AS Christmas approaches a Thurrock family have spoken of their gratitude to Little Havens Hospice for helping them through what has been a very difficult year.

For the last couple of years, 12-year-old Connie has been visiting Little Havens for respite breaks and social events. She has epilepsy and cerebral palsy, but it's serious complications with her spine which means she needs intensive care and support from her parents Emma and Paul.

The coronavirus has forced the family, which includes Connie's younger sister Edie, to shield at home in Fobbing because Connie is vulnerable to chest and respiratory infections.

In particular they have been grateful for the online services offered by Little Havens, a hospice set in beautiful meadowland in Rayleigh. The hospice offers care for children and young people up to the age of 19 from Essex and the London surrounding boroughs who have been diagnosed with a complex or incurable condition.

It offers overnight respite breaks, emergency stays, symptom management and care at the end of a child's life. There are also 'Day Stay' sessions and the opportunity to attend specific groups and activities relevant to you and your child's needs.

Emma says: "We're living in our own little bubble at home. Apart from video calls with our family, we don't see anyone else. So the beauty of the Little Havens 'Online Music Therapy' sessions means Connie can see other faces, hear their voices and engage with them in her own way.

"Connie doesn't speak – her way of communicating is through facial expressions. We can tell she's excited by the music therapy because she has a beaming smile!

"Ruth, the Music Therapist, also does relaxation sessions on a Friday which I really benefit from. During those 30 minutes, I gather my thoughts. It's my 'downtime.' Having to juggle home-schooling, caring for Connie along with the usual household tasks can be stressful, but this gives me the opportunity to forget about that for a short while. Connie will sometimes give me a nudge though if I'm enjoying it too much!

"We've been having regular chats with the Little Havens Care Team too. I know they're always at the end of the phone if we need them."

Connie and family have also visited the Little Havens gardens to spend some time together away from their family home.

Emma, says: "Visiting the Little Havens garden was the first time we'd stepped out of the house, apart from two necessary hospital visits. When I was offered the opportunity, I felt really nervous but our carer put us at ease, explaining the measures that were people put in place and other people felt the same.

"Little Havens would be the safest environment for us to ease back into the 'big wide world' so I agreed. I had heart palpitations on the drive to the hospice, but as soon as we arrived I knew it would be a fantastic experience for us.

"The gardens are so lovely, they have a calm feeling to them. It really is a 'safe haven' for families like us when you're scared of going back to 'normal'."

If you would like to donate to Little Havens [L] https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/support-us/ [L+] click here.[L]