(no subject)
I don't usually post about TV programmes, but I feel that this is something worth bringing to a wider audience. BBC2 are currently showing a documentary series about Helen House on Tuesdays at 10. I think they're about halfway through, but that shouldn't stop you - the individual programmes don't presume knowledge of previous programmes, although there are a number of "stories" that bridge between programmes.
Helen House happens to be just up the road from where I live, but that's not why I'm posting. It was the first children's hospice in the world, providing respite and end-of-life care for young people with life-limiting conditions. When Tim was younger, we used Martin House in Yorkshire (the second hospice), and then moved to Derian House in Chorley when that opened. We are lucky to have a complete care package for Tim now, so we don't need to use the hospices, but we still keep in touch as we have made so many close friends over the years.
The documentary is amazing. It covers areas of life that are usually taboo or hidden away, including the death of young children, and the sexual needs of young people with disabilities. They are handled sensitively, but without shying away from the realities and difficulties involved. The families who have allowed cameras into such personal areas of their life are treated with dignity and you don't feel that there is the same level of intrusion as is often seen in this sort of programme. The only problem I have is that many of the issues and stories are very close to home, and much as I may try to remain calm, I have yet to finish watching one with dry eyes.
Helen House happens to be just up the road from where I live, but that's not why I'm posting. It was the first children's hospice in the world, providing respite and end-of-life care for young people with life-limiting conditions. When Tim was younger, we used Martin House in Yorkshire (the second hospice), and then moved to Derian House in Chorley when that opened. We are lucky to have a complete care package for Tim now, so we don't need to use the hospices, but we still keep in touch as we have made so many close friends over the years.
The documentary is amazing. It covers areas of life that are usually taboo or hidden away, including the death of young children, and the sexual needs of young people with disabilities. They are handled sensitively, but without shying away from the realities and difficulties involved. The families who have allowed cameras into such personal areas of their life are treated with dignity and you don't feel that there is the same level of intrusion as is often seen in this sort of programme. The only problem I have is that many of the issues and stories are very close to home, and much as I may try to remain calm, I have yet to finish watching one with dry eyes.