Family Weekend round-up: September 2018

Our latest Family Weekend was held at the Fire Fighters Charity’s Marine Court in Littlehampton in September.  Five families from across the South East – along with Burns Care Professionals from the Burns Services at Chelmsford, Chelsea & Westminster and East Grinstead– enjoyed a full weekend’s programme, starting with tractor rides and our own animal petting session at Fishers Farm on Friday and ending with the family swim in Marine Court’s wonderful swimming pool on Sunday.  In addition to the scar and stress management workshops that parents participated in on Saturday, and to the ever-popular swimming sessions, activities included crafts, face-painting, tea-party, a Punch and Judy show and family quiz.

The dreadful weather on Saturday, that put paid to our usual visit to the beach, was a blessing in disguise – our quick-thinking play specialist from East Grinstead contacted Littlehampton Fire Station across the road from Marine Court.  The wonderful crew (who had just returned from a shout) welcomed us all, gave the children a ride in the fire engine and some training in how to work the hosepipes – we all ended up a lot wetter than the rain was making us, but there were smiles all around!

Our thanks to the staff at Marine Court, and to the nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, play specialists, psychologists and volunteers who all gave more than just their time to make this a memorable, fun and helpful time for the 14 children and 10 parents who attended.

Parent’s comments:

“I feel as a family we have been able to talk to people who actually understand us.”

“At first I was wary of what the weekend would entail – it was better than I thought it would be – relaxing, not at all stressful.”