A children’s charity hosted its annual party at the weekend for local families using its services.
The CHAS at Home Aberdeen summer event took place at the Sheddocksley Baptist church yesterday and was enjoyed by dozens of parents and their children who are supported by the national hospice service.
The charity provides hospices and respite across Scotland for children who have life-shortening conditions and its aim is to “reach every family” that needs them.
Yesterday, some 20 families attended the party and were entertained by a sensory sound and light specialist who provided a sensory room. Inside, they could create their own music, dance with the lights, and had a “fabulous” disco.
One of the parents last night thanked the charity for the “super afternoon” and added: “It was a great chance to meet other families and siblings for the wee ones.” Attendees were also treated to a visit from an ice cream vendor and a face painter was on hand to adorn colourful patterns on young and old alike.
Emma Moore, Aberdeen Community Fundraiser at CHAS said: “The annual CHAS at Home Aberdeen party was a wonderful opportunity for local parents who use the service to chat and have a cup of tea together, while their children were cared for by CHAS staff and volunteers.
“For many of the families, it was the first time they had met other families in a similar situation to them, and being part of it felt very humbling.
“Our CHAS at Home team work with local communities, hospitals and health organisations to reach families in Aberdeen, and the whole of Scotland.
“The service currently supports nearly 30 families in the North East, and we’re determined to reach every family in Scotland that needs us, no matter where they are. We make sure that no matter how short a family’s time together may be, it is filled with happiness and vitality.
“We keep the joy alive by helping families to celebrate the lives of their children while they are together, and honour their memory when they are gone.” For more information please visit: www.keepthejoyalive.org.uk