Weymouth and Portland Friends of Julia's House

W&P Background

As a result of the enthusiasm and drive of Weymouth resident, Brenda Bonwell, who also has close links with Portland, the Weymouth & Portland Friends of Julia's House was formed in January 2007 to support the work of Julia's House, the charity that runs the only Dorset Children's Hospice and provides care in the home to life-limited and life-threatened children throughout Dorset.

Julia's House is situated in pleasant surroundings in Corfe Mullen and was officially opened in March 2003. It was set up in memory of Julia Perks, a nurse committed to raising awareness of the need for respite care for families. The original intention of the charity was to build a conventional children's hospice, but, in order to meet the needs of the children and families more effectively and much sooner than would otherwise be the case, it was decided to concentrate on providing care in the families' own homes first. The aim is to enhance the quality of life for children with complex medical needs so that they and their families can enjoy the best possible time in the circumstances, for however long that might be.

Julia's House can provide day-care for up to ten children at a time and overnight care for three. The thought that has gone into the medical, domestic and educational facilities is amazing (the sensory room has to be seen to be believed!), yet nonetheless the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and homely. It is surrounded by delightful gardens, which have been planned to enhance the facilities of the House and continue to enrich the experiences of the children and their families. The House is now open 4 days per week, including Saturdays, and hopes to provide overnight care by the end of December.

Children's hospices receive minimal government funding; in the case of Julia's House this amounts to less than 5% of its total costs. Thus Julia's House is almost totally reliant on the generosity of individuals and organisations. Since 2003 the Julia's House community team has grown to over 50 nurses and carers and they now provide internal support for 45 children as well as community care and assistance for 75 families across Dorset helping to reduce some of the immense pressures that the families face day in, day out.

The budget for Julia's House in 2007 was £1.2 million but for 2008 it is estimated that £1.9 million will be needed. If you would like to learn more about the work of Julia's House, please visit www.julias-house.org.

The impetus for the Weymouth & Portland Friends group came two years ago when Brenda Bonwell discovered that 25% of the families being supported by nurses and carers from Julia's House live in the Weymouth and Portland area and decided to take action - seeking sponsorship, selling Julia's House merchandise, running stalls and organising events. One thing led to another and, with twenty or so like-minded volunteers, the formation of Weymouth & Portland Friends of Julia's House took place at the end of January 2007.

The committee, with Brenda as chair, has already been hard at work and various events are planned for every month throughout the year (please see the Events link above). In addition, the Weymouth & Portland Friends of Julia's House are hoping to start a charity shop in the area - so if you know of premises that might be suitable, preferably with rear access, please give Brenda Bonwell a call. Brenda would also be delighted to come along and give a talk on the work of Julia's House to any interested group.

If you would like to find out more or to get involved, please ring Brenda Bonwell on 01305-783807or Beate Coward on 01305-821121 or come along to our next meeting (see Events page).

Beate Coward
Updated 27 Oct 2007