I was asked yesterday as an RG’er of 5 years and a Julia’s House donator since the beginning, how I have never been on the tour. My answer was one of chivalry and self-sacrifice, "Limited numbers, I’ll let the others go first", it was also one of a lie. The truth is I was always scared of what I would find and how it would make me feel. I’ve always known of the amazing work that JH’s do and how appreciated they are by those that use their facilities, my concern was that I would only see the end result, I would get caught up in the dark and sobering side of the organisation. I was very, very wrong. What resonated with me the most was just how much fun these kids have when they come to Julia’s House. They’re not made to feel different or even that theyeven that theyre special, they’re made to feel like kids. When you arrive at JH you’re greeted by an amazing art deco building, the sort that would get snapped up by a developer in seconds.
You instantly know that this isn’t like any normal hospice. We were met by Jane, the very friendly, and very attractive, PR person for the charity. As Jane begins the tour and goes into the history of Julia’s House, a sceptic might feel that they’re being given a pitch, what you’ll actually experience is the overwhelming passion that Jane and the other Julia’s House workers have for what they do. It’s easy to say that anyone would be as passionate dealing with poorly kids for a living, but I take my hat off to anyone that can willing get close to a child, and their family, knowing that their time with them is short. Whether you’re in the amazing garden (thanks to Titmarsh and the Ground Force team), the sensory room, which unfortunately I was too big to fully appreciate or one of the remarkably cosy bedrooms, you realise just how far your money goes. At no stage do you feel pity or that you’re in a place where families go through the most horrific times of their life. Julia’s House invokes happiness, happiness that there are people there to help families go through these horrific times, be it a massage or something as simple as a chat.
The facilities at Julia’s House offer more than just a place for the children to play, it’s a place of development, fun, education, respite and release. The support doesn’t just end with the children, it stems to the mothers, fathers the brothers and sisters but also the workers. As a Julia’s House worker you’re given a 24-hour, 7-days a week, help line, someone they can talk to, not just about their involvement with the amazing people they experience everyday, and their regular loss but any trials and tribulations they’re going through. This really hit home with me, it’s a massively rewarding role but it takes it’s toll. As kick-bottom as JH currently is, there is so much more we can do.
Due to the Credit Crunch JH is set to lose £200,000 this year. This isn’t small potatoes, it’s not a bad day at the office, it’s a defibrillator or it’s a team of nurses that’ll support 100+ kids for a year. I could go on and on, there’s so much I didn’t know, and wouldn’t of known if I hadn’t been down there. There are so many heart-warming stories I could tell you, but I’ll leave you with one, one that touched me the most. There was a young lad at Julia’s House who was really, really poorly. His parents were told early on that he wouldn’t see his first birthday. As the year went by he began to show positive signs, it looked as though he would surprise the doctors and everyone that knew him, and make it past that 1-year milestone. As the staff and family began to plan a Birthday party the like of which Julia’s House would never forget, he took a turn for the worst. Two weeks before his 1st Birthday he sadly past away. As harrowing as this I’m afraid the worst is still to come. Unfortunately this was not the first child this family had lost. A few years previously their first born died of the same illness. At the time the parents were not aware of JH. Their child was laid to rest at Poole Hospital. When they were called in to say their good-byes, a mistake had been made. Not only did they have to say good-bye to their first born in a cold mortuary but they were taken into the wrong room. They were shown the wrong child. At Julia’s House the children are laid out in an air-conditioned room where they will stay until the funeral. Parents are welcome day and night, at any time, to say good-bye to their babies. If the unspeakable ever happens to me, I know which option I would prefer. Get yourselves down there, get involved with the fundraising, do what you can. Julia’s House needs us.
- Jon Newman, M.I
In December last year the Richmond Group got involved with Julia’s House for the first time donating a gift for a charity auction held in Swanage. Since then visits to the hospice for staff within the company have created a genuine concern for the local children and parents helped by Julia’s House. Wishing to do anything possible to contribute to this great cause has motivated many of us to think and actively pursue as many fund raising activities as possible to raise money for the hospice. An ongoing arrangement was made for every employee wishing to take part to donate £1 for every weeks wages. This has been enthusiastically received with 81% of all staff buying into this scheme. With mufti days and an approaching Easter event on Good Friday there is definitely more to come from the Richmond Group! We are proud to sponsor Julia’s House and wish to contribute as much as possible to maintain the outstanding standard of care for the local community.
- Andrew Matthews, IT Development
When I went to Julia’s House I found it really emotional. I feel that it is a really really good idea for the children and the parents because the parents get to do the little things that we all take for granted i.e. like getting their haircut. Its great that the children like them-selves, and get to relax and play with toys that they may not be able to if there was no Julia’s House. I also like the thought of a memorial room where the children go when they pass away so the parents and the family can send a small period of time with them.
- Charlene – Yellow Team
My trip to Julia’s House was a real eye-opener. You don’t realise until you go and look round at what a difference just one pound can make. Even though there weren’t any children about when the tour was taking place, you still get quite emotional. I would recommend anyone who gets a chance to go and have a look around. Before I went it was just a pound I was giving to charity, however, now I know that it’s actually going towards a really good cause.
- Shane, FLM Processing
Julia’s house is there to look after children that are terminally ill to give their families a break. I went to visit Julia’s and it really does bring a tear to your eye and really makes you think that every penny that you put towards Julia’s house does count. They rely on people’s donations to keep the house going, as they are not government supported. Parents of these children have to be 24 hours a day 7 days a week Julia’s house gives them a break knowing that there child will be in safe hands in a nice environment.
- Hannah, Debtline
Julia’s House is an amazing charity that helps children with life threatening or life limiting illnesses to live out their lives to the best they can. The workers there help the children to experience things they may have never been able to. They also take some of the pressure off their parents, even if only letting them do their weekly shopping. Unfortunately, they don’t receive any government funding, and therefore rely on people like us to offer them the support they need. My visit to Julia’s House was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone. The staff there are so grateful for what we’re doing for them and visiting that house just proves that by giving a mere £1 a week can make so much difference.
- Chandelle, Customer Services
I attended Julia’s House last Friday and was moved by the experience. The service they provide and the efforts made by the staff are exceptional. This is truly a worthwhile cause. They have some fantastic ideas in the pipeline, and rely heavily on our small contributions, as they receive no government funding. Visiting Julia’s House really opened my eyes to how much we take small day-to-day activities for granted. Parents of the children who visit Julia’s House use the hospice facilities just to allow them to simply do the shopping or ironing, things that we would consider a chore, to the parents, this is a break from the strenuous task of caring for their children.
- Dan G, Blue Team
As you know, a few of us went to Julia’s House last week, so I just wanted to share the experience. It’s sad and heart breaking to think of sick kids, but Julia’s House is an amazing place for them to enjoy themselves with the little time they have left. They have special rooms to suit all sorts of illnesses; the staff were so warm and friendly, and you get a family feel from them, rather than just "carers". It really helped being at the house and seeing where the money really goes. It truly is an amazing, loving place and the trip brought this all home. We as a company should do as much as possible to help a great cause.
- Gemma, DebtLine |
