Julia’s House open day visit

Last week a few of the Catalyst team had the opportunity to visit Julia’s House hospice in Corfe Mullen, which has recently undergone a big refurbishment, including an extension.

It was great to see the amazing facilities and how much thought has gone into making it a home from home for the children and the families in their care.

Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser at Julia’s House, also gave us more of an insight into what they do as a charity. Not only do they give families respite from caring for a poorly child, but they also provide siblings a safe space to have fun and talk about their feelings, support parents/grandparents with their needs and prepare teenagers for life after Julia’s House. The charity also offers bereavement support to families that have lost a child, for up to three years.

The team came away with more fundraising ideas and a determination to raise as much as we can to help this wonderful charity to provide vital support to local families.

Anna Bennett, Marketing and PR Director at Catalyst, said: “It was a privilege to visit the newly refurbished facilities at Julia’s House in Dorset. Seeing these beautiful spaces first-hand makes it clear, this isn’t just a building – it’s a lifeline. But what really stayed with me was the sense of warmth and sanctuary provided to children with life-limiting conditions. Understanding the depth of support these local families need has shifted our perspective. We left with more than just motivation; we left with a mission. Our commitment to this partnership is deeper than ever, and we are excited to ramp up Catalyst’s fundraising efforts to help this incredible charity reach even more families in our community. Thank you, Caroline Attreed, for giving us an even better insight into the incredible support Julia’s House provides.”

Chris Fairfax, CEO at Catalyst, added: “It was amazing to be an early visitor to the newly refurbished facilities at Julias House in Dorset, enabling an even better service to be provided. To see and understand in more detail how money raised through fundraising efforts is used to improve the lives of families with children who have life limiting conditions was incredibly powerful. I came away with an even greater commitment and motivation to support the cause.”

To find our more about Julia’s House and the work they do, visit https://www.juliashouse.org/