Barnsley Hospice launches new Family Room

Barnsley Hospice launched its brand new ‘Family Room’ on Friday 21 February, following a year-long project with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice to improve the transition from children and young people’s hospice services to adult services.  

Work began in 2024 and was funded by a grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation Major Grant programme, administered through national charity Hospice UK. The two South Yorkshire hospices worked collaboratively, with Barnsley Hospice staff undergoing training at Bluebell Wood to learn more about caring for young people aged 18 and over.  

Barnsley Hospice also hosted three ‘Family Days’, where young people currently accessing services at Bluebell Wood and their families or carers could learn more about the services at Barnsley Hospice. Those attending the Family Days were also given the opportunity to share their feedback to help create the new Family Room.  

The end result was revealed to patients, staff and volunteers last Friday, showcasing a homely room that is perfect for families receiving care at Barnsley Hospice to spend time in.  

Ross Fletcher, Director of Clinical Services and Governance / Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Barnsley Hospice remarked on the success of the finished room.  

“We understand that hospice care is not just about the person who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, and it’s vital that we also get it right for their loved ones too. Helping people to make memories and spend time with those important to them is a key priority for us, and we hope our family room will provide even more opportunity for us to make this happen.  

“The room is designed to give a real ‘home-from-home’ feeling, and the sofa bed is perfect for visiting family members to stay overnight or to just relax and enjoy a film together in front of the TV. We have also included a games console in the room, which we are sure will be a popular addition. 

“This project with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is part of our commitment to continually improving our services and collaborating with other healthcare providers in the areas to provide the best care possible for the people of Barnsley.” 

The Family Room is in addition to the communal lounge area already available on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit. 

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice provides care and support for children and young people up to the age of 25. Rachel Parkin, Transition Co-Ordinator at Bluebell Wood, acknowledged the importance of supporting families through the move to adult services.  

“At Bluebell Wood we support young people up to 25, our goal has been to offer real choice in their care—whether at Bluebell Wood, in the community, or at their local adult hospice. By putting young people at the heart of this transition, we’re ensuring they have more control over their future. This project is a true collaboration, creating a lasting legacy with a dedicated transition pathway and family support for families in Barnsley for years to come.”

About Barnsley Hospice:

The hospice, based in Gawber, was established in 1994 and needs to raise £3.5 million each year to fund the specialist palliative and end of life care it provides for the people of Barnsley. It relies entirely on fundraising and donations to achieve this amount. The NHS provides an additional grant.  

Barnsley Hospice provides specialist care and support for people living with progressive, life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, heart and lung disease, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and motor neurone disease, and supports those close to them too. 

You must be aged 18 and over and registered with a Barnsley GP to access services at Barnsley Hospice.  

About Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice: 

• At Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, we support children and young adults with life-shortening conditions. We are currently supporting over 300 families, both in our North Anston hospice and in family homes.  

• Our uncompromisable support services are wide ranging and bespoke to each family; including overnight care, music therapy, counselling, sibling support groups, home visits and much, much more.   

• It costs around £6.5M to keep our doors open for families across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire. Statutory funding makes up 16% of this amount and the rest is raised through fundraising activity.