A CHILDREN’S hospice that offers vital care for terminally ill children in Swindon has won a £10,000 lottery funding boost.

Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home received the cash for its Let’s Talk Transition programme.

The scheme is dedicated to supporting life-limited children who outlive their initial prognosis and need help in the transition period from Jessie May’s care to adult services.

The money will enable the hospice to bring young people together for events where they can connect with each other, share stories, and be part of a supportive community. And the programme will run graduation days to mark the moment youngsters transition from Bristol-based Jessie May’s care.

Chris Roys, Jessie May CEO, said: “Thanks to advances in medical technology, more life-limited children are outliving their initial prognosis and transitioning to adulthood.

“Jessie May has seen a marked increase in the number of young people reaching 19, the age of transition.

“Six young people are due to graduate from Jessie May in 2018 and 31 young people on our caseload aged 14 to 19 could graduate in the next five years.

“This incredible amount of funding means we can support more young people who are approaching the age of transition and ensure these young adults are able to fulfil their full potential, within the limitations of their health.

“Jessie May continues to make a huge difference to children and their families’ lives, giving the vital support needed at absolutely no cost.

“We aim to ensure that the children have the very best quality of life possible and all of us at Jessie May is so thankful to the National Lottery for supporting us in this way.”

“The grant will help pay for training on a range of issues around how to support young adults, and several support visits for families whose children are about to transition to adult care services.

These visits could include arranging an introductory visit to day care centres, help with filling out forms, financial advice and signposting to other agencies.

James Harcourt, the England grant-making director at the Big Lottery Fund, he said: “We’re proud to be funding Jessie May’s work as it continues to support young people to fulfil their potential.”

“It’s thanks to National Lottery players that inspiring groups like this can provide a place for young people to come together and share their experiences.”