Naomi and Jack’s has recently refurbished its family accommodation at Naomi House, where parents and siblings can stay.
Naomi and Jack’s is a local hospice charity for babies, children and young adults. At Naomi House, parents can stay at the hospice with their child if they want to. When they decide to stay, they sleep in their own private room on the floor above while the expert care team cares for their child in the downstairs bedrooms at Naomi House.
The newly refurbished family rooms have been given a ‘boutique hotel’ feel, giving parents who need a break the chance to relax in a cosy, comforting and luxury bedroom. The bedrooms all feature a brand-new private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and a smart TV.
The accommodation also features a stylish communal kitchen with a breakfast bar and lounge space. The Catering Team and Housekeeping Team at Naomi and Jack’s still cater for the whole family during their stay, but they are still provided with facilities such a dishwasher, breakfast goods, toaster, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer etc. for ease. The lounge area features toys and games for siblings and a smart TV for families to watch together.
Nikki, Khyal’s mum, recently stayed in one of the newly refurbished rooms, and shared her experience:
“I was speechless when I walked into the family rooms at Naomi and Jack’s for the first time. Staying there made me feel cared for and appreciated – I felt like a Queen! As a full-time mum who doesn’t stop, it feels so special to be given a calm, quiet, comfortable and beautiful space to rest.
“It’s amazing to go upstairs at Naomi and Jack’s, knowing my son is safe, happy and being cared for, and to close the door on all the stresses and pressures of life caring and advocating for Khyal. I turned off my phone and let myself shut that door and switch off from the world in a beautiful setting.
“The big beds are comfortable with lovely bedding – I’ve never slept so well and woken up ready for the day. The showers are lovely and there’s air conditioning, which is a luxury in this heat. I don’t get to sit down at home, so being able to just sit in bed and watch TV was a joy. And then to be spoiled by the catering team with fresh, delicious meals – I thoroughly enjoyed staying and didn’t want to leave!”
The bedrooms had structural work, new flooring, new lighting, brand new bathrooms and a new lick of paint and décor. The old lounge space and kitchen space was reconfigured to allow for an additional bedroom to be built. Bathrooms were slightly reduced in size to allow for more spacious bedrooms. And air conditioning was installed for comfort over the hot summer months.
Vickey, mum of Archie who regularly visits Naomi House, shared with us what the parent accommodation means to families like hers:
“Every year we book a week’s respite stay at Naomi and Jack’s at the same time as some of Archie’s best friends. In the evenings, us parents all sleep in the parent accommodation, safe in the knowledge that our children are being safely looked after. We chat, we moan, we laugh and most importantly we sleep! Beautiful uninterrupted sleep! Naomi House is an absolute haven for me, I really don’t know what I’d do without it.”
Martin Johnson, Facilities Manager at Naomi and Jack’s, said:
“The previous family accommodation was outdated and tired, and in need of an update. We are delighted to be able to offer a space where parents, some of which care for their children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no rest, can relax, breathe and recharge their batteries.
We worked in collaboration with the Family Support Team and Care Team to consider what families needed to feel calm, relaxed and have a sense of escapism. We’re so pleased with the result and have received lots of positive feedback about the rooms feeling beautiful and cosy with the little personal touches and luxuries of a boutique hotel. Thank you to REC Projects for carrying out a high quality, thorough job.”
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Naomi and Jack’s are an independent charity offering expert palliative care for children and young adults at their purpose-built hospice and in the community.
They support hundreds of families in central southern England, providing outstanding care, specialist short breaks and bereavement support. They are always there for end-of-life care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Naomi House provides individualised care for babies and children, supporting families to make the most of their precious time together.
Jack’s Place, the only hospice for young adults in the south of England, continues that care with unique services, social activities and a focus on independence.
Visit: https://www.naomiandjacks.org.uk/
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