NI Children's Hospice Among Mayor's Charity Partners

The Northern Ireland Children's Hospice has been named by the Lord Mayor of Belfast as one of his charity partners.

Councillor John Finucane will commit vital funds to support the organisation throughout his term in office. As the only Children's Hospice in Northern Ireland, the charity provides care for children with life limiting conditions and their families, from the diagnosis stage through to bereavement.

The care, delivered both at home and in Horizon House, focuses on physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

The Sinn Fein Councillor praised the work carried out by all at the hospice. He said: "The care and compassion shown by the amazing staff here on a daily basis is incredible. In what is a very challenging and often sad environment to work in, they bring smiles and comfort to the many families that unfortunately have to make use of their services.

"I commend everyone in the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice for their hard work and endeavour and I look forward to working with them throughout the rest of my term, and encourage everyone to support them wherever and whenever they can."

The Northern Ireland Children's Hospice provides palliative care and support to infants and children with a wide range of life limiting conditions including neurological disorders, genetic disorders and cancer type diagnosis. Services for infants and children include the provision of palliative and end of life care in the Children's Hospice and at home; as well as short breaks that allow local families to spend quality time together.

The service is often started during pregnancy and continues throughout the child's life, making every day matter and every moment precious.

Heather Weir, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hospice, said: "We are very thankful the Lord Mayor has chosen us as one of his charities for the year and I have no doubt his support will have a significant impact on the lives of children cared for here at the Hospice and those receiving our care at home throughout our local community."

Over 300 children and young people with life-limiting or life threatening conditions are currently cared for by the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

Ms Weir continued: "Clinical excellence and compassion are at the heart of everything we do and the services we offer – at home or in our purpose-built children's facility, Horizon House – include symptom management, therapeutic short breaks, support for families and care in the last days of life.

"We do everything we can to ensure families affected by a child's illness have the support they need to make memories and enjoy special time together in a comfortable clinical environment.

"Donations from members of the public and businesses across local communities, gifts from wills, and now the Lord Mayor's support provides the much-needed funds for us to deliver our care. As a highly valued community organisation, caring for children and families across NI we depend upon the amazing generosity of local people.

"We are so grateful for the local support we receive which allows us to raise awareness and provide care – the need for which cannot be underestimated."



(JG/CM)