Demelza Children’s Charity and Address Apartments
Here at Address Apartments, we are entering into 2024 partnering with Demelza Children’s Charity.
We will donate £10 from your booking, and every new booking moving forward.
In this blog, we are looking into Demelza Children’s Charity. It is one of the most recognised children’s hospices in Kent and South East London.
What kind of charity is Demelza?
Demelza Hospice Care for Children is a charity that provides specialist care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. They have two hospices, in Kent and South East London, as well as a community team that provides support in the home and at other locations.
The charity’s care is tailored to the individual needs of each child and family, and they offer a wide range of services, including:
- Symptom management and pain relief
- Emotional and practical support for families
- Creative therapies, such as art, music, and sensory play
- Sibling support
- Bereavement support
Demelza’s hospices (often searched as Demelza House or Demelza Children’s Hospice) also work closely with local hospitals, care teams, and community groups, making them a vital lifeline for families in Kent.
Demelza relies on the generosity of supporters to fund their work, and they are always looking for new ways to raise money. You can support by donating, volunteering, or fundraising.
Here are some ways you can support:
- Make a one-off donation or set up a regular donation – we do this for you!
- Volunteer your time at a Demelza hospice or in the community
- Fundraise by organising an event or taking on a challenge
- Shop at one of Demelza’s charity shops across Kent and South East London
- Leave a gift in your will
Every little bit helps to continue providing care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
From humble beginnings to helping children with life-limiting conditions
Demelza Hospice Care for Children is a charity that provides specialist care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. The charity was founded in 1999 by Derek and Jennifer Phillips, following the death of their daughter, Demelza, from a brain tumour at the age of 24.
Demelza Phillips was a kind and compassionate young woman who had a deep love for children. She worked at a children’s hospice in Birmingham and was inspired by their work and its impact on the children and families they cared for.
When Demelza passed, Derek and Jennifer Phillips decided to set up a hospice in her memory. They wanted to create a place where children with life-limiting conditions could receive the care and support they needed, and where their families could find solace and companionship.
Demelza Hospice Care for Children opened its first hospice in Kent in 2000.
The charity also has a community team that provides support in the home and at other locations.
In 2005, Demelza opened its second hospice in South East London. The charity now cares for over 200 children and young people each year.
Today, Demelza is widely recognised as one of the leading children’s hospices in the South East, offering specialist nursing teams, respite care, and 24/7 family support.
A History of Milestones and Achievements
Demelza Hospice Care for Children is a beacon of hope and care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The charity has grown from humble beginnings to become a leading provider of specialist pediatric palliative care in the UK.
Over the past two decades, the charity has achieved remarkable milestones and made significant contributions to the care of children with life-limiting conditions. Let’s delve into some of their notable achievements:
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Establishing Hospices and Expanding Reach
Their first hospice, located in Kent, opened its doors in 2000, providing a haven of care for children and their families. In 2005, the charity expanded its reach by opening a second hospice in South East London, catering to a broader population. These hospices offer a range of essential services, including symptom management, emotional support, creative therapies, sibling support, and bereavement care.
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Pioneering Innovative Care Approaches
By consistently demonstrating a commitment to innovation, pioneering new approaches to pediatric palliative care. The charity’s “At Home” program provides seamless care for children in their own homes. At the same time, its “Care Partner” initiative trains individuals to support families as they navigate the challenges of caring for a child with life-limiting conditions.
Demelza’s “At Home” service and community outreach teams now support families across Kent, Medway, and South East London, ensuring children can receive care in a familiar environment.
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Enhancing Bereavement Support
Recognising the profound impact of loss, the charity has established comprehensive bereavement support programs. These programs provide counselling, group sessions, and resources to help families cope with grief and navigate the emotional journey after their child’s passing.
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Championing Advocacy and Awareness
Actively advocating for the rights and needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The charity engages with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the wider community to raise awareness about pediatric palliative care and promote understanding of the issues faced by these families.
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Achieving Accreditations and Recognition
Demelza’s dedication to quality and excellence has been recognised through various accreditations and accolades. The charity has received the Children’s Palliative Care Outcomes and Standards (CPCOs) accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to providing high-quality care. Additionally, Demelza has been honoured with numerous awards, including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the UK’s highest honour for volunteer groups.
These milestones and achievements reflect Demelza’s unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The charity’s impact extends beyond its hospices, influencing and shaping the landscape of pediatric palliative care across the UK. As Demelza continues to evolve and innovate, it remains a beacon of hope and support for those facing the challenges of life-limiting conditions.
The Future
Demelza Hospice Care for Children has outlined a comprehensive five-year strategy that guides its plans and aspirations. This strategy, titled “Be Effective, Be Responsive, Extend Our Reach, We Are Demelza, Strengthen and Sustain,” focuses on key areas of development and improvement for the charity.
- Enhancing Effectiveness:
Demelza aims to continuously enhance the effectiveness of its services, ensuring they align with the evolving needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. This includes refining care pathways, expanding access to specialist services, and incorporating new technologies for improved communication and support.
- Responsiveness and Flexibility:
Recognising the diverse needs of families, Demelza strives to be responsive and flexible in its approach to care. The charity will explore new ways to deliver services, including remote support options and tailored interventions, to ensure families receive the care they need in the most appropriate setting.
- Extending Reach and Inclusion:
Demelza is committed to extending its reach and ensuring its services are accessible to all families who need them. This includes expanding its geographic coverage, addressing cultural and linguistic barriers, and engaging with underrepresented communities to ensure no family is left behind.
- Embracing the Demelza Spirit:
Demelza values its unique culture of compassion, collaboration, and innovation. The charity will foster a supportive work environment, encourage employee development, and promote a sense of belonging among its staff, volunteers, and supporters.
- Strengthening and Sustaining:
Demelza recognises the importance of financial sustainability to support its long-term growth and impact. The charity will focus on diversifying its funding sources, strengthening its partnerships, and exploring innovative fundraising strategies to ensure its ongoing ability to provide essential care.
These plans demonstrate Demelza’s dedication to continuously improving its services, expanding its reach, and embracing its unique values. The charity’s commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families remains at the heart of its future endeavours.
Demelza Hospice Care for Children is a remarkable charity that is making a real difference in the lives of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The charity’s work is an inspiration to us all.
How can you help?
- You need to do nothing.
- Simply by booking with us, you are donating. We do not add £10 to your bill; we do not slide it in elsewhere. Once your payment has reached our accounts, we donate on your behalf.
- We’ll send a confirmation email to let you know your £10 donation to Demelza Children’s Hospice has been made.
- We are proud to be supporting a Kent charity.
To learn more about Demelza, click here to visit their site.
To book with Address Apartments, see our beautiful spaces here.
About the Author
Koran is the Director of Address Apartments, a trusted provider of serviced accommodation in Gillingham, Kent. He works closely with business travellers, contractors, relocation professionals, and holiday guests, helping them find comfortable accommodation for both short and extended stays. Drawing on his experience managing serviced apartments across the Medway area, Koran shares practical advice on direct bookings, contractor accommodation, relocation housing, and getting the most from serviced accommodation.
