're new to Demelza, this is the place for updates, information and the news that matters to you.
Family events and activities
From seasonal events to regular groups, our events are designed to get families together to have fun and make lasting memories.
Our regular events include our popular Demelza Dots playgroup and uplifting choir sessions, plus transition network wellbeing days for young people, drop-ins and more!
Circles of Care
Every child and young person with a serious or life-limiting condition, and their family, is on a journey that is unique to them.
Our services are grouped within three Circles of Care so we can offer a broad range of holistic services, while allowing our specialist nursing and care professionals to provide personalised support to families when they need it the most.
Have your child’s health or care needs changed?
If your child is already supported by Demelza and there’s been a change in their health, wellbeing or care needs, please let us know.
We’re here to talk things through and explore options for additional support.You can call us on 01795 845270 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm) or email careadministration@demelza.org.uk.
Helpful resources
We know that caring for a child with a serious or life-limiting condition means finding your way around lots of different services and support.
From health and social care services, help with benefits and financial advice, sibling support and so much more, we’ve brought together a collection of trusted organisations and resources – all in one place.
Share your experiences
Your feedback is important – whether it’s to share something positive, raise a concern or suggest how we can improve.
Our family engagement team is here to listen and to work with you to shape the care and support we provide.
Get involved and have fun
Take part in our organised fundraising events like Bubble Rush, the Kent Downs Challenge, or the Team Demelza Skydive. These are brilliant ways to get involved, meet other families, and enjoy some fun along the way.
If you have time or skills to spare, there are lots of volunteering opportunities at our hospices, in our communities and in our charity shops.
Useful family contacts
Whether you’ve got a quick question or need to speak to a specific team, if there’s something you need to know please get in touch.
General enquiries
-
General enquiries / switchboard: 01795 845200
Out of hours enquiries
-
Out of hours enquiries: 01795 502707
Family teams
-
Family support team: familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk
-
Referrals: demelza.referrals@demelza.org.uk
-
Transition team: transition@demelza.org.uk
-
Care administration team: careadministration@demelza.org.uk
-
Bereavement team: familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk
-
Physiotherapeutic team: physicaltherapies@demelza.org.uk
-
Practical support team: practicalsupport@demelza.org.uk
Senior leadership team
If you would prefer to get in touch with our senior leadership team you can contact them directly via the email addresses below.
-
Lavinia (Vin) Jarett, Chief Executive Officer lavinia.jarrett@demelza.org.uk
-
Katie Stevens, Director of Clinical Services katie.stevens@demelza.org.uk
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There’s no such thing as a silly question. Your family is unique, so feel free to call us if there’s anything else you need to know. We know from experience that no detail is too small - in fact it’s often the little things that can make the biggest difference.
Is Demelza House different to Demelza hospice?
No. Demelza House, is the name we had at the very beginning of our journey, over 30 years ago. Now we have three sites and a broad offering of services, so we’re simply known as Demelza.
Is Demelza a hospice?
Yes, Demelza is a children’s hospice. But we offer so much more than on-site daycare and care towards the end of life. Alongside our clinical care we also offer specialist short breaks, family events and opportunities for counselling, everyday support and creative and physical therapies.
Can you stay overnight at Demelza?
Depending on clinical need, children and their families may be eligible to stay overnight and/or for multiple days at the hospice. Children have their own bedrooms, and there are family rooms if you would like to stay with your child at the hospice. We also offer daycare sessions and provide care at home too.
Do other children visit Demelza at the same time?
Yes, we have nine bedrooms in Kent and six in South East London, so there will be other children and young people around when you visit. Some weeks are quieter than others but we make sure it’s never crowded or overwhelming.
What facilities are there at Demelza?
At Demelza Kent:
-
Cinema room.
-
Sensory room.
-
Arts and crafts room and art therapy space.
-
Pirate-themed outside playground.
-
Soft play room.
-
Hydropool.
-
Music room.
-
Garden facilities.
At Demelza South East London:
-
Sensory and music room.
-
Outside playground.
-
Arts and crafts room.
At Demelza East Sussex:
-
Activity room for arts and crafts, TV, games station, sensory play area and reading.
-
Sensory space for one to one time for families for board games, colouring, cooking etc.
-
Gardens with outdoor games and activities.
What kind of short breaks do you offer at Demelza?
Demelza provides daycare and overnight short breaks within the hospice, as well as offering daycare in the home and the community.
What will my child do at Demelza?
Our nurses or healthcare assistants look after children throughout their stay and make sure they can do all the things they enjoy. We talk to children and their families before a visit to make their stay the best it can be.
Children and young people can enjoy our facilities (subject to availability) including sensory areas, gaming consoles and art and music therapies. Facilities at Demelza Kent also include an adapted outside play area, a cinema room, hydropool and soft play.
What can we do if we’re nervous or worried?
We completely understand. You’re welcome to give us a call on 01795 845280 to chat about anything that’s on your mind, no matter how big or small it may seem. We’ll always be honest with you and do our best to put your mind at ease.
There are lots of different ways we can support you, so if you don’t feel that coming into a hospice is right for your family, we can explore other ways we can support you that might suit you better.
Could we come and look around?
Yes, of course. Simply call the team to arrange a visit. We also hold regular social events where you can connect with other families and share experiences.
My child has very complex needs and dietary requirements, can Demelza offer that level of care?
Every child is different but we are equipped to welcome children with complex care needs and our experienced nursing staff are fully qualified. We’ll meet with you in person or online before your first visit to go through your child’s specific needs and put your mind at rest.
Getting out of the house is tricky for us. How can we get to Demelza?
We understand that transport can be a worry sometimes and we can offer various solutions to support you. These include driving to hospital or clinical appointments, attending Demelza meetings or events or even prescription collections.
Please call us on 01795 845299 or email us at practicalsupport@demelza.org.uk
We’re here to help
If you have any general questions or would like more information about our family services, please contact our team on 01795 845280 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm) or email familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk.
Families already on our caseload should send any queries about bookings or clinical care to careadministration@demelza.org.uk or call the team on 01795 845270 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm).