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Hope, spirituality and meaning

This podcast contains content that may be confronting and distressing to some listeners.  If you are feeling upset or uncomfortable at any time and need support, please follow up with your support networks.

In this episode two families recall their experiences of caring for their children, and consider what hope and spirituality mean to them, and how their views may change over time.

Aspects of hope and spirituality in paediatric palliative care (PPC) are unique to every child and family, and closely attuned to a family’s beliefs, attitudes, values, and culture. Caring for a child and family’s spirit should be seen as a vital component of holistic PPC, along with the physical, psychological and social components of care. The role of spiritual care takes on greater importance as a child approaches the end of their life. While some children and families feel conflicted about hope and spirituality, many seek opportunities to find meaning, purpose, and fulfilment in their lives. In recalling their experiences of caring for their children, two families consider what hope and spirituality mean to them, and how their views may change over time.

 

Season Two of the podcast series Life, Love and Loss is a collaboration between The Royal Children's Hospital, Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program and ​Palliative Care Australia, funded as part of the Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan Project. This Project received grant funding from the Australian Government. We warmly thank the parents who have generously taken part in this series.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this website may contain images, videos and voices of people who have passed on. Some of the content and topics covered might also cause distress. You are welcome here, and we want you to feel safe and take care.

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