Tuesday 4 February 2020

A look behind the scenes at Cumbria's Children's Hospice




I was kindly shown around Jigsaw Children's Hospice in Carlisle by their corporate relationship co-ordinator Natalie Bingham to learn more about what they do and see how local businesses and individuals can support this amazing charity. 

I hadn't realised that Jigsaw covers the whole of Cumbria or that the families of children and young adults with life limiting conditions can stay on site too.

Looking around, I was struck by the amount of thought and effort that has gone into the hospice and saw first-hand how the many tremendous contributions from local (and national) businesses, local groups, donations from individuals and the work of volunteers makes such a difference. Below are the photos I took but they don't even cover all the rooms - it is a large building.

Like all charities, Jigsaw constantly need money to be able to provide their vital services with costs ranging from funding high-tech equipment to specialist nurses.

You can see the various ways you're able to support them on their website including via home money boxes and a corporate challenge where you are given £50 and you have three months to turn it to as much cash as possible - the list is extensive and they would also be open to any new fundraising suggestions  https://www.jigsawhospice.org/support-us/fundraise

If you would also like to find out more, and to have a look around, Jigsaw Children's Hospice also do open days so you can get in touch with them with you details so they can inform you of the next available dates. 




A lovely room that welcomes the children, young adults and their families. 

An adjustable table they have received recently from a kind donation from Newcastle Building Society. 

Table can easily adjusted to allow for children in wheel chairs. 

A versatile Cinema room for the children and young adults that can be moved around and can fit 2 beds as well so they can watch a film. 



A nice bath to enable the children and young adults the opportunity to have a bubble bath as they don't have the facility to enable them at home. 

They have all kinds of beds to help with each child's condition and each room can be personalised so it feels like home. 

One of the rooms- this was particularly were decorated by the Carlisle United Players

A recently done hallway by volunteers and with contribution from businesses that has a sensory element -bird sounds, lights and you can touch the circular shapes that feel like grass. 


To give the children something to look up to as they get wheeled down the sensory hallway. 


The Butterfly Room 
No one is ever prepared for the death of their child. The Butterfly Room at Jigsaw provides a private and peaceful bedroom and lounge allowing families to say goodbye to their loved one after death, with the support of the team at Jigsaw.

The service is available to all families in Cumbria, even if the child or young adults has not attended Jigsaw. We will work alongside funeral directors and the family to provide personal care to your love one until the day of the funeral. (Excerpt from their website on The Butterfly Room)









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