Groups for families
Playgroup (under-fives)
The weekly sessions are a chance for our youngest children to enjoy arts, crafts, singing, story time and sensory and therapeutic play in a safe environment. It’s a chance for both children and parents to have fun and meet new friends.
Family Day Care (invite only)
Meet other Derian families and make friends at our family day sessions which run during the school holidays for our children, young people, and their siblings… and parents of course! From arts and crafts, music and dance, and playing in our Smile Park – there’s plenty to do!
Children’s Family Stay and Play (group)
We also offer group ‘family stay and play’ once a month on Saturdays for families to come together and socialise.
Youth Family Drop-in (invite only)
Our older children and young people who use our Lodge services are able to spend quality time with their families and enjoy a range of games, crafts and other activities at our newest family event.
Crochet and chat
Led by our volunteer and Derian grandma, Carol, Crochet and Chat brings together siblings, parents and grandparents for a Monday morning filled with coffee, cake, crocheting, and a good old natter. For more information please contact Lucy or Jean from our Family Support Team by emailing families@derianhouse.co.uk
Children and young people
School’s out (invite only)
Children and young people can visit Derian for a day filled with activities planned around them. It is also an opportunity for them to meet like-minded youngsters.
Friday Night Club (invite only)
These happen once a month for young people and are split into sessions for different age groups. Our youngsters play board games, enjoy karaoke, watch films, make food together – and have plenty of fun.
Community days out
Children and young people can access social activities within the community – these can be zoo trips, theatre, gigs, adventure centres, football matches, cinema trips, shopping, meals out, and more.
Parents
Derian Mums
A place for mums to meet like-minded mums.
2024 dates
12 December
2025 dates
9 January
6 February
6 March
3 April
1 May
26 June
24 July
18 September
16 October
13 November
11 December
Derian Mums Bereavement Group
A place for bereaved mums to meet in a relaxed, safe and welcoming space, to talk openly about grief with likeminded people.
2024 dates
14 December
2025 dates
22 January
19 February
19 March
16 April
14 May
11 June
9 July
10 September
8 October
5 November
3 December
Derian Dads Bereavement Group
A place for bereaved dads to openly talk about their feelings and struggles with other dads who are in the same boat.
2024 dates
4 December
2025 dates
8 January
5 February
5 March
2 April
30 April
28 May
25 June
23 July
3 September
1 October
29 October
26 November
17 December
Derian Dads
Meet with like-minded Derian dads who understand the demands, needs, struggles and rewards of having a child or young person with a life-limiting condition.
2024 dates
11 December
2025 dates
29 January
26 February
26 March
23 April
21 May
18 June
16 July
17 September
15 October
12 November
10 December
Siblings
Danni’s Club is a chance for siblings to meet once a month for an opportunity to chat, to share experiences, and to make lasting friendships.
It gives the young people a break from their everyday routine and access to peer support. Danni’s Club is packed with a variety of activities including games, arts & crafts and bingo.
We also enjoy days out such as forest school, crazy golf, bowling and theme parks, providing opportunities for new experiences.
A relaxed group for slightly older young people who want to meet others in a similar situation, as well as access advice, peer support and guidance.
There are also opportunities to partake in days out to theme parks, escape rooms, meals out and other fun activities.
Chill Out & Chat meets once a month.
The Sibling social is a monthly group specifically for our siblings aged 16 and over, and is tailored for young adults. A relaxed and mature space for socialising, peer support and laughter.
Siblings - summer holidays
Days Out
Who doesn’t love a day out? These are an opportunity for the siblings to get out into the fresh air during the school holidays and enjoy all kinds of activities.
Sibling Summer Scheme
Sibling summer scheme is one session a week, run over 4 weeks during the summer holidays. This is an opportunity for siblings to join in fun themed sessions, group games and outdoor activities.
Bereaved siblings
We have special days for siblings who have experienced the death of their brother or sister. Treasure Days are held at Derian House to share memories and celebrate the lives of their loved ones through art, workshops, keepsakes, and treasure boxes.
A day dedicated to bereaved siblings aged 12+ to come together to remember and celebrate their sibling, whilst being supported to process their grief through workshops, crafts and group activities.
Pebbles is group bereavement support for siblings of all ages. At Pebbles they get a chance to express and process their feelings in a variety of ways from play and arts and crafts, to themed therapeutic sessions.
Grandparents
Cornerstones
Cornerstones is a monthly meetup for Derian grandparents, where they have a great time socialising with friends and helping each other heal through shared memories and experiences of grief.
You can join by emailing families@derianhouse.co.uk
Or calling 01257 233300
18 December
2025
15 January
12 February
12 March
9 April
7 May
4 June
2 July
27 August
24 September
22 October
19 November
17 December