Chestnut Tree Hospice

Reg Dove, co-incidentally a Rotarian from Seaford Martello Club, spoke to Rotary Club of Senlac about Chestnut Tree, a children’s hospice service, with which he has very close links. Chestnut Tree is a charitable organisation that provides care and services for children from birth to age 19 who have life shortening conditions. Care is provided both at Chestnut Tree House, the hospice, and in the home for the child and their families. Care in the hospice provides respite care for up to two weeks each year whilst home support is continuous throughout the year. Some 300 children are cared for each year in the home while support is give to many at home. It is believed up to 1.400 families in the catchment area could be eligible for help. As a purpose built hospice, ten bedrooms and eight family rooms, the facilities cater for the needs of all the residents and additional comforts and aids are continually added. Support is proved by a team of clinical nurses and care support staff.

The organisation meets the needs of children and families in East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire. Because Chestnut Tree House is actually located in Arundel the trustees are concerned that families in East Sussex may not be aware of the services available or consider themselves too far away. Chestnut Tree has launched a publicity campaign, “Hands Up”, to raise awareness and aims to double the number of children cared for in East Sussex. An office has now been opened in Eastbourne where six community nurses are based and are available to support local children and families. Referrals may be made from any source on the understanding it has been discussed with the child and the child’s family.

Over ninety per cent of the running costs are raised by the organisation, only about 7per cent coming from central government. Chestnut Tree needs £3.5 million a year, nearly £7,000 a day, to run. Fund raising is therefore critical and a number of schemes exist to support this.

Rotary Club of Senlac was pleased to be able to make a donation to Chestnut Tree.

Photo shows Senlac President, Roger Young, handing a cheque to Reg Dove of Chestnut Tree.