What is the Drop In Centre?

The Drop in Centre is a Sick Kids Friends Foundation facility for children affected by long-term, life-impacting conditions and their families. In an informal, welcoming, homely atmosphere children and families can access support to assist them through difficult or stressful times.

The Centre operates on a drop in basis. But if you prefer, you can call ahead of your visit to ensure that we will be able to help with the particular support you might need.

We recognise that we can all find it difficult to visit somewhere new and we aim to make visitors feel comfortable from the very first time that they access the Drop In Centre. There's nothing to fear and everything to gain by walking through our welcoming front door overlooking the Meadows.

• A comfortable lounge, where you can relax and talk to staff and other visitors or simply have a cup of tea or coffee. This room is a safe place where emotional support is offered.
• A quiet room, which is used for complementary therapies and counselling. This space is also used to allow privacy, when required, for emotional support or as a quiet escape for individuals.
• A bright, stimulating activity room with internet access and a supply of written information, to aid with the stresses of attending hospital. This room is used for children's activities, which will be available, at specific times. SNIP may also meet with visitors, in a separate room, by appointment. There will also be a child-minding facility at times, within this area, to allow visitors to access services without distraction.

Volunteers are a very important part of our service and they are specially trained to welcome visitors to the Centre. They help look after children of all ages and offer their support however it is needed. We are very grateful to them and they are always happy to welcome new and returning visitors.