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Creative therapies

Our play and music therapists support children to express their emotions and build confidence

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A boy sits in his wheelchair in the sensory room at Russell House, with calming coloured spot lighting across the image. He is surrounded by him parents and the music therapist, who are all holding musical instruments.

Taking a creative approach

Children do not always have the words to express their experiences and feelings. So we provide creative therapy to give them a means to express themselves in whatever way suits them. Suitable for children with a diverse range of conditions, developmental ages and verbal capability as well as their siblings, families and bereaved families, we use the techniques and tools of creative therapy (e.g. music, play, art, drama etc), to help children and adults who are dealing with difficult emotions, loss and trauma.

How we can help

Music therapy

Music therapy helps children express emotions, improve motor co-ordination, and have fun! We work one-to-one with a child, with siblings and with families.

Play therapy

Led by the child, we use play, whether that’s painting, puppets, messy play or drama, to explore difficult emotions and build self-confidence.

Heartbeat music

We can create a precious musical memory of a child, by setting their heartbeats to music, for families to keep and listen to whenever they want.

A mum and dad are helping their two daughters to settle onto a large round swing in the garden at Russell House.

Get the support your family needs

We’ve made it easy to find out whether your family is eligible for our care and what support is available to you. And it’s easy to refer your family to us, when you’re ready.

Get started
A view of the rear of Russell House taken from the garden, with the stone sculpture in the foreground.
Russell House

Our children’s hospice is a bright, colourful and welcoming place with children’s and family bedrooms, play areas, good food and lots of support. 

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Support groups

A range of support groups, where you’ll find people who know what you’re going through, because they’re going through it too.

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A young white boy with long blonde curly hair emerging from a play tunnel in a soft play area. He is wearing a purple forget me not t-shirt and holding a football in his hand.
Day care & short breaks

We know that you’re exhausted. Our expert clinical team are here to care for your child for the day or overnight so you can get a break.

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A mum kneels down and holds her young daughter, smiling at her, as they are stood in the garden at Russell House.

When my brother has to go to hospital, it makes me sad and scared but I know it will help him. Forget Me Not makes me feel safe and relaxed. I love doing the crafts with them, especially drawing and baking. I like that we can meet up with other siblings dealing with the same things as us.

Sibling, 12