Families had the opportunity to reflect and remember loved ones during a poignant memory day at The Treehouse.
The event, one of three organised throughout the year by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), was for parents, siblings, grandparents and other family members supported at the charity’s Ipswich base.
The afternoon included crafts and a reflection space for adults, as well as a story trail and outdoor activities for younger guests.
Families could watch a film of The Hare-Shaped Hole, a story written by John Dougherty that explores themes of grief and loss.
Guests then gathered in the marquee, where music therapist Ray Travasso was playing lovely background music, and families had an opportunity to light candles and display written messages with memories of their loved ones.
The day was hosted by volunteer chaplain Emma Scott, and an adapted version of The Five Candles, a poem by Sherry L Williams, was shared by Family Support Practitioner Michelle-May Wright.
The afternoon was brought to a close with a poem written and read by The Treehouse’s Art Therapist, Sandra Smith. It went:
Today, may you take the special keepsakes you have made with a nod and a wink,
Because you are smarter than you think.
And may you go with hope in your heart and daring to dream,
Because you are stronger than you seem.
And may you go knowing that with love, care and support it’s ok to grieve,
As you are braver than you believe.
So as you step out from The Treehouse, know that you have shared your loved one’s memories today,
With us all and together, in your own unique hare-shaped hole way.
The closing music was Sir Elton John’s Circle of Life.
In total, 57 people came along, representing 18 families, and they were reunited with members of The Treehouse team.
“Our memory days are very special, poignant events for the families we support and an important part of the work we do,” said Jules Gibson-Cranch, EACH’s Locality Wellbeing Lead at The Treehouse.
“They provide an opportunity to come together, meet others and share their experiences with people who have experienced something similar.
“It’s a reminder that they’re not alone, with hope for the future.”
The Treehouse memory day took place on 5th October and was made possible thanks to volunteer chaplains Emma, Swadipa and Carumani, colleagues from Xperience and facilities and catering volunteers from The Treehouse. The team were also grateful to gardening volunteer Jane, who kindly donated flower posies.
