Navigating the complexities of paediatric palliative care and finding the right support for a child with life-limiting conditions is an incredibly challenging journey for any family. This guide provides a clear, compassionate overview of how Jigsaw Hospice delivers specialist care, helping you understand the referral process and the range of support services available to your loved ones. By exploring these resources, you will gain the practical knowledge and confidence needed to access vital care when it matters most.
Jigsaw Hospice is a dedicated facility in Cumbria providing specialist inpatient, respite, and day services for children and young adults with complex health needs and life-limiting conditions. Located at Durdar Road, Carlisle, it acts as a vital resource for families across the region, ensuring that essential hospice care is available in a supportive, home-from-home environment.
Specialist care and support provided by Jigsaw and Eden Valley Hospice
Jigsaw Hospice provides comprehensive, holistic care through an inpatient unit designed for expert symptom control and end-of-life support, alongside various day services and living well programmes. These services are specifically tailored for children and young people, including those with learning disabilities, mental health problems, or dementia, ensuring that every individual receives care that respects their unique requirements.
Practical care and support for families across Cumbria
Families can access a range of supportive initiatives, such as free monthly ‘play and stay’ sessions for babies and toddlers with complex medical needs. To help manage the emotional toll of caregiving, the facility offers Family Support Days for networking and activities, as well as an outreach team that provides tailored, needs-led support, ensuring that all care services remain free at the point of delivery.
| Support Type | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|
| Inpatient Unit | 24/7 symptom control and end-of-life care |
| Respite Care | Short breaks for primary carers |
| Outreach Team | Needs-led support at home |
How to get in touch and support your local hospice care
The referral process for Jigsaw Hospice requires an official submission before the child’s 18th birthday, though services can be provided up until the age of 25. To initiate a request, you must obtain formal consent from the child, young person, or their parent/carer, and email a completed referral form to [email protected], ensuring the NHS number is clearly included.
- Download the referral form from the Jigsaw website.
- Ensure you have the NHS number ready for the application.
- Obtain consent from the relevant family members or the young person.
- Submit the form and await the home visit from a designated nurse.
Bereavement support and how to help us continue providing specialist care
Jigsaw Hospice offers ongoing emotional, spiritual, and counselling support to assist families in processing their feelings both before and after a bereavement. A key feature of this support is the “Walk and Talk” group, which provides a safe, informal space for grieving adults to find connection and solace with others who share similar experiences.
Remember: Navigating the grief process is a unique journey for everyone – giving yourself permission to feel is the first step towards healing. Your decision to support Jigsaw or consider making a donation helps raise vital funds to keep these services accessible for local families when they need them.
Events to support Jigsaw and remember loved ones
We are inviting you to our annual Garden of Memories, a special evening to support your local hospice where your loved one will be remembered here at the hospice. A name will be displayed throughout August alongside our annual garden of memories, and you can make your dedication today by visiting our website to help us continue providing specialist care.
- Gardening and site maintenance
- Retail assistant at the Lonsdale Charity Shop
- Kitchen assistant and hospitality support
- Community champion for fundraising events
Important: Always keep a list of your care plan details and emergency contact numbers in an accessible location at home to ensure you are prepared for any changes in the patient’s condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there opportunities for me to support hospice care?
Yes, you can support hospice care by participating in our “Pay for a Day” programme, regular payroll giving, or by volunteering. These contributions are vital to helping us continue providing specialist care to families across Cumbria.
What is the minimum age to volunteer at the hospice?
The minimum age to volunteer is 16 years old, following a policy update on 4 June 2024. Volunteers assist in various areas, including our retail shops and garden maintenance, provided they pass the necessary checks.
Do I need a DBS check to volunteer at Jigsaw?
Yes, any volunteer taking on clinical or ward-based roles must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This ensures the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people we support.
How is the hospice funded?
Approximately 80% of our annual running costs are funded by the community through donations, events, and fundraising initiatives. The remaining 20% is provided by the NHS, making community support essential for our operations.
Reaching out for professional support early ensures your family receives the tailored care necessary during these challenging times. Always keep your documentation organised and advocate for a formal assessment to secure the specialist support your loved one deserves.
