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Sibling support

Brothers and sisters can sometimes feel a bit left out or struggle with their feelings. We’re here to help them cope.

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An Asian member of the family support team sits with a young Asian girl on some swings in the garden at Russell House. They are reaching out holding hands and smiling at each other.

Helping you support all the children in your family

Having a brother or sister with a life-shortening condition can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Siblings might spend long periods of time in hospital, even though they are fit and well, or miss out on activities with friends. Sometimes they might feel they need to protect their parents from extra stress, or have worries which affect school and interactions with other children. Or they’re struggling to come to terms with the loss of their sibling.

We help brothers and sisters to safely explore, share and understand their feelings. We do this by providing plenty of care and support, in lots of different ways, for as long as it’s needed.  

How we can help

Having fun with friends

Our support group for siblings meets monthly for activity sessions, parties and day trips. A chance to have some fun with others going through similar things. 

Getting creative

Our therapists work with siblings using creative techniques (music, art, drama and play) to explore and express difficult emotions and feelings, build self-esteem and confidence.

Counselling and bereavement support

If needed, our counsellors and bereavement support workers are on hand to help your child deal with their emotions. 

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