Tŷ Hafan’s Dedicated Support for Dads Shows Why Hospice Care Cannot Be Left to Chance

Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice is highlighting the vital role hospice care plays in the community during Hospice Care Week (Oct 5- 11), supporting families to stay connected, supported and understood during the most difficult times.

Tŷ Hafan’s dedicated work with fathers whose children live with life-limiting conditions or those who are grieving the loss of a child is just one example of this impact.

Designed specifically for fathers who often struggle to seek support, the programme offers safe, informal spaces where men can talk openly about fear, responsibility, grief and identity. For many, it is the first time they have felt able to share their experiences with others who truly understand.

Family Support Worker Dan Notley leads this work by creating informal, accessible spaces where dads can connect in ways that feel natural and pressure‑free. From football and rugby meet‑ups to community hub gatherings and online groups, Dan helps men build supportive networks.

Many dads have also formed their own peer‑support communities, including a Facebook group with more than 100 members.

Dan understands that fathers often carry their grief differently, sometimes quietly, sometimes with humour, and often with a deep sense of responsibility that can feel isolating.

He said: “Men often carry their grief quietly. We try to give them places where they can talk, laugh, share memories or say nothing at all, whatever they need. No dad should feel alone in this.”

That’s why Tŷ Hafan is standing behind the theme of Hospice Care Week — don’t leave hospice care to chance — because support services like this are essential and must be protected through fair and stable funding.

One of those fathers is Ian Watkins, who lost his five‑year‑old son William to cancer. Ian describes Tŷ Hafan as “the only place where we could breathe,” adding: “Tŷ Hafan gave us space to be parents again. They held us through the darkest moments and helped me find a way to talk about grief when I didn’t have the words.”

Ian, who lives in Cowbridge, often talks about the small moments that became lifelines, quiet conversations in the garden, staff who remembered his son’s favourite songs, and the gentle support that guided his family through decisions no parent should ever face.

He also said that the one‑to‑one support Dan offered during the most difficult weeks of his son’s life was invaluable.

He said, “Dan would take me out for a coffee every day, just an hour to breathe, step out of the room and feel normal for a moment. He could see when I was going into my shell and helped me refocus when I couldn’t see it myself.

“Before I met Dan, I didn’t have any support. I did what I felt I had to do as a father. Those conversations got me through the final weeks and prepared me for what came next.”

Tŷ Hafan’s support for dads shows that hospice care goes beyond clinical treatment, providing consistent help through families’ hardest moments.

Matt Brindley, Policy and Advocacy Manager for Wales at Hospice UK, said, “Every story shared this week shows the extraordinary value and impact of hospice care in Wales.

“Everyone deserves high‑quality hospice care, whoever they are and wherever they live, and compassionate care in the community is at the heart of everything we do.

“Welsh hospices support individuals and their families with expert palliative and end‑of‑life care, financial and emotional support, complementary therapies, bereavement care and vital respite for families of children with a life‑limiting illness. Increasing demand and rising costs are putting this care at risk.

“We cannot leave something this important to chance. Wales needs fair and stable funding for hospice care now.”

Next month Ian and wife Nicola will be sharing more of their son William’s Story for Tŷ Hafan’s Christmas Appeal. To sign up to become and Appeal Champion go to Become an Appeal Champion – Ty Hafan