Top 10 Facts to Mark 10 Years of Care

Naomi House Children’s Hospice this year marks 10 years of caring for life-limited children – youngsters who have been diagnosed with conditions for which there is no cure – and their families.

Around 450 children and their families have used Naomi House’s services since the hospice first opened its doors on 27 June 1997 but here are 10 other facts that you might not know about one of the region’s best loved charities.

1. Around 10,000 meals are served every year to families staying at Naomi House, the number one dish being roast chicken with all the trimmings. During each family’s stay, the catering team tries to put their favourite meal on the menu which adds to the homely feel of the House.

2. For the past three years, ship mates have become best mates for bereaved brothers and sisters from Naomi House who have shared an ocean adventure with the Youth Sailing Trust. This year 10 teenagers completed the voyage, across the Channel to France, giving them a real sense of achievement, the chance to meet youngsters in a similar situation and boosting their confidence. Naomi House’s work with siblings is a key part of its focus on caring for the whole family. 

3. Every year Naomi House turns old mobile ‘phones, used stamps, printer cartridges and foreign currency into fuel with the help of its supporters. The money raised by these recycling initiatives helps towards paying its annual fuel bill.

4. Almost 1,400 hours are spent by Naomi House’s play specialists on one to one work with life-limited children every year. Play benefits the youngsters in many ways from providing stimulation to enabling self expression but above all it’s great fun and a fantastic way to get as messy as possible!

5. Good quality toys, clothes, books, CDs, DVDs and bric-a-brac sold in our shops all help to raise much needed cash. It’s amazing how often something you no longer need can be top of somebody else’s wish list, and of course, it’s also a great way to tidy up overflowing cupboards and drawers. Please call 01962 870810 for a collection bag. Naomi House shops are found in Andover, Boscombe, Cosham, Eastleigh, Fareham, Shirley and Winchester – they also sell lottery tickets!

6. Children are spending more nights at Naomi House than ever before and at weekends and during school holidays the hospice’s 10 bedrooms are completely full! The hospice currently provides care and support for around 200 families with life-limited children.

 7. More than 400 volunteers give their time freely to support Naomi House in roles as diverse as working in our shops, as part of our fundraising groups, keeping our gardens green, helping in our Winnall warehouse and fundraising offices. Whilst the monetary value of this help amounts to hundreds and thousands of pounds, their wider role as ambassadors for the hospice is vital in raising our profile and keeping us at the heart of the community.

 8. By the end of September 2007, 52 players will have hit the £1,000 jackpot in Naomi House’s fundraising lottery. Winchester has seen the most winners with Salisbury and Basingstoke not far behind. The lottery, launched in autumn 2006, provides a regular and important source of income to help the hospice continue its work.

 9. Nearly 1,000 visitors attended Naomi House’s open days in 2006 – they drank 833 cups of tea and enjoyed 782 cakes and scones. Open days are a great opportunity to peak behind the scenes at Naomi House to see exactly how the community’s wonderful support helps its work with local families. This year we’ll be opening our doors to the public on Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September.

10. Naomi House started its 10 anniversary year by lighting a series of birthday beacons across the region. Other events included 360 supporters raising money by walking the Clarendon Way from Winchester to Salisbury, a service of thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral and the unveiling of a South West Trains locomotive named after the hospice.

To find out more about how you can help Naomi House please call 01962 843513.