Helen House has eight beds, two of which are for emergency use. There are also four family flats so that the whole family can stay at the same time. Douglas House has seven beds, one of which is for emergency use. There are also three family suites so that the whole family can stay at the same time. By having two houses with a limited number of beds, we strive to ensure that every child, young adult and family receives a very high level of care in an environment built around their needs. [Top]

Q: Do you ever have to turn people away?

Sometimes, at our busiest periods, we cannot cope with the demand for our services and sadly we may not be able to offer a family's first choice stay. However, as we plan well in advance, we can almost always offer an alternative. [Top]

Q: How many people work at Helen & Douglas House?

Around 150 people across a range of disciplines. Most people work on the Care Team, but we also need people who can manage our finances, give HR and administrative support to our staff, look after our buildings and grounds, cook food, manage our shops, answer the telephone and, of course, look after our donors! [Top]

Q: What sort of conditions do the people who use the hospices have?

Any individual under the age of 35 with a life-limiting and life-shortening condition can be referred to Helen and Douglas House. For more details, please call us on 01865 794749. [Top]

Q: Where are you?

We're just outside Oxford City Centre in an area called Cowley - please see our map for an exact location. We like to think of ourselves as an oasis in the hustle and bustle of city life! [Top]

Q: What is your catchment area?

Oxfordshire and the neighbouring shires (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, parts of Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Greater London. Please call on 01865 794749 to find out whether you fall into our catchment area. If you don't we may be able to advise of a service closer to you. [Top]

Q: Do you get any Government funding?

Currently, Helen & Douglas House receives some funding derived from Government sources but on the whole has to rely heavily on voluntary contributions. However, in May 2006 the Department of Health announced that it would be providing £9 million a year for each of the next three years to be shared among England's 35 children's hospice services. This is a welcome move by Government and we understand that we will receive in the region of £200,000 for 2007. However, as it presently costs in the region of �4 million a year to run both Helen House and Douglas House the Charity will still need to rely very heavily on voluntary donations. We are pleased, however, to hear that in addition to the annual contribution of �9 million the Government intends to conduct a review of long-term funding for England's childrens hospice services. We look forward to hearing the findings. [Top]

Q: Can I volunteer to help at Helen & Douglas House?

Of course! Please contact Hilary Burr on hburr@helenanddouglas.org.uk or call on 01865 794749 if you feel you have a skill that could help us in our work, and are prepared to donate some of your time on a regular basis. For more information, please visit our section on volunteering. [Top]

Q: How can I help to fundraise?

Literally anything goes - from running a marathon to shaking a tin at the local supermarket. For more information, please visit our fundraising section. One of the simplest ways to support us is to give a small amount on a regular basis (for example £5 each month). This helps us to plan for the future safe in the knowledge that at least some of our income is guaranteed. Thank you. [Top]