I was pleased to learn more about the invaluable work at Rowan's Hospice on my recent visit.
The Rowans Hospice in Purbrook is a local charity established in 1994 that looks after people from across the area with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. They operate around 20 charity shops to support their work, and over Christmas I volunteered in the Fareham branch.
During the visit, I was briefed on the 'Meerkat’ Service, which provides ongoing support to assist children and young people who have a parent or other significant adult with a life-limiting illness or, who have been bereaved of an adult close to them. The Rowans works alongside families with children up to the age of 18. They have created the character 'Rowan the Meerkat' to help represent their work with families.
The Rowan’s is a great local charity, which supports people from across the area. I know it’s a cause that means a lot to many, and I was pleased at Christmas to be able to help out by volunteering in their Fareham charity shop.
The work they do is so important for giving those they care for and their families some comfort at a difficult time, and they do their job with great sensitivity and professionalism. As well as seeing their excellent facilities I was interested to learn about their major fundraising projects and plans for the future
The Meerkat Service in particular is a very important initiative – serious illness and bereavement in a family can be very tough for children, but the kind of support being offered can go a long way to helping them through a difficult time.