Purple is the Colour for Children’s Hospice Week
June 22, 2020
The council will light its civic headquarters, Lagan Valley Island, purple on Monday 22nd June to mark the start of Children’s Hospice Week 2020 (22nd – 28th June).
The theme this year is ‘This is…’ to encourage people to talk about what they are doing for Children’s Hospice Week. This is the only week in the year dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the 49,000 children across the UK living with life-limiting conditions, and the lifeline services like children’s hospices and palliative care services that support them.
Alderman Paul Porter, Corporate Services Committee Chairman, speaking about the light up, said: “This is a visual way in which the council can show its support for seriously ill children and young people and those hospice services and organisations across the UK who help families care for a seriously ill child. During the current pandemic, these services have been an absolute lifeline as they found new ways to connect with families and take some pressure off the NHS.
“Children are described as our future generation but unfortunately some are taken too young as a result of life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Throughout the course of the week UK charity, ‘Together for Short Lives’ will be working to raise awareness of the world of children’s hospices to take away any elements of uncertainty that people may have about them. These hospices are a reality in today’s world and the amazing care provided by nurses and care staff help children to have a better quality of life and end of life support. At such traumatic times, the families of these young people can access support, through care at home or respite breaks so that the family can get together in a safe environment to take part in activities and make the most of every moment they have together.”
Residents of the Lisburn Castlereagh area are encouraged to show their support this week by sharing social media posts or fundraising for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. Let us show that as a community we stand alongside local families affected by the ill health of a young person; and support the care for local babies, children and young people who need it most.
Alderman Stephen Martin, Vice-Chair of the Corporate Services Committee, added: “In Northern Ireland we have one children’s hospice owned by Northern Ireland Hospice, Horizon House in Newtownabbey. This bespoke facility offers children and young people the opportunity to stay in a safe environment in their own room and meet with other young ones. It also offers family accommodation so that professional staff can assist local families to embrace opportunities to live life to the full instead of focussing on the end of life. So please this week remember those who are battling hard to stay together as a family.”