Families in Weldmar’s care enjoy precious time together with free breaks from Waterside Holidays

A partnership offering fully funded short breaks to local families navigating life-limiting illness and bereavement.

We often say that what we do at Weldmar Hospicecare is to help those in our care make every moment matter.

That is true not only for the patients who have a life limiting illness, but also for their loved ones. With the generosity and support of Waterside Holidays, a number of families have been able to put their worries aside for a short time and take a break together.

Both families who have a loved one in our care, and those being supported through bereavement, have had the opportunity to take advantage of the holidays.

A meaningful collaboration

Samantha Baldwin is Weldmar’s Welfare Support Worker, part of the charity’s Patient and Family Support Services team, and says: “We would like to extend a massive thank you to Waterside Holiday Parks and their fantastic offering of short breaks for any family being supported by Weldmar. At a time of illness, loss and deep sadness, families have been given the opportunity to make beautiful memories without worrying about cost implications. Emma Brooks has been absolutely amazing at facilitating the bookings and I cannot put into words the incredible impact this has had on our patients and their families.”

Connecting through loss

The Holding Space is a relaxed coffee morning for Weldmar parents and carers with young children, and is where Lynette and Gemma met and bonded through their experiences of losing their husbands and becoming lone parents. They were both able to take their children to a Waterside Holiday park together.

Lynette took her daughters Lilly and Poppy, and their dog, Bailey. She says: “We had a great weekend, it was amazing and I was so relaxed. We all loved it. It was well needed.”

Gemma, mum to Isabelle and Henley, adds: “Thank you so much for the holiday referral. Henley keeps crying saying he never wants to go home. I think they are used to slumming it in a tent in Weymouth, so this is luxury for them. It’s all perfect.”

Joanna, who has also been supported by the Patient and Family Support Services team at Weldmar, says: “I wanted to say a massive thank you for the two night stay in Weymouth. What a great idea!  It was such a lovely break! We were so lucky with the weather too.”

Our thanks to Waterside Holidays for their support in making every moment matter for families in our care.