Children’s hospices across Essex have received a major boost thanks to two generous £5,000 donations from the Essex Royal Arch Companions, who are part of Essex Freemasons. Their support is helping to fund vital care, bereavement services and Christmas activities at Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green and Little Havens Hospice in Benfleet.
£5,000 to Support Haven House Children’s Hospice
Haven House has received £5,000 to help fund its Bereavement Outreach Service, which provides counselling, home visits and emotional support to families across Essex and North-East London.
The donation was presented during a visit by members of the Essex Royal Arch and the Provincial Charity Team. They were welcomed by Sarah Harris, Community and Events Manager, who guided them around the hospice and outlined the support offered to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Sarah Harris said,
“We are so grateful to the Royal Arch Companions of Essex for this incredibly kind donation. Our Bereavement Outreach Service depends entirely on charitable support, and this funding will allow us to continue helping families at the most difficult moments of their lives.”
Essex Freemason Peter Hollingsworth, who was part of the visiting group, added,
“It was deeply moving to witness the compassion shown here every day. We are proud to support a team that brings comfort and hope to families facing the hardest circumstances.”
£5,000 for Little Havens Hospice
Little Havens Hospice received the second £5,000 donation, supporting refurbishment work in its Bereavement Suite and contributing to the hospice’s Christmas events for the children and families they care for.
Members of the Essex Royal Arch Companions and the Provincial Charity Team were warmly welcomed by hospice staff and volunteers during their visit.
The funding will provide new flooring in the Bereavement Suite, a peaceful space where families can reflect and remember, and will also support Little Havens’ Christmas Party, trees and festive decorations.
Aron from the Little Havens Fundraising Team said,
“We are incredibly grateful for this donation. It will make a real, tangible difference, not only helping us refurbish our Bereavement Suite, but also supporting our Christmas activities, which help us raise even more funds for the families who rely on us.”
Royal Arch volunteers have also pledged their support for the hospice’s Christmas Tree Recycling initiative, joining community collection days in January 2026.
Essex Freemason Dennis Baum, who attended the visit, commented,
“It was inspiring to see the extraordinary care given at Little Havens. We are delighted to support their essential work, especially at such a meaningful and emotional time of year.”
These donations form part of a wider seasonal effort by Essex Freemasons to support schools and hospices across the county, ensuring comfort and connection reach families who need it most. The contributions also support the Essex 250th Anniversary, Building Together, celebrations, reflecting 250 years of charitable service to local communities.
Haven House and Little Havens are part of Havens Hospices, which provides specialist care and community-based support for children, young people and adults throughout Essex.
