The opening of the Holistic Care Centre (HCC) in September 2014 has enabled us to provide a range of specialist outpatient services using a family-centered, multi-disciplinary care approach.

This approach includes social care and a range of professional therapies such as physiotherapy and music therapy.

We work in this way to ensure that a child's or young person's overall wellbeing is considered. Our therapeutic support is focused on the whole person and promotes quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Accessing therapeutic services in the HCC can be the first step towards receiving care at Haven House. By building positive, trusting relationships the HCC is an opportunity for us to show families new to Haven House who we are and what we do. We believe that by increasing their understanding and familiarity they may feel more comfortable in accessing respite or end-of-life care when appropriate.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is an established health profession which uses the medium of music, in a therapeutic relationship with the child. It helps to address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of the individual. Music therapy is based on the belief that we can all respond to and appreciate music, despite disability or illness. We provide music therapy to meet children and young peoples needs and also facilitate group music-making sessions.

We provide music therapy to meet the needs of children and young people and recognise the value and benefit of supporting the entire family. Monthly music therapy group sessions are offered and are a positive and creative experience for families to share together.

Music therapy gives us quality family time and is something we all look forwards to each week. It's fun and easy to be part of, yet so beneficial for Kai. With guidance from Maeve we all gain a better understanding and knowledge. It isn't just a family event it's a chance to learn and help Kai grow.

Our music therapist holds an MA in Music Therapy and is registered to practice by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy works towards improving and/or maintaining a child or young person's joint range of movement, muscle strength, balance and co-ordination to maximise function.

It may also involve devising a personalised exercise programme that can be carried out at home or setting up a postural management programme to minimise further deterioration in your child’s posture.

Our physiotherapist is an experienced specialist pediatric physiotherapist and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. The service offered at Haven House is supplementary to the NHS and close liaison takes place between services. 

Therapeutic Yoga

Therapeutic yoga (Yoga for the Special child®) is a unique yoga method that has changed and improved the life of countless children with special needs around the world. It consists of a comprehensive programme of yoga techniques designed to enhance natural development. This style of yoga is gentle and therapeutic and yet very effective.

Benefits can include:

• Improved blood circulation and brain oxygenation
• Improved physical awareness and co-ordination
• Better quality sleep
• Relaxation of the nervous system
• Lowering of anxiety levels.

Our Yoga therapist is a qualified and a licensed Yoga for the Special Child practitioner.

Counselling

Counselling is a form of emotional support that can offer opportunities to explore and understand thoughts and feelings in a confidential and safe space. Counselling is non-judgemental and can be helpful in lots of different ways. The emphasis in on supporting an individual or a family through the issues that are important to them. Our counselling service can help family members cope at difficult times.

Our Counsellor holds the Integrity of Counselling Diploma (Advanced) and is a member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy). She provides one-to-one and counselling for couples and can also offer counselling to the extended family.

Complementary therapies

We offer a range of complementary therapies to promote relaxation and ease stress. This service is led by volunteers and is offered to parents of children who are receiving care at Haven House.

We currently offer two therapies - Rejuvanessence and Reflexology. Therapeutic touch and the use of aromatherapy oils can promote comfort, relaxation and reduce distress.

Other clinics 

Our space can also act as a hub for other professionals and practitioners working with children with life-limiting conditions.  This includes an orthotic clinic which visits children and young people from our community using the HCC as a local base.

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To discuss a referral to our services please contact:

Clinical Nurse Manager

020 8506 5513 (Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm)
07872 198285 (out-of-hours mobile)

For more information about our referral criteria please visit our Refer a Child section.