‘Big Heart’ Award - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: ‘Big Heart’ Award – THE Play Team at Little Havens, Essex’s only children’s hospice, has been recognised for its hard work and dedication with a ‘Big Heart’ award from Fostering Together.

‘Big Heart’ Award - THE Play Team at Little Havens, Essex’s only children’s hospice, has been recognised for its hard work and dedication with a ‘Big Heart’ award from Fostering Together.

THE Play Team at Little Havens, Essex’s only children’s hospice, has been recognised for its hard work and dedication with a ‘Big Heart’ award from Fostering Together.

Fostering Together is a specialist independent fostering provider established by a team with extensive experience in supporting and developing foster carers for children with disabilities and complex medical needs.

Their vision is to provide the highest quality foster placements for children and young people living with disabilities, to enable them to flourish in life.

Fostering Together introduced the ‘Big Heart’ campaign to recognise those who have a ‘big heart’ for children with disabilities; those who do amazing things helping them to reach their full potential.

The Little Havens Play & Activities Team includes Play Assistants Donna and Teresa, Music Therapist Ruth, Youth Worker George and Activities Co-ordinator Lucy.

Their roles are crucial at Little Havens, helping children express themselves, cope with medical treatments, and enjoy a sense of normality despite their conditions. They ensure that children, regardless of the challenges they face, can participate in age-appropriate activities that support their development and reduce social isolation they might experience in society.

They are responsible for the hospice’s popular weekly Stay’n’Play group, Sensory Storytimes, sibling activity days and many other events families have grown to rely on.

The team was nominated by families who are supported by Little Havens including foster carer Nicola, who said: “The team do not realise how much they enrich our children’s lives; their sensory stories and activities give them experiences he otherwise wouldn’t have.

“They always welcome us with open arms, a cheery smile and a coffee at the ready, so not only is our time at Little Havens good for their wellbeing, but they also support me, too. It means we have somewhere to go with people who understand.”

Charlotte, another foster carer who visits Little Havens, supported the team’s nomination for a Big Heart award and said: “They work so hard to give the children and young people the best and most fun time at the hospice.

“They’ve given us many priceless memories of happiness and absolute joy. They often go above and beyond their roles, even dressing us as Pavarotti for an Italian-themed sensory story last year!”

The Big Heart award was presented to the Play & Activities Team at Little Havens on Monday 4 March by Neil Annis from Fostering Together, who said: “We were delighted to have this nomination from two families in our community who access this local support from Little Havens for the children in their care.

“The team’s service to young people with complex needs brings so many smiles and we hope our presentation of this award lets the team know how thankful we all truly are for all that they do.”

Emma Simpson, Head of Children and Young People’s services at Little Havens, was delighted for the team to receive this award. She said: “We are incredibly honored to receive the Big Heart Award, recognising the important role our Play & Activities Team have in supporting families at Little Havens.

“Every day, they ensure play is accessible and fun for our children no matter how hard their condition might make this, and this award is a testament to this commitment.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the team, whose energy and enthusiasm make a real difference in the lives of those we support.”

To find out more about Little Havens, visit havenshospices.org.uk/littlehavens

Picture: Fostering Together Representatives with Play Team Members Donna White and Lucy Smith, joined by Foster Carer Nicola, her foster son Clay, and another Foster Carer Charlotte who nominated the team.

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