Will you help build Isabella’s Place?
A Place to create joy. A Place to develop skills. A Place to make memories
Donate now
Will you help build an Arts & Crafts room for the children of today, tomorrow, and the future?
We have drawn up plans for a major refurbishment of key areas within our Black Country Hospice. Central to this is a new Arts and Crafts room which has been named Isabella’s Place.
A special place named after a very special little girl
At three years old Isabella was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. She came to our Black Country Hospice for a number of years.
Isabella spent hours in the Arts and Crafts room. It was an escape from her treatment. Aged just eleven, Isabella passed away. For her parents, she left behind many treasured items. Boxes of artwork for them to display.
Her parents, Mark and Jen, became central to our Save Acorns in the Black Country campaign. To express our gratitude and in honour of their daughter, the Arts and Crafts room has been named ‘Isabella’s Place.’
The Arts and Crafts room was her happy place
“Isabella always had a smile on her face despite what she went through.
She loved the Arts and Crafts room at the Black Country Hospice. She was a very arty girl and there was always glitter in my car and in my beard.
We’ve got so many happy memories there. Having the Arts and Crafts room named after Isabella is so touching. I can’t wait to see it.”
– Mark, Isabella’s dad
Isabella’s Place – the need, the proposal, the vision
Our current craft room is the hub of the Black Country Hospice but the room is outdated and cramped meaning activities are limited. With your help we can transform this space.
Isabella’s Place will have floor to ceiling bifold windows allowing direct access to the gardens bringing the outside in. The space will give more children the chance to take part in arts and craft activities.
Why are arts and crafts important?
Many of us have our children’s or grandchildren’s artwork proudly displayed. We keep them up because we know when they made it, they were happy.
For our families these mementos can be even more precious because the time with their child to create these treasured memories is often shorter. So we create as many fun and happy memories for families as possible. Isabella’s Place will help us do this.
What are the other benefits of arts and crafts?
Drawing and painting is a fun activity for children, giving them the chance to play and create. But when lead by a trained professional, arts and crafts go a step further, enriching the lives of children with life limiting illnesses in a variety of ways.
Mental health benefits
Express feelings
Reduce anxiety
Build resilience
Social benefits
Reduce isolation
Grow confidence
Share with others
Physical benefits
Strengthen muscles
Develop motor skills
Improve control
“At the hospice we organise a variety of arts and crafts and activities. Each has been designed with the child’s abilities in mind and will focus on a particular area of development.”
– Michelle, Nurse and Activities Lead
Isabella’s Place will do so much for the children and families at Acorns. Not only will it bring fun and happiness but it will be a place to create joy, develop skills, and make memories.
£20
could help towards the décor and materials to make the space welcoming and bright
£50
could help towards the cost of specialist furniture such as height adjustable tables so activities are accessible to all
£100
could help towards the cost of building works to create the foundations of Isabella’s Place
Every pound you give will bring us one step closer to making Isabella’s Place a reality.
If you have any questions about our appeal or would like to donate by phone, please call our Supporter Services Team on 01564 825037 during weekdays, 9am-5pm.
