| HAVEN HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE |
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 Can Monkey Tree readers make a difference?...We appeal for your help. Following the news that Haven House in Woodford is facing an uncertain future, we decided to put our heads together to see if our readers could help. On page 14 Haven House explains the invaluable work they do with children and families and the funds they need to continue. We are sure that Monkey Tree readers would love to help and have launched our own idea. We distribute 25,000 copies of our magazine in the local area and if every family who receives a copy donated just £1, Monkey Tree readers could make a massive difference. £1 won’t buy you a cup of coffee, a weekend paper or a children’s magazine but collectively will make a big difference to Haven House. Please make your £1 count. Cheques should be made payable to The Haven House Foundation, and sent to The Monkey Tree PO Box 50997 London E4 0AS Haven House has been providing care breaks for children with life limiting conditions since 2003. Situated at The White House in Woodford, Haven House is able to give respite to children and their families in the London and Essex areas. With only three children’s hospices in the London area there is a very real demand for their services which give expert care in a warm and homely environment. As well as day care, overnight stays and end of life care, the hospice provides support for the wider family with parent and carer groups, a sibling support service called Buddies, community services and counseling and advice. However in the current economic climate much of this vital work is under threat as Haven House struggles to find the funds to continue its work. With no regular long term government funding Haven House has launched an emergency appeal to raise £500,000 in order to meet the demands placed on its care services. Many local families have been able to benefit from the services at Haven House, gaining a very real sense of care and support during very difficult times. Pindoria story Ambika and Kam Pindoria have two children Sriya and Darshan. This is their story: Sriya is five years old. She was born with a rare condition where she had no airway ,no trachea to her lungs. Her oesophagus and windpipe were formed as one. She also has a large hole in her heart and her digestive system did not function – as a Great Ormond Street surgeon put it – all in the wrong place and plumbed together wrongly. The prognosis for Sriya was bleak and her parents were told to take her home to die peacefully. However after 3 long painful years of living in Great Ormond Street Hospital, Sriya finally came home to live in 2006. Sriya has an artificial airway to help her breath, a feeding tube because she cannot eat and needs 1-1 attention at all times because she cannot speak. Life for the Pindoria family continues to be a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs and the intensity of care required to keep her alive, fit and well places a huge strain on the family. Ambika and Kam run their own teaching business with staff to manage. They also have Darshan who is a delightful 7 year old, but who is also having to cope with the effects of caring for a child with a disability. Haven House has enabled the family to have some respite from the continuous 24hour medical care that Sriya needs. As Ambika puts it “Haven House has been a pillar of strength to our family; Sriya absolutely loves to be at Haven House. The warm friendly staff who give her attention and meet every medical and social need are absolutely wonderful. Staff are trained to a high standard and understand Sriya’s problems well, particularly her inability to communicate as she requires British sign language. This valuable service helps us feel that we are not alone in the community as bringing up a child with a disability can lead to isolation and a break down in confidence. Haven House offers us support and reassurance when we need it”. Sriya’s brother Darshan also feels part of Haven House. He is a member of the Buddies group for siblings. Buddies meet regularly at the hospice or on outings, where they can share some fun with friends in similar situations. There are a number of ways that people in the community can support Haven House – through a one off gift, setting up a monthly standing order, attending one of the many fund raising events, organizing an event yourself, helping out at a charity collection or perhaps volunteering. More information can be found on the Haven House website www.havenhouse.org.uk or telephone 020 8506 3630. |