A HOSPICE held an event to mark ten years of a children’s service.

St Luke’s Hospice, Nethermayne, Basildon celebrated a decade of the children’s counselling service with a special event.

Lukes’ Counselling Service for Children and Young People is one of the many services run by St. Luke’s Hospice. Although being an integral part of St Luke’s Hospice care, the Service is also open to all children, young people and families in South West Essex, whatever the circumstances of bereavement.

The Service started in 2005 with initial funding provided by the Big Lottery, and is now funded by the hospice together with additional donations from a variety of other organisations and individuals.

Suzie Dodd, Leader of Family Support Services at the hospice said: “The anniversary event was an opportunity for professionals working with children to come along to the hospice, and find out about our Lukes’ Service and the support and help we can give to children and young people.We were delighted with the turnout and are considering holding a similar event later in the year.”