Noah’s Ark was established by Michael McInerney following the death of a child in his close family in a local hospital. Unhappy with the options available for the child, he launched Noah’s Ark’s care for children and families in 2006 after years of fundraising.
They are now one of the UK’s leading children’s hospices, providing care for over 350 children and their families every year. They believe that every baby, child and young person who is seriously unwell, and their loved ones, should have access to expert and compassionate palliative care from the point of diagnosis. Partnering with London’s NHS trusts and social care organisations, they have built a home, a community and a team to make that difference.
The support is carefully adapted for every child and is offered wherever it is required – whether in their home, their community or at our centre of excellence, The Ark, in north London have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence.
As part of our holistic approach, they also offer dedicated support for siblings and parents (or carers) during their child’s life and for up to three years post-bereavement. From creating and sharing sounds in music therapy, to holding the hands of parents during their child’s final moments, they believe in making every moment matter. They help children and families by focusing on what they are able to do, rather than on any perceived limitations.
They stand side by side with families as they face the unimaginable. They cannot change the diagnosis, but they do everything they can to help them make the most of their time together.