Evie, Accessed St Gemma’s Young Peoples’ Service

I started attending counselling at St Gemma’s because my Grandma was dying of pancreatic cancer.

Her name was Anita, she was very close to me because she looked after me from being 6 months old and we would do everything together. I liked going to garden centres with her and she told me all about flowers and what season they blossomed in. Grandma Anita taught me how to knit, bake, garden and sew.

When I went to see my counsellor Jackie I felt safe to tell her exactly how I was feeling and everyone at the Hospice was really lovely, even walking down a corridor the staff would smile at you. When Grandma was in St Gemma’s it was a bit upsetting to see her there but I felt comfort that all the lovely people were taking good care of her.

I used to go with grandma [to the knit and natter group] in the school holidays and all the ladies were lovely and helped me with my knitting. It was nice to meet Grandma’s friends and help make teas and coffees. They raised lots of money for lots of charities, which I thought I was really kind of them.

I really liked the trip to Lineham Farm and met lots of other children going through similar things to me. I enjoyed the Christmas party as well. Unfortunately I’ve missed a few activities because I’ve been poorly with my Crohn’s.

The St Gemma’s Young Peoples’ Service supports children and young people when someone in their family is seriously ill or has died. Find out more about their work at https://www.st-gemma.co.uk/young-peoples-service