Local Charity HOPE Move into Alton House
HOPE, the local charity which supports children whose families are affected by life threatening illness has taken a brand new unit at Alton House.
Launched by Sue Trevethan in October 2009, HOPE is a local charity based at Alton House in Ross on Wye whose aims are to support young people who are affected following a close family member being diagnosed with a potentially life threatening illness. Sue has a solid background working with young people including working with Social Services, the Youth Service, Schools and Colleges, Childline and various local charities. HOPE was founded as a result of Sue being diagnosed with cancer in 2006. She discovered there was no support available for young people concerned about a close family member and decided this gap needed to be filled to ensure that children and young people receive appropriate support throughout such worrying and distressing times.
Until January 2010, HOPE operated from Sue’s home but in desperate need for new larger premises, they were delighted to secure a unit at Alton House on Alton Business Park in Ross on Wye. The premises not only gives them a more comfortable working environment but will improve their accessibility and prominence locally. Freeman Commercial, who built the business park were pleased to support the charity offering them a generous donation to allow them to have the funds to move into the premises, Luke Freeman, Joint Managing Director said “HOPE is a very worthwhile charity offering a fantastic support network when young people need it most. We are thrilled to be able to help them in getting into new premises and hope they will go from strength to strength.”
Children and young people can often feel isolated, confused and frightened at the time a close family member is diagnosed with such illness as the focus is usually on the patient. Early intervention can enable them to cope better with the situation and can often mean less disruption to their lives. HOPE offers young people the opportunity to meet other youngsters in a similar position and get the support they need to deal with their situation.