Rowan's Meerkat Service

Children have the capacity to cope well with loss provided they have the right support. At the time of loss it can be difficult for family members to provide this support; to know what to say or what to do.

Rowan’s Meerkat Service involves specialised work with children and young people who either have a significant adult with a life-limiting illness, or who have been bereaved. We provide emotional support in a relaxed environment where they can feel comfortable and safe.

The level of involvement we have with families differs depending on their wishes and needs. Our service offers advice, liaison with schools and other agencies, and one-to-one support where appropriate. 

The service is aided by funds from Children in Need and is promoted through our mascot Rowan the meerkat. It began in March 2008 and now forms an integral part of Family Services

Rowan's Meerkat Service has recently been successful in securing funding from Portsmouth Primary Care Trust. These funds will enable the extension of Rowan's Meerkat Service to the City of Portsmouth to vulnerable children who have suffered a significant bereavement and have not had the benefit of a specialist palliative care referral.

More about the service, along with useful websites for children and young people, can be found in resources

To contact Rowan’s Meerkat Service call Sophie de Bere 023 9223 8535 or email meerkats@rowanshospice.co.uk