Children’s Hospice South WestCharlton Farm

Facts

• Charlton Farm and Little bridge House provide hospice care for life limited children and their families across the South West.

• The whole family can stay and there are Sibling support workers.

• Support extends to the whole family through bereavement and beyond if need be.

Charlton Farm

• Set in the countryside just outside Bristol• Has 8 rooms plus accommodation for familiy.• Sensory room and Jacuzzi• Games room, Music Room and Teenage room• Garden

What I gained

• Learnt how hospices work (wiped the stereotype).

• Worked with many disabled children and talked to the families.

• Grew confidence with gastrostomies and hoists.

• Had fun!!

Challenges

• Getting used to the travelling in doing short shifts.

• I experienced a child dying therefore a grieving family. This was very hard as it was my first experience.

• Getting used to the environment of working, very different to clinical practice.

As much as I did enjoy it, it is a challenging placement and may also be quite sad, however it was a valuable experience and I am so glad I did it.

Contact details:Charlton FarmCharlton DriveWraxallBristol, BS48 1PETel: 01275 866601Manager: Nicola Orchard