Cookhill WI

The Hospice movement is one of the UK's great success stories. From just one voluntary Hospice established in 1967 the Hospice movement has made rapid advances, both within the UK and around the world, changing forever the way people are treated when faced with a life-limiting illness. So members of Cookhill WI were interested to hear about the Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust, a registered charity established in 1988 here in the heart of England which offers support specifically for babies, children and young people and their families. There is a Acorns Hospice in Selly Oak, Worcester and Walsall. Joanne, part of the team at Acorns, told us about the work and philosophy of the Hospice. The needs of children are different from adults the young people being encouraged to live like other children where playing is the main activity. So many of the rooms in the Hospice buildings are brightly coloured and full of toys. In Selly Oak there also is a swimming pool where children and their families can enjoy the fun of water play. There is a dedicated team of doctors and nurses to attend to the children’s medical needs, supplemented by a team of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers undertake a variety of roles, depending on their individual skills but always the focus is to support the child and family. Each Hospice has a separate flat where a family can spend time together when a child’s life is coming to it’s end. In the garden, cared for by volunteers, there is a water feature containing a rock with each child’s name etched on it in memory. Joanne concluded her presentation encouraging members to do whatever they could to support the Hospice Movement as it relies heavily on donations.

The secretary then reminded members of the various events happening in the next couple of months and the evening closed as members puzzled over a very taxing quiz.

Cookhill WI meets the second Wednesday of each month 7.30pm at Cookhill Village Hall, providing a variety of speakers to suit all tastes together with opportunities to participate in classes and enjoy trips out to interesting venues. New members very welcome.