At Charlie House, support can take many forms. Today, we’re stepping outside for a change of scenery as Charlie House Family Support Worker Dean introduces me to a “Walk & Talk” session: a relaxed and informal activity the services team regularly offer to parents, carers, and young people we support.
“These sessions give us the chance to check in, understand what families are going through, and explore how we can help with any challenges they might be facing. Being outside and walking together helps people feel more at ease. That’s often when conversations really start to flow.”
Last year alone, Charlie House delivered over 1,650 one-to-one support interactions to families across the North-east. Whether that’s providing access to vital information and advocacy, making hospital or school support visits, or simply having a quiet chat, these moments of connection are always offered free of charge. For families Charlie House supports, that can mean everything.
Dean has been kept busy in his first few months, having recently joined the Charlie House support team in response to the growing need for vital family services. As we walk, he reflects on getting to know families, the everyday help he and the team provide, and the transformative value of one-to-one support.
Tailored support for families across the North-east
Services at Charlie House come in many forms: emotional support, advocacy, practical help, inclusive activities, and more.
“I work with parents, carers, siblings, and young people. Support might take place at home, in hospital, or at school, depending on what suits the family best.”
Caring for a child with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions affects every member of the family, often in much different ways.
Siblings may try to hide their worries, not wanting to add any pressure at home. Having their own private space to open up to a family support worker, who can help them understand their complicated feelings and emotions, can make a transformative difference to that child’s life.
Parents and carers may need someone like Dean to stand alongside them and advocate for both them and their child during medical appointments or hospital visits, helping ensure their voices are heard and the right care and support are in place when it matters most.
“We’re also there when families are facing loss,” Dean explains. “Our one-to-one sessions give parents a safe space to talk through their unimaginable circumstances. That support can be especially important during the most difficult times, including when a child sadly passes away.”
Dean is also helping shape new offerings, including a men’s group that is currently being piloted.
“We’d noticed that fewer male family members were attending activities and support sessions and recognised this was an area where voices were often missing. That’s why we’re so pleased to see our new men’s group being so well received. It gives dads, granddads, and other male carers a space to share their experiences and helps us better understand how to tailor our support to meet their specific needs.”
Building connection through inclusive activities
Dean sees the biggest impact not just in the activities themselves, but in what they make possible.
“Our support sessions and activities create ripple effects, where children and siblings make friends and parents support each other long after our session ends.”
He’s also quick to highlight the importance of quieter moments.
“Sometimes it’s the quieter moments that carry the most weight. Often, people just need someone to listen.”
Dean recalls a recent exotic animal session where families had the chance to pet and learn about all kinds of interesting animals, from iguanas to giant snails.
“The children and siblings absolutely loved it. They got to know all kinds of critters, feel the bumpy skin of lizards, and listen to the chirping of the grasshoppers. However, the most impactful part of the day came afterwards when families stayed behind to talk and connect with each other. That time often turns out to be the most meaningful part of our activities.”
It’s those shared moments that really make a difference. Parents have the chance to talk openly with others who truly understand what day-to-day life can be like when caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. They swap stories, offer advice, and share the kind of support that comes from walking a similar path. Sometimes, just having the chance to connect without pressure is what matters most.
Responding to urgent need across our region
Charlie House currently supports over 140 families across the region, but Dean knows many more could benefit.
“We know that more than 1,800 children across the North-east could be eligible for our support,” he says. “There’s a huge need, and we want to reach as many as we can.”
But for many, getting to that support isn’t always easy.
“By offering free, inclusive activities and support, we help take some of that pressure away. That can be the difference between being able to access this support, or not.”
As our session comes to a close, Dean reflects on what his role means to him.
“You’re invited into people’s lives during some of their most challenging moments. That’s not something I take lightly. It’s not just a job. It’s something I care deeply about.”
What support means to families supported by Charlie House
One family recently shared the difference a Walk & Talk session made for them. These are their words:
“As parents with a child who has a life-threatening condition, we take nothing for granted.
"We spend our days attending meetings, appointments, and budgeting. Charlie House Walk & Talks offers us an hour or two of breathing space. We can get lunch and a drink without worrying about cost. We can sit and just breathe without the worry of where we need to be next.
"It offers us space to talk and share our story or simply sit and listen as others tell theirs.
"Above all, it gives us a sense of freedom and acceptance without judgment because unless you have a child with complex needs, you never truly understand just how emotionally crippling that is.
"Charlie House is our safe space, and we will forever be grateful to be a part of such an amazing family because that's exactly what it feels like: a loving supportive family.”
