Sibling Support
Sisters and brothers are welcomed and included in the care offered to the family.
Brothers and sisters who have a sibling with a life-limiting condition may have different experiences to their friends.
Respite provides an opportunity to spend quality time with their family or they may wish to have time pursuing their own interests alongside other young people or with members of the Francis House team.
Brothers and sisters sometimes need additional support, time to talk and space to share their feelings and worries.
In addition to being able to stay for respite, the brothers and sisters have their own activities, outings and specialist support.
“Siblings can feel very isolated, they can have a tough time, watching their brother and sister being ill and their parents going to hospital. They need to be encouraged to step back from their caring role and go and have fun, at Francis House they can come and just be children.”
Maira Williams, nurse and member of the 'Seasons' sibling support team
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.
From the age of five brothers and sisters are invited to join the Seasons group. 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.
The Seasons groups enable brothers and sisters to have fun, make new friends and chat in a relaxed environment. These meetings help Care Team members to get to know them as individuals, allowing more personalised care and support.
Seasons activity session at Francis House with Sarah Laird and Claire Armstrong of the sibling support team.
“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.”
Sarah Laird, nursery nurse and member of the sibling support team
A parent’s perspective
Zoe Saxon’s children were able to benefit from the Seasons group before she took advantage of the respite care being offered to her daughter Lillie.
“They have such a good time, and they always come home with a big smile on their faces, with a collection of artwork and prizes that they’ve won through games,” says Zoe.
“Each session always has a theme and as much as they make it fun, it can help support them emotionally too. Every child needs to be a child and every child needs to have fun as part of their childhood. Francis House is an amazing place and gives them that space where they can just have fun.”
Zoe Saxon and her children in Francis House
