Siblings in Focus
Around Children's Hospice Awareness Day, we consciously give space to siblings of children with life-shortening illnesses. On this page, you can find out why supporting them is so important and how you can support sibling time at Sternenbrücke.
Siblings need attention
When a young person has a life-shortening illness, the lives of the whole family change. Siblings often put their own needs aside. They function, they are considerate, they are strong.
At Sternenbrücke, siblings are given time and space just for themselves. Time to breathe. Space to be seen and heard.
What does sibling time mean?
Sibling time means being the centre of attention for a moment, rather than taking a back seat. In activities supervised by our educational team, siblings can:
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Express your own wishes
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Play carefree and laugh
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Show feelings without having to explain much
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Experience community with others
Siblings' voices
Siblings themselves know best what moves them. Their words provide insight into their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
When I arrive at Sternenbrücke, the whole burden falls away from me.
Siblings report
We asked the siblings how they perceive their time with us and what it means to them.
A week just for Amina
You may have already seen Amina in our social media posts. Her week at Sternenbrücke is representative of many siblings who get to enjoy some time just for themselves with us. Painting ceramics. Horse riding. Trying new things.
During her sibling time at Sternenbrücke, Amina is the centre of attention. A week full of experiences, conversations and little breaks from everyday life.
With Swantje from the educational team
Paint ceramics
Stable Time
On the horse
Baking cupcakes
Experience together
During our sibling weekends, young adults spend time together away from their usual environment. Whether they still regularly accompany their sister or brother to Sternenbrücke or have already had to say goodbye, this is an opportunity for everyone. It is a safe space at a time when so much is changing anyway: finishing school, training, studying, first love, questions about the future – and on top of that, the deep connection to one's own family.
‘What moves me? What am I afraid of? What do I want for the future?’ Small questions with great significance. With the support of our educational team, they write, talk, cry and also laugh a lot. They experience community, fun and relief and realise: I am not alone in my situation.
Children's hospice work concerns us all.
Our prominent supporters help to raise awareness of Sternenbrücke's work – something for which we are particularly grateful today.
Think further. Keep learning.
Supporting siblings does not end when they reach adulthood. Professionals, relatives and interested parties also grapple with questions surrounding attachment, farewells and resilience. At our academy, we offer in-depth courses that address these topics and create space for exchange, reflection and professional development.
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