Charities

In 2008 the Essex Police Choir has chosen to support the East Anglian Childrens Hospice (EACH) and 'Open Door' Music Therapy. The choir has now raised in excess of £200,000 for Essex Based Charities and good causes since 1989

East Anglian Childrens Hospice (EACH)

There are an estimated 200,000 life-limited and life-threatened children in the UK. Caring for a child with a life-threatening illness, often for 24 hours a day, seven days a week over many years, can put a huge strain on family life. Often a child will need constant care through the day and night, and while families willingly invest love, energy and attention, life becomes completely governed by the relentless timetable of nursing and medical needs. Relationships can suffer, careers may have to be abandoned, healthy brothers and sisters can feel left out and regular family activities and holidays can be rare. On top of all of this, families often feel alone and afraid in their grief.

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has three children’s hospice care services based at Milton in Cambridge, Ipswich and Quidenham in Norfolk. Their three multi-disciplinary care teams help local life-limited and life-threatened children and their families with the emotional and physical challenges they face, helping them to make the most of life. They welcome the whole family for a break together or time to themselves in a home-from-home environment or in the comfort of their own home.

EACH is a registered charity which relies on public support for around 80% of its required income of approximately £4.9 million a year. They offer a diverse range of service including: care at end of life, respite care, specialist play, music therapy, telephone support, practical help, advice and information and bereavement support for all family members, including siblings and grandparents.

Some of the children in our care may only have a very short time to live, perhaps only weeks or months, others may reach young adulthood. Our aim is always the same – to enhance the quality of life of the child and support their family in the process.

In 2007 the Choir supported the Broomfield Hospital Laser Appeal, and donated £5000 and raised a further £7000 for other charities and good causes throughout the year