Therapies - Little Lights

At Little Lights, we offer a range of therapies to support the wellbeing, comfort and development of the babies and children in our care.

Each therapy can be adapted to suit the individual needs, abilities and preferences of every child, ensuring they can take part in a way that feels right for them.

We know how difficult childcare is when you have a child with a disability and we offer a service where we can look after your child while you relax. Our therapies take place within the hospice and can form part of a child’s personalised care and support. They are designed to complement our specialist clinical care, while creating opportunities for children to relax, explore, have fun and enjoy new experiences.

Explore our therapies below to find out more.

Complementary Therapy

At Little Lights Liverpool, we offer complementary therapies to help parents, carers and family members feel more relaxed, supported and cared for.

These gentle therapies sit alongside the wider support we provide, offering families a chance to pause, take a breath and have some time for themselves during what can be an incredibly difficult and emotional journey.

Depending on individual needs, complementary therapies may include:

Massage
Reflexology
Aromatherapy

Sometimes, having a little time to relax and look after yourself can make all the difference

Physiotherapy

Our specialist physiotherapists work closely with babies, children, and their families to maximise comfort, encourage movement and play, and help each child achieve their individual potential.

Every child is different, so our Physiotherapist works closely with each child, their family and the wider care team to understand what matters to them and create support that’s tailored to their needs. This may include positioning advice, movement programmes, chest physiotherapy, equipment guidance and practical techniques that families can use at home. Our Nursing and Healthcare Assistant teams also support children’s physiotherapy needs helping provide consistent care throughout their time at Little Lights Liverpool. Most importantly, our approach is about helping each child move, play and feel as comfortable as possible, in a way that’s right for them.

Hydrotherapy

Our hydrotherapy pool is a favourite for many of the babies and children who stay with us.

The warm water, gentle movement and bubbles create a calming, sensory-rich environment where children can relax, explore and enjoy being in the water. Hydrotherapy can help relax muscles, ease discomfort and support movement, while also giving children the freedom to play and have fun.

For some children, it’s a chance to experience movement in a way that feels easier and more comfortable. For others, it’s simply time to splash, smile and enjoy themselves.

Play

Play is an important part of childhood, and that doesn’t change when a child comes to Little Lights Liverpool.

Our Play Specialist creates opportunities for children to explore, be creative and have fun in ways that are right for them. Activities can include arts and crafts, music, sensory and messy play, imaginative play, social activities and story time.

Play can support physical, social, emotional and cognitive development, while giving children the freedom to express themselves, try something new and simply enjoy being a child.

Every child is encouraged to take part in their own way, at their own pace.

Days Out

Being able to enjoy the things other children do can mean so much to families.

We provide opportunities for children and their families to enjoy days out and experiences beyond the hospice, from trips to the zoo and cinema to other local activities and places of interest.

These experiences give children the opportunity to explore, have fun and enjoy time with the people they love, while creating memories that families can treasure.

Sensory

Our custom-built sensory room is a favourite place for many children at Little Lights Liverpool.

It’s a space where children can slow down, explore their senses or simply relax. Soft sounds, music, glowing and changing lights and interactive features create a calming environment that can be adapted to suit each child’s needs.

Sensory play can support communication, language, movement and motor skills, while helping children explore their surroundings in a way that’s comfortable and enjoyable for them.

Sometimes, it’s simply somewhere to switch off, relax and enjoy a little quiet time.

Soft Play

Our soft play area gives children a safe space to move, explore and play.

For children who may have limited opportunities to move freely, soft play can provide a chance to practise balance, coordination and physical movement in a supportive environment.

It can also help build confidence, encourage independence and provide opportunities for children to play alongside others.

Most importantly, it’s somewhere children can have fun, explore their surroundings and enjoy being active in their own way.

Rebound Therapy

Our new hospice will feature a specialist rebound therapy room, giving children another way to experience movement and therapeutic exercise in a safe and supportive environment.

Rebound therapy uses gentle, rhythmic movement on a trampoline to support physical development and wellbeing. It can help children work on movement, balance and coordination, while the gentle motion can also help relax stiff or painful muscles and joints.

For some children, the movement may also help with respiratory function by supporting the opening of airways and helping to ease congestion.

Most importantly, rebound therapy gives children another opportunity to move, explore and experience the joy of being active in a way that’s adapted to them.