At Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, supporting young people doesn’t stop at childhood. As they grow older, navigating the move into adult services can feel uncertain and overwhelming for families. That’s where Transition Cafés are making a meaningful difference.

In a recent interview led by Tim Jenning from the hospice’s Marketing Team, alongside Elliott, a young person supported by Bluebell Wood, Transition Co-ordinator Rachel Parkin and Youth Engagement Worker Julie Fothergill shared insight into this innovative approach.

Rachel explained how collaboration has been key to developing the initiative.

“We’ve been working really closely, particularly with Barnsley Hospice and St Luke’s Hospice, over the last couple of years,” she said. “It’s about building those invisible bridges between children’s and adult hospice services.”

This growing partnership is already having an impact.
“This year, we’ve held our first Transition Café at Ashgate, with more planned in Barnsley and additional sessions at St Luke’s and Bassetlaw Hospice,” Rachel added.

The cafés themselves are designed to offer much more than a simple meeting space. The word “CAFÉS” reflects their purpose: Care, Advice, Friendship, Education and Support.

“At each session, we invite external professionals to join us,” Rachel explained. “Parents can speak directly with solicitors about things like power of attorney, deputyships, wills and trusts. They can also connect with post-16 services, so they’re able to have informed conversations with the right people at the right time.”

Alongside practical advice, there is also a strong focus on preparing adult hospice teams to better understand the needs of young people transitioning into their care.

“We’ve delivered training with Barnsley Hospice over the last 18 months,” Rachel said. “Their care team has worked alongside ours, developing clinical skills in paediatric conditions and meeting young people and families. That experience is vital in helping them understand the complexities of the conditions young people may transition with.”

For Rachel, the bigger picture is clear.
“Transition support is absolutely crucial, and it should be part of a wider national network. There needs to be a clear pathway from children’s hospice services into adult care.”

Julie Fothergill emphasised the importance of taking a hands-on, real-world approach.

“We’re very present,” she said. “It would be easy to put something like this on paper and say, ‘this is what needs to happen.’ But we’re physically doing the groundwork. We’re there, building relationships and making it happen for young people and their families.”

She added that this commitment is what makes the difference.
“It’s about showing up every time and making sure young people feel supported throughout their journey.”

Through Transition Cafés, Bluebell Wood and its partners are not only supporting families in the moment, they are shaping a more connected, compassionate future for young people moving into adult hospice care.

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Upcoming dates for Cafes

All dates are 11am - 1pm drop in sessions

Barnsley Hospice -  Tuesday 11 Aug 2026

St Luke's Hospice -  Friday 14 Aug 2026

Ashgate Hospice - Thursday 27 Aug  2026

Bassetlaw Hospice - Friday 28 Aug 2026