Built on the foundation of love and dignity, Iris House Children’s Hospice provides holistic care, support, and respite for those facing life-limiting conditions.
Western Cape, South Africa (10 September 2024) – Children are society’s most innocent and precious beings, deserving of nothing but care, warmth, love and nurturing guidance to lead them onto the right path as they navigate life.
However, the harsh realities of life often prevent this for many who face adversity and health challenges from a young age.
With a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering motivation to fill a void that existed for special needs children and their families in South Africa, Sue van der Linde founded Iris House Children’s Hospice.
The journey that led her to this point was one marked by personal and professional experiences that shaped her understanding of care, compassion, and the profound difference that targeted support can make in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
“My passion for helping children began long before Iris House, inspired by my late mother, who dedicated her life to caring for children through her daycare and crèche. She taught me the power of empathy, patience, and the importance of ensuring every child feels loved and valued,” Sue shares.
Iris House Children’s Hospice strives to create a compassionate and supportive community that extends holistic, loving, and professional respite care, as well as end-of-life care for special needs children and young adults facing life-threatening and life-limiting conditions in the Western Cape.
After moving back to SA after working at Julia’s House, a prestigious children’s hospice in the UK, Sue realised that children with special needs and their families were facing overwhelming challenges with limited support systems in place.
“I knew I had to act. Iris House was born from this need—starting small but with a clear mission: to offer comprehensive care that goes beyond medical attention.
“We provide community-based care, physiotherapy, palliative support, and a broad range of services that focus on the well-being of the whole family.”
Today, Iris House supports over 670 families, offering not only hospice-based respite care but also specialised therapies, parent and foster care training, safety programs, and advocacy for victims of gender-based violence who have disabilities.
“My motivation for starting Iris House goes far beyond a professional mission—it is personal. I have seen the faces of children and their families light up when they realise they are not alone.”
“I have witnessed the strength of parents who, with just a little help, can navigate the most difficult of journeys with courage and grace,” Sue shares.
Iris House is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members.
Iris House remains focused on the same principles that motivated Sue to start it, which are love, dignity, and unwavering care for every child.
The hospice offers a wide range of services, including community-based care, physiotherapy, palliative care, specialised therapies, safety programs and parent and foster care training.
Iris House is committed to providing holistic, compassionate care to enrich the lives of special needs children and their families.
“As we look ahead, I remain committed to expanding our reach, innovating our care models, and ensuring that no child with special needs and no family caring for them ever feels abandoned or without support.
“The future of Iris House is bright, and I am honoured to continue leading this mission of hope and healing.”
To get in touch with Iris House Children’s Hospice call 021 9101 578 or email info@iris-house.org
Sources: Iris House Childre’s Hospice
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