Providing a Haven for Children and Young People

Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) has a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector.

We have a successful track record of delivering NHS projects across the North West over the last 25 years.

In this series we look at some of the work we have been involved in over that time and the impact it has had on the health of people across the region.

Here we look at another current project, which will benefit children and young people who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

Providing a haven for children

A Lancashire hospice is providing a haven where children and young people who have lost close relatives can grieve and get the help and support that they need; ‘The Forget Me Not Centre’.

FWP has designed the new Family and Children’s Bereavement Support Centre, which will be built at St John’s Hospice in Lancaster.

The two-storey building is due to be completed by the end of the year to coincide with the hospice’s 35th anniversary.

St John’s Hospice has been providing palliative care for a wide range of life shortening conditions in North Lancashire and the South Lakes since 1986.

FWP was commissioned to deliver a place for grief therapy, counselling and play for children and teenagers aged from four to 16 who have lost close relatives and need support to overcome a difficult period in their lives.

The existing ‘Lodge’ building on Slyne Road has been demolished to make way for the modern, purpose-built, facility.

Two gardens have been incorporated in the plans, including a sensory garden providing intimate spaces where young children and teenagers can be immersed in the scents, textures and colours of plants and related elements.

Along with specially selected plants, elements such as wind chimes, windsocks, flags, and children’s art will be included in the garden design.

Neil Ainsworth FWP partner, who is the project architect, said: “The new centre will deliver improved facilities and space that will allow the hospice to provide a wide range of support services for the community.

“We’ve designed a very special building for therapy and play. We’ve used natural lighting wherever possible and have looked to create calm and friendly spaces throughout.

“We’re looking to create a homely feel, with strong interplay between the inside and outside spaces.

“We believe our bold design will also allow the new centre to stand out and be a beacon of hope that the whole community can be proud of.”