Little Havens offers use of its Greenfingers garden for children in crisis

Little Havens. the children’s hospice for Essex is offering its Greenfingers garden as well as other areas of their extensive grounds, to families experiencing an exceptional crisis during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Little Havens, based in Thundersley near Benfleet, has extensive grounds including landscaped gardens and surrounding woodland. Thanks to the support of Greenfingers Charity in 2014 and many others, the accessible, tranquil outdoor space is being offered to families with children up to the age of 19 – perhaps with an illness, long term condition, additional learning or other exceptional family need – where an assessment has been undertaken.

Head of Children’s Services Katie White said: “With our spacious gardens, carefully planned access and thorough cleaning schedule, we’re able to offer this space for up to 90 minutes for families experiencing an exceptional crisis, or time away from the family home would help to deescalate a situation. We have a range of specialist and standard playground equipment, sensory trails and secluded areas ideal for picnics or quiet time. We feel that families caring for a child with additional needs could really benefit from this offer.”

Toby-Jay Harding, 7 from Southend, has been visiting with his family. Mum Jayne says, “To be able to use the garden at Little Havens is a lifeline to us. We are having to shield and it's really tough on Toby-Jay as he has limited understanding, his behaviour is affected, and this is starting to have an impact on his brother. To be able to come to such a big space that’s safe with lots for them to do means the world to my family.”

Greenfingers Charity is looking forward to creating more gardens in children’s hospices later this year, just as soon as it is safe for all to do so. 

Find out more

You can join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.  

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Editors notes

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