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Family activities

Family activities

We offer a range of fun, accessible and free activities for families to enjoy and make precious memories together

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Create memories for the whole family to treasure...

Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, arts and crafts, a family day out or ice-skating, families can come along and be safe in the knowledge that everything will be taken care of.

Charlie House ensures that each activity has appropriate parking, accessible toilet facilities, and ample space and the activity includes the whole family. We have seen wheelchairs on paddle boards and ice rinks – making the impossible feel possible!

What we offer

Holiday activities

Just like our family activities but they take place over the school holidays! We turn up the fun over the holidays by putting on more activities so families can make even more memories together and feel less isolated.

Sibling activities

These are specific for siblings of children with life-limiting conditions, giving them opportunities to meet peers around their age who have similar experiences. It gives them a chance to step away from day-to-day life and have fun! Activities have included art groups, paddle boarding, climbing walls and pamper days.

Teen sibling activities

Like regular sibling activities, our teen sibling activities are suited to the needs and abilities of all older siblings. We have seen them getting involved in sporting activities, break-out games, and wreck-it rooms.

Two young boys next to a sensory bubble lava lamp with the older boy holding the younger boy who has life-limiting conditions

Five and under group

An age-specific group for the younger members of the family, for any child including siblings. These sessions often involve lots of accessible fun activities, including music, swimming, or soft play. There’s even a chance for the parents to grab a cuppa and catch up too.

School leavers group

These activities are for young-adults with life-limiting conditions who have left school, providing them with health and wellbeing sessions and opportunities to have fun. These sessions give them something to look forward to and a routine when they are no longer of the age to attend school. It also provides parent-carers time to catch up with one another safe in the knowledge that their child is having fun in an activity planned especially for them

Parent/Carer activities

These sessions are for our parent-carers and sometimes the older adult siblings. We facilitate sessions to provide practical advice, share information and receive peer support from families in similar situations. We also offer relaxation activities such as yoga, spa evenings or mindfulness sessions. We tailor our sessions to accommodate different interests and hobbies, meaning there’s something for everyone.

Coffee catch-ups

We run regular coffee catch-ups at Charlie House HQ and ReCharge Cafe. This gives opportunities to ask questions and share experiences, which is crucial to helping parent-carers cope with their long-term caring responsibilities, helping them navigate the many challenges they will encounter during their child’s life. There’s lots of toys and games to keep the children occupied too.

Discover ReCharge Cafe

Short stay activity breaks

Charlie House funds a biannual short break trip. This is an activity holiday, where we encourage families to enjoy accessible outdoor activities together. Here they can gain a sense of achievement while enjoying family time. Past holiday activities have included trips to Kielder Forest Park where families have taken part in abseiling, kayaking, swimming, zip slides and much more!

"As a family we all tried new, and at times scary, things together. I have realised that it is us parents who have to take the leap of faith, so that our little ones can reach for the stars."

Parent supported by Charlie House

Emma's Family Activity Experience

We invite you to witness the joy and happiness experienced by Emma and her children as they embark on a fantastic beach adventure, creating beautiful moments together that will be treasured forever.

Many thanks to Reach Video for crafting this beautiful short film.

Activities like these are made possible by our supporters

By supporting Charlie House, you help us continue providing these precious experiences and making a difference in the lives of the children and families we support.

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Other ways we can help...

How we can help

Adapting to life and caring for your child with a life-limiting condition can be difficult, isolating, stressful and life-changing. Charlie House is here to help you every step of the way.

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Family support services

We provide support for your whole family because finding out your child has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition can affect everyone.

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Advocacy and information

Our services team act as advocates for children and families, attending multi-agency or GIRFEC meetings, or supporting families in any way they need us to.

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Information for professionals

We are committed to working professionals across many sectors which can include health, education and social care in North-east Scotland to ensure that children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families have access to the support they need.

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