At Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, care extends beyond the child to the whole family. A vital part of this is Sibling Support, ensuring brothers and sisters feel seen, heard, and supported in their own unique experiences.

To explore what this looks like in practice, Elliott, a young person who has been supported by Bluebell Wood for many years, sat down with Tim from the Marketing team to chat with Family Support Workers Michaela Barnes and Liz Hobson.

From the Classroom to Compassionate Care

Both Michaela and Liz began their careers working in schools, an experience that continues to shape their approach today.

Michaela explains that while she was ready for a career change, she still felt strongly about working with children. When the opportunity arose at Bluebell Wood to support siblings within schools, it felt like the perfect fit.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” she says, combining her background in education with meaningful, family centred support.

No Two Days Are the Same

When asked what a typical day looks like, Liz is quick to point out that there isn’t one.

“No day is the same,” she says. “I love coming in and seeing the families and children. You really do feel like you become part of their family. You build such strong connections, and that’s really special.”

What Sibling Support Really Means

Sibling Support at Bluebell Wood is about creating space for children and young people to express themselves in their own way and in their own time.

Michaela explains that while much of the focus is naturally on the child receiving care, so this can be challenging for siblings and families.

“This brings siblings together so they realise they’re not alone,” she says. “It gives them the chance to share their emotions, but also just to be themselves.”

Support is often delivered through a mix of group sessions and one to one time in schools. These sessions are led by the child.

“If they want to talk, we’re there. If they want to talk about school or friends instead, that’s okay too,” Michaela adds. “The key is that they have someone consistent they can turn to.”

Liz highlights how important this dedicated time can be.

“Every child’s experience is unique. Sometimes siblings don’t want to share their feelings with parents or carers because they know how busy things can be. This gives them a space that’s just for them, a little bubble of time where they can be themselves.”

Building Confidence, Connection and Fun

What makes Bluebell Wood’s Sibling Support stand out is the balance between emotional support and simply having fun.

“We bring our personalities,” Liz says. “We joke, we laugh, we play games. We’re on the floor with them, outside playing football, cricket, hide and seek, whatever they want to do.”

At the same time, children know they can turn to Michaela and Liz if they need support.

“They know we’re approachable,” Michaela says. “If they have a worry, they can pull us aside and talk.”

The group setting also helps build strong friendships between siblings who share similar experiences.

“It’s amazing to see the connections forming,” Liz says. “They really support each other.”

Michaela recalls a recent activity where the group created their own identity.

“We did a graffiti art session and asked them to come up with a name for their group. They chose ‘The Sibsons’. They made a poster with all their names and took a photo together. Everyone was smiling, it was such a lovely moment.”

A Space to Belong

Through creativity, connection and care, Sibling Support at Bluebell Wood provides something truly special, a place where children can feel understood, build friendships, and simply be themselves.

For Elliott, who helped lead the conversation, it’s clear just how important this support is, not just for today, but for the future.