Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) has published a brand new Strategic Plan which pledges to provide pivotal support to families of dying children at each critical stage of their palliative care journey.
The Unwavering Care 2024-2028 Strategy was developed following in-depth consultation and feedback from families and stakeholders. It sets out how no family ever has to face the death of their child alone, with CHAS providing support from the moment of diagnosis, to helping the child live well and by supporting the family after a child’s death.
To help raise the funds necessary to enable the plan, CHAS has launched a new fundraising campaign. The ‘Every Single Step’ appeal illustrates how families are supported at every single stage of a child’s palliative care journey.
Rami Okasha, CEO of CHAS, said: "Three children a week die in Scotland from an incurable condition. Our strategic plan sets out how we will provide unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, at every step on this hardest of journeys.
“This plan was created after in-depth consultation with our families and key stakeholders including staff and volunteers. Over 135
families shared what is important to them about CHAS. We heard directly from 77
children and young people through stories, art and play. These children and young people had used many different CHAS services, including hospices, care at home, family support, and joint CHAS / NHS teams in hospitals.
Amelia McMillan with her Mum and Dad Ainslidh Stevenson and Jamie McMillan and her big sister Olivia
“Families told us there are three critical stages where they need CHAS – when they learn their child is seriously ill and may die young, helping their child to live well and also help them to die well with ongoing bereavement support. Our strategic plan is centred on these critical stages and what we will do to build upon the exceptional work we already do in these areas.
“Over the next four years, we will concentrate our efforts where we can have the most impact. Our nurses, doctors, and family support specialists will work across hospices, children’s homes and hospitals, providing tailored care for families in the places that suit them.
"We will continue to work with our wide range of partners including the NHS, councils, hospices, charities, government and our dedicated volunteers.
“Together, Scotland can deliver world class care when needed most – through the tough days of diagnosis, throughout a child’s life, at end of life, and after a child dies. To do this effectively however we need the continued support of the generous Scottish public. Every donation made to our Every Single Step appeal will make a real difference to the children and families we support nationwide.”
Donations can be made at www.chas.org.uk/donate or by telephoning 0141 779 6180.
The new CHAS Strategic Plan can be viewed from Monday, April 29 along with all other CHAS publications here: https://www.chas.org.uk/about-us/our-vision/our-publications#CHAS-Plan