January 29th, 2026
“Anyone for a mocktail?” aren’t words you might expect to hear in a children’s hospice. But when Oscar recently turned 18, our nurses and carers celebrated his special day – and final hospice session – by creating a makeshift cocktail bar (with non-alcoholic drinks only!) in our new garden room, Rachel’s Retreat.
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“This calming spot in our Devizes hospice garden is the perfect breakout space for the older young people we support,” says Julia’s House Lead Nurse Ken Hull. “It was built in tribute to Rachel Cowley, a dearly loved Julia’s House Senior Carer who sadly died from cancer in 2024.”
As medicine advances and more children live longer with complex medical needs, the number of teenagers needing hospice care continues to grow. Around 25% of children in our care are now teenagers.
“Care needs are changing, so we must adapt too,” says Ken. “After college or school, many teenagers simply want time to relax, so we use our spaces differently to reflect their interests.”
Young people might game in the Den, watch films, or enjoy music, crafts or reading in Rachel’s Retreat. “We’ve even had a DJ visit,” Ken adds.
Rachel’s Retreat also supports wider family needs, offering space for complementary therapy, private parent catch-ups and whole-family activities, including our recent Santa’s Grotto.
