A word of thanks from CHAS

Despite the ongoing pandemic CHAS hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch, remain open for emergency and end of life care. Additionally, in response to Covid-19 they are also doing something completely new for our families. They have created the UK’s first Virtual Children’s Hospice. Many CHAS families are shielding, so while they can’t come to the hospice, CHAS can take the hospice to them.

This innovation offers families medical advice by phone and video, bereavement support, money advice and practical advice around coronavirus. The virtual hospice also offers story-telling, letter writing for children and parents, activity packs, virtual Clown Doctor visits, friendship calls from volunteers with an understanding ear and much more.

Through the CHAS virtual hospice, children have been able to see and hear from the familiar faces they have got to know so well from visits to Robin and Rachel House. In May they delivered 12 hours of singing, dancing and laughing for children isolating at home through music therapy sessions. They also sent out over 300 activity packs to families keeping little hands and minds busy with a range of crafts and over 7 hours of storytelling took place over Zoom, delivered by their amazing volunteers!

Last week was Children’s Hospice week and they thanked all of our amazing supporters for everything they do for CHAS. Hayley Smith Community Fundraiser for CHAS said: "We want to say a special thank you to the team at the Fife Chamber of Commerce and members for all your support. It is through the generosity and commitment of our supporters like you that all our virtual sessions are able to go ahead, providing exciting therapy and sensory activities for children with life-shortening conditions all around Scotland."