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Bereaved siblings of children and young people cared for by Charlton Farm hospice enjoy a special gaming session.

Bath-based media group Network N Holdings, which specialises in the gaming industry, hosted the event which was attended by 5 young people. The 5 young gamers are siblings of children who have been cared for by Children’s Hospice South West at its Charlton Farm Hospice in Wraxall. As well as playing Nintendo Switch and PS5 games during the evening, the siblings also enjoyed many pizzas.

Network N has been supporting CHSW for more than 2 years, sponsoring events and having staff run the Bath Half Marathon. Tim Edwards and Amy Dennies from Network N have also been on a tour of the hospice and are aware of how gaming can help bereaved brothers and sisters. Network N CEO Tim Edwards said: 

Supporting CHSW was an easy choice. Its work of supporting children and young people across the region is essential and important. We believe gaming is a way for families to connect in a safe environment. It seems like a natural partnership.

The gaming evening was also supported by two CHSW Young Ambassadors from Kingswood School.

Young Ambassador Crystal said: The smiles on the faces of the siblings at the end of the gaming session was the most precious takeaway for me from the event and it was impactful for me to be able to see the positive impact of gaming.

Supporting brothers and sisters practically and emotionally after the death of their sibling is a vital part of the support that CHSW offers through it’s 3 hospices. CHSW Area Fundraiser for B&NES and West Wiltshire Heidi Roberts said: “CHSW really appreciates the support from Network N. It is so lovely for bereaved children to get together in a wonderful gaming space like Network N has and to be with other children that understand their journey.”

To find out more about the work of Network N, which is planning to support more CHSW gaming sessions, visit  www.network-n.com. Charlton Farm opened to families in 2007 and is currently supporting almost 200 children and young people from the local area living with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses.

Support is provided through resilience stays at the hospice day visits, home visits, as well as palliative care, end of life care and bereavement support for the whole family including siblings.