Support for all Seasons

Seasons is a dedicated sibling support programme designed to provide emotional and social support to children and young people who have a brother or sister receiving care at Francis House.

Through group sessions, one-to-one support, and additional engagement opportunities, a safe space is created where siblings can express themselves, connect with others in similar situations, and receive the support they need.

Group sessions are designed for different age ranges with an individualised approach to ensure that each sibling receives age-appropriate support. Group 1 is for younger siblings aged between 5 to 10 years and Group 2 is for middle siblings aged 11-16.

Group 3 for older siblings aged 16 plus, was introduced in September 2024 following research conducted by the hospice which identified a strong need for continued support among siblings aged 16 and older.

Since its launch, Group 3 has re-engaged siblings who had either stepped away from the service or had never participated before. Activities for this group have included a residential weekend, an annual January meal, and quarterly meet-ups. This flexible and social approach ensures that older siblings continue to benefit from a strong support network.

“At Francis House we care for the whole family, and the siblings are a massive part of that,“ said Sarah Laird, a Nursery Nurse who is part of the sibling support team and has worked at Francis House since 2006. “It is crucial that the siblings are offered one to one care, this lets them know that they are valued and cared for just as much as their sibling who is the referred child.”

“The Seasons groups are so important to these children and young people, no matter what age they are. When they go to school or college, they are very likely to be the only person in a class of 30, who has a disabled brother or sister. When they come to the Seasons group, they are in a room with a group of peers who are in exactly the same situation as them, and they understand each others thoughts and feelings. They can talk openly and honestly to each other without judgment.

“The siblings often miss out on things. One sibling I cared for had never been on a beach because her brothers wheelchair couldn’t go on the sand. Another had never been to the cinema before, because her sister was ‘too noisy’ and other people wouldn’t like her being there disturbing the film.”

Claire Armstrong started working at Francis House in 2017 and has built up a good rapport with the siblings.

“During our sibling support sessions, many of the children and young people tell us that they love to come and have a break from their caring roles, enjoying time that’s just for them. We find that the teenagers and young adults can feel extremely guilty that they are able to do things that the sick child in their family cannot do. These guilty feelings can be about being able to eat when their brother or sister can no longer do so, or they can’t walk or talk anymore. We explore all of these feelings within the group. Having the support can be really beneficial to them.”

Bella Vita Trattoria in Didsbury donated a night out to a group of 19 siblings accompanied by the team to enjoy a meal and night away from their role as carers. Here’s what some of them had to say…