Nature, adventure and lots of laughter were the focus for our Sibling Support group on a summer day of Bushcraft.

The children, who have brothers and sisters who use our hospices, embraced countryside and survival skills when they took part in the outdoor activities day at Babbinswood Organic Farm, near Oswestry.

Led by Babbinswood Farm’s Adam Bowles, the Hope House sibling support team ran three sessions through the summer holidays. Children got stuck in with fire lighting, stick chopping and whittling and shelter building, and also created pot holders for campfire cooking.

The children who came from across Shropshire all had one thing in common – a brother or sister with a life-threatening condition.

Sibling support team Mary Leighton and Brian Plimbley said: “Sessions like these are so important. They are often the only chance that these children have to talk to other children who really understand what they are going through.

“It’s also a relaxed environment where children can tell us how they are feeling and share emotions in a safe space.

“It's always lovely to see them bond; working together, laughing and joking with each other.

“It also gives parents a bit of a break during the summer holidays, or time to spend with their other child while the siblings enjoy some independence.”

Adam, part owner of Babbinswood Farm, and Bushcraft lead, said he enjoyed teaching the children bushcraft skills.

“I run a lot of bushcraft courses from the farm for many diverse audiences including stag dos, familes, nature lovers or cooking enthusiasts.

“It’s been brilliant to work with Hope House’s Sibling Support groups and to get to know some of the children. It’s a privilege to see the pride on their faces when they put up a shelter together or manage to light a fire. I look forward to working with the hospice for more activity days in the future.”

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