School’s project started by Day Hospice staff

St Patrick's RC Primary School pupils visiting Springhill Hospice

Day Hospice staff at Springhill Hospice have started a new schools project, aimed at introducing children to the Hospice environment and creating a healthier attitude towards illness, death and dying.

St Patrick's RC Primary School pupils, along with Headmistress Monica Walczak and teacher Ms Barraclough, took year five pupils to Springhill, once a week for four weeks as part of the project.

During their first week, the children met the staff, toured the hospice and met their 'buddy' for the next few weeks - their buddy being a Day Hospice patient.

Both children, patients and staff quickly became firm friends, with the assistance of Creative Therapist, Anwen Maitland, helping each other create a piece of artwork together.

By week four the children were confident enough to give a presentation of their experience to other Hospice staff, the patients, and staff from their school.

Pat Harding, Day Hospice Sister, said: "The children and staff thoroughly enjoyed their experience at the Hospice and it has been a great start to our school's project. It is very important not only to teach the next generation about the work we do at the Hospice but also to arm them with information to pass on to their families.

“Children are a great conduit and often tell grown-ups things they didn't know."

Staff Nurse Debbie Johnson said: "So successful was the visit from St Patrick's that we've already planned the next school visit which will be in February when we will be welcoming staff and students from St John's RC School."

If your school would like to get involved with the project, then contact Debbie Johnson on 01706 649920 for more details.