National Siblings Day: Claire House highlights why siblings need support too

Claire House reflects on how art and creativity can support siblings, with Liverpool artist Gemma Longworth, inspired by her own experience of loss.

When a child is seriously ill, their brothers and sisters can be affected in ways that aren’t always seen.

Claire House Children’s Hospice offers dedicated sibling support – giving brothers and sisters space just for them, where they can feel safe, supported and free to be themselves.

The charity, which has a full hospice in Wirral and a Liverpool site in West Derby, supports seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults, and their families.

Earlier this year, siblings took part in a creative furniture upcycling workshop with Liverpool artist Gemma Longworth.

After losing her little brother, Sean, in a car accident aged nine, Gemma from Anfield found comfort in creativity and understands the many emotions siblings can experience.

Credit: Claire House National Siblings Day

She said: “As a sibling myself, I understand how important it is for brothers and sisters to have space just for them,”

“Working with the siblings supported by Claire House felt incredibly special. It was so clear they felt safe, seen and supported.

“The young people were amazing, and it was such a joy to see their confidence grow as they created and transformed their pieces.”

Sessions like this give children and young adults the chance to relax, build confidence and express themselves through creativity – something that can be especially important when emotions feel complex.

Gemma is known for her skill of breathing new life into old furniture pieces on Channel 4’s restoration show Find It, Fix It, Flog It. She now runs Hidden Gems, a creative support project using art and craft to help children and young adults through grief.

“Though I lost Sean many years ago when I was 11, his spirit still lives on in everything I do,” says Gemma.

“He was the artist, he used to draw with my grandad, so drawing and painting became my way to remember him. Art became a vital way for me to process grief and emotions that felt too big for words.

“Creativity can play a powerful role in supporting mental health. It offers a way to express feelings safely, calm the nervous system, and experience a sense of achievement. For siblings especially, creative activities can provide a gentle outlet and a reminder that their feelings matter too.”

Claire House supports siblings with emotional support, play, shared experiences and opportunities to create lasting memories.

Alex Wheeler, Therapeutic Support Worker at Claire House, says: “We see every day how siblings can hold a lot of big emotions. Our role is to help them feel understood, supported and reminded that they’re just as important.

“Alongside this support, fun activities and workshops, like Gemma’s visit, give siblings a chance to relax, express themselves creatively and just enjoy being children.”

This National Siblings Day, the hospice says it’s proud to recognise the vital role siblings play – and to be there for them, every step of the way.