As ambassador of Haven House, my local children’s hospice, I would like to tell you about its exciting plans for 2014 and how the local community can help to make these plans a reality.

At any one time the hospice supports 150 life-limited and life-threatened children and families in our area.  However, recent research indicates that there is a much greater need out there and that there are many more local children who really need its help and support.

With this in mind, and with the help of a Government grant, Haven House will be opening an annexe to its current building at The White House in Woodford Green.  This will allow families to receive essential clinical services closer to home and will provide more space for things like its amazing music therapy sessions and coffee mornings for parents.

Having been lucky enough to visit these sessions and meet these very special children and families, I know the difference Haven House is making to their lives. We need Haven House in our community and because it only receives a fraction of what it needs from Government funding, we all have to play our part in keeping it going.  I plan to do my bit to support the hospice this year and I hope you will too; whether as an individual, community group, faith group or local business.