The Hive Youth Zone and Claire House partner to give young people a day to ‘Bee Happy’

The Hive Youth Zone and Claire House Children’s Hospice have joined forces to welcome the siblings of children supported by the hospice to a monthly ‘Bee Happy’ party.

Located in the heart of Wirral, The Hive Youth Zone supports over 3,500 young people aged 8 – 19, and up to age 25 for those with a disability, raising aspirations and changing lives by giving members ‘Somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to’. As a registered charity open 365 days a year, the youth zone relies on vital fundraising efforts to support the ongoing work it does for the young people of the North West.

Claire House Children’s Hospice helps seriously and terminally ill children live life to the full by creating wonderful experiences and bringing a sense of normality back to family life. This support includes providing care for parents and siblings through counselling, planned activities, trips and residential breaks throughout the year.

The dedicated ‘Bee Happy’ events will offer Claire House siblings exclusive access to all the incredible facilities that The Hive has to offer, including an indoor climbing wall, a rooftop football pitch, a fully equipped music room and hair salon. Bee Happy events will provide siblings an opportunity to build relationships with other children who have lost or have a seriously ill brother or sister. They will also receive a Hive membership as part of their welcome pack so that they can continue to access the Youth Zone in their own time.

Chief Executive of The Hive Youth Zone Adam Mellor said: “The Hive Youth Zone aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for young people from across Wirral. We’re always looking for innovative ways to provide services that will really make a difference to the lives of young people. Working in partnership with Claire House and their sibling groups is an incredible way to help support the inspiring work that they do.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to create the most fantastic party imaginable for the siblings. Activities will include a huge disco, magic, face-painting, karaoke, climbing and giant inflatables alongside activities already available in The Hive. Our aim is for them to come along, build up a social network of new friends, forget their worries and simply be happy!”

Counsellor at Claire House, Natasha Williamson said: “We’re really excited for the start of this partnership with The Hive. At Claire House Children’s Hospice, we know how important it is to support the entire family; we ensure that parents, grandparents and children with life-limiting illnesses and those families who are sadly bereaved get the support that they need to promote positive mental health. The Bee Happy parties at The Hive’s incredible site will allow siblings of Claire House children to leave behind their worries for a few hours, have fun and meet other children who are going through something similar to themselves.”

The two charities are calling on individuals and organisations to take part in fundraising activities to raise vital funds which will support the monthly events. From ‘Wear what makes you happy’ days where people in organisations are encouraged to wear whatever makes them happy to work, whether this is a football shirt, pyjamas or even fancy dress.

For those with a sweet tooth, a ‘Bake their Day’ bake sale is a chance for friends, families and colleagues to get together over some tasty treats and raise funds. Alternatively, businesses can hold a Friday afternoon ‘Happy Hour’, whereby employees leave an hour early and donate their hourly pay to the campaign.

Adam added: “For us to continue to make events such as these a reality, we’re calling on individuals, schools, businesses and community groups to come together, have some fun and gather the donations we really need to fund our huge variety of upcoming activities. We have some exciting ways for the community to be involved to help raise vital funds and we hope that the whole community will come together to support these amazing events for Claire House siblings.’’

For more information about The Hive Youth Zone visit www.thehiveyouthzone.org

To receive your ‘Bee Happy’ Fundraising Pack, please contact heather.anderson@thehiveyouthzone.org