Take a behind the scenes tour of Francis House

This May, Francis House Children’s Hospice is opening its doors to the public to give supporters, schools, businesses and anyone with an interest in the hospice, the opportunity to see for themselves how their donations help support sick children and their families from across Greater Manchester.

Chat to our staff

Guided tours at the hospice in Didsbury, led by members of the hospice care team, will take place throughout the day. Visitors will be given a glimpse behind the scenes of the incredible facilities including sensory and cinema rooms, hydrotherapy pool, soft play and music rooms, computer rooms with virtual reality play sets and colourful bedrooms with game consoles.

Francis House supports the families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Family flats and bedrooms for siblings are also provided so that the whole family can enjoy a well-earned break and return home refreshed.

Light refreshments

In addition to the tours, members of the public will be able to purchase merchandise and find out about upcoming events to take part in. Refreshments will also be available in the hall.

Francis House Children’s Hospice opened in 1991, at the time it was only the fifth children’s hospice to be built in the UK. In 2014 the hospice doubled in size with the opening of a teenage and young adult wing. The age-appropriate environment is a parent-free zone and offers the young people valuable independence.

Sharon Doodson, registered manager of Francis House said: “As well as looking after their clinical needs, we try to do as many activities as we can with the children. We do things they’re going to enjoy to make memories for when they go home. We not only look after the sick child, but we also really take care of the siblings as well.

“We have two art rooms for creative therapy, either drawing pictures or making things. There is a massive garden outside with a pirate ship, accessible for wheelchair use. Adapted swings also give wheelchair users that rocking experience.”

It costs £4.7 million a year to run Francis House with the majority of income raised through charitable donations. The Francis House open day takes place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday, May 15 at Francis House Children’s Hospice, 390 Parrswood Road, Didsbury M20 5NA.

No children or families will be resident during open day. For more information call 0161 443 2200.