We have supported Alder Hey since the Foundation was launched. In 2022 we made a grant to support the Sunflower House project. Alder Hey’s Charli Canfer sent us this update.
“Our specialist inpatient unit Sunflower House provides a safe and nurturing ‘home from home’ for children and young people with some of the most complex mental health needs. With 12 bedrooms and dedicated therapeutic spaces, it offers calm, comfort, and stability during what can be a very challenging time in a child’s life.
Because children often stay with us for extended periods, education is a vital part of their care. Our on-site classrooms are designed to meet the needs of 5–13-year-olds with a wide range of mental health conditions.
Overlooking the garden and courtyard, the environment encourages a gentle, natural flow between indoor and outdoor learning, helping young people reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
Children and young people staying in Sunflower House have taken part in a vibrant and thoughtfully designed programme of educational and therapeutic activities this term. These sessions have been specially tailored to support their learning, creativity, and emotional wellbeing, offering much-needed moments of joy, expression, and discovery during a time when they need it most.
Some of this term’s highlights include:
Art and Spray Paint Sessions – These creative workshops have encouraged self-expression and emotional exploration, giving young people the freedom to express their thoughts and feelings in vibrant, visual ways. For many, this has been a powerful outlet for processing emotions that are difficult to articulate. Aromatherapy and Wellbeing Walks – Designed to support sensory regulation and promote calm, these sessions have helped young people reconnect with nature, feel grounded, a nd develop simple mindfulness strategies they can draw on in moments of stress or anxiety. Everyman Theatre Group & Storytellers Club – Through drama, storytelling, and role-play, young people have been able to boost their confidence, communication skills, and sense of imagination. These sessions have opened the door to self-expression, collaboration, and fun in a safe and supported space.
LEGO and Explore & Create Sessions – Combining play with purpose, these activities have supported cognitive development by encouraging focus, creative thinking, and problem-solving. They’ve also been a great way for children to learn while engaging in hands-on, interactive fun. Trips to Bowling, Chester Zoo, and Local Farms – These outings have provided valuable opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and enjoyment beyond the hospital walls. For many young people, these moments represent freedom, normalcy, and the chance to simply be children again.
Craft Activities – From sewing and collage to seasonal crafts, these sessions have helped young people build fine motor skills, explore their creativity, and express themselves in tangible, tactile ways. The pride they take in what they create is clear to see. Beyond the educational and therapeutic benefits, these activities have had a deep emotional impact, helping young people feel seen, valued, and capable during one of the most challenging times in their lives.