Tŷ Hafan Scout Campers brave the elements

Tuesday 17 July 2012

One of the worst Welsh summers on record did not put off the Tŷ Hafan Scout Group from going on their annual camp, this year to Builth Wells.

The group, consisting of brothers and sisters of some of the children and young people who spend time at Tŷ Hafan, the family hospice for young lives, had been looking forward to the trip all year and NOTHING was going to put them off.

Lynne Doyle has been the sibling support worker at Tŷ Hafan for the past 3 years.  Her job is to help brothers and sisters deal with the changes in their family life brought about by having a sibling who needs special and constant care.

“All the young people are great” explained Lynne “and their ability to cope with their particular situation never ceases to amaze me.   They do need a bit of help now and then though and knowing how much stress their parents can be under caring for their brother or sister can make them reluctant to add to their worries by talking to them about their own issues”

“That’s where I come in.  Sometimes older children can find it difficult to discuss their fears and feelings but I try to create the situation which allows them to open up to me and we can work them through together involving the rest of the family if really necessary of course”

“At Tŷ Hafan we arrange opportunities for the siblings to get together on a regular basis.  It’s hugely beneficial for them to be with others who are in a similar situation to them and who understand.  This can be particularly good for those whose brother or sister has died and we run a special event every year for bereaved siblings.

 “Many of the siblings are members of the Tŷ Hafan Scout Group – believed to be the only one of its kind in the UK.  The annual camp trip is always great fun – whatever the weather and they can all let off steam and have a really good time”