FAQs for Families in city & Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets 

Haven House Children’s Hospice is working closely with the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) to ensure children and families continue to receive hospice support either in your own home, at the hospice or in a hospital setting.

We are now your local children’s hospice and are here to support you, your child and your family.

Will my child still be able to access hospice care?

Yes. Your child will continue to have access to hospice care. Our priority is to provide safe, compassionate support and to ensure families feel confident about what is available now and as services continue to develop.

You have access to a range of support including respite, therapies, family support and events.

Support for your child

What support can families access right now?

Families can access a range of support at Haven House, including:

• Planned respite breaks at the hospice – day sessions or overnight stays, available 7 days a week
• Respite in the home – available 7 days a week, 9 to 5, in 4 hourly sessions
• Counselling and emotional support for children, parents and the wider family
• Family support, including practical help and guidance
• Family events and activities
• Buddies sibling support group, offering dedicated support for brothers and sisters
• Music therapy

Can we still access end-of-life care?

Yes. Families continue to have access to 24/7 end-of-life nursing care, either at home or at the hospice, depending on what is right for your child and family.

What is our respite allocation?

Families can access up to 20 nights per year, depending on clinical need and service capacity.

Weekend and holiday periods are often busier, so availability may vary.

We will work closely with you to understand your needs and agree the best approach for your child and family.

Do we need to reapply for hospice support?

No, there is no need to re-apply if your information has already been transferred from Richard House.

If your child was previously supported by Richard House and you chose not to transfer your information, a new referral will be needed. We are happy to support and guide. 

How to make a referral

What is changing from April 2026?

We are continuing to grow our services to support more families across East London.

From April 2026, this includes:

Increased capacity across hospice services, including beds

A phased rollout of Hospice at Home respite support, offering more flexible care in your home

This will support families across City & Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets, helping more children receive care in a way that works best for them.

Will therapies be available?

Yes. Families will have access to a range of therapeutic support, including:

• Music therapy
• Play therapy
• Art therapy
• Communication therapy
• Counselling and emotional support

Physiotherapy and therapeutic yoga will also be available soon.

We will continue to share updates as services expand.

Who can I contact if I have questions or need support?

If you have any questions, or would like to talk about support for your child or family, please contact our Care team:

Email our team to talk about support

Or telephone 020 8506 5513

You are also very welcome to come and visit us, or we can arrange for someone to come and meet you, or speak over the phone, whatever feels most comfortable for you and your family.