Housebuilder donates showhome items to Hampshire charity Sebastian’s Action Trust
Publication Date: 11-12-2025 09:00
Housebuilder donates showhome items to Hampshire charity Sebastian’s Action Trust
A charity that supports families with seriously ill children has received a donation from housebuilder Bellway of showhome accessories including space-themed items to brighten up a child’s bedroom.
Sebastian’s Action Trust has two apartments at The Bluebells centre based near North Waltham in Hampshire, where it offers families the chance to have a break away from home.
And Bellway gave the charity items from the showhome at its Longfield Place development at Sherfield on Loddon, in the county, that were no longer needed there.
The accessories and an armchair from the showhome have been put into a child’s bedroom in one of the apartments at The Bluebells.
Head of Fundraising and Engagement at Sebastian’s Action Trust Jo Sumnall said: “This donation from Bellway is so welcome.
“We don’t receive any Government funding, and have to fundraise to make our work possible, so we are very grateful for this donation. We want to make a stay at our centre as special as it can be and offer our families something fantastic and it’s lovely to create something for the children that’s fun.”
The apartments give an opportunity for a family with a child who has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition to come for a break. The apartments each accommodate eight people so there is plenty of room for siblings and other family members to come too.
“It’s an opportunity for families to get away from it all and relax and recharge in a facility that is purpose built for their needs,” said Jo.
“Families of children with complex needs spend a lot of time in clinical settings such as hospital or at the doctor, but we are not a clinical environment at all, and people can get away from all that and make happy memories.”
The charity provides a wide range of support for families including counselling, bereavement services, support groups, and hospital transport. It also provides daytime activities at the centre to support the whole family and give them a chance to meet and socialise with others who are facing similar challenges to them.
The centre has gardens, a hydrotherapy pool, sensory play area, and a craft area.
“Our families say it’s like a home from home. It’s a space where they can actually relax, as they don’t need to worry about not being able to move around. It’s a non-judgemental environment where they are not being stared at. And it’s also about connection as they have the opportunity to meet people whose normal looks like theirs.”
A mum who has been supported by the trust said: “Being able to come to The Bluebells is a huge part of our routine. Without The Bluebells we would struggle to leave the house. There aren’t many ‘safe’ places we can take our daughter due to her unpredictable health, but I always know that we can rely on everyone at The Bluebells (parents and staff alike) to look after us, make us comfortable, and give us the support we need to be out of the house. Coming to The Bluebells feels like coming home.”
Bellway Wessex Sales Manager Jon Rance said: “Sebastian’s Action Trust provides immense support that makes an incredible difference in so many ways to the families they help.
“We hope that our showhome items are a nice addition to a child’s room at The Bluebells centre that adds a bit of colour and fun to the décor. We were very happy to give them to this hugely worthwhile charity.”
