Mercy Ships is a faith-based international development organisation that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering vital, free healthcare to people in desperate need.

As well as completing thousands of urgent operations onboard its floating hospital, the Africa Mercy, Mercy Ships volunteers also work closely with host nations to improve the way healthcare is delivered across the country, by training and mentoring local medical staff, and renovating hospitals and clinics.

Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 countries, providing services valued at more than £1.3 billion. By improving healthcare delivery in every country it visits, Mercy Ships is working to eradicate the diseases of poverty and effectively do itself out of a job. Mercy Ships follows the model of Jesus by “bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor”, helping people of all faiths and none.

Among the countries Mercy Ships serves, which lie on the lower third of the World Health Organisation’s Human Development Index, access to safe, affordable and timely surgery is extremely limited. As a result, countless people suffer and die from “diseases of poverty” that can easily be cured.

Today, Haven House has supported over 600 families, looking after children and young people aged from birth to 19 years old who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Residential and community services extend across North and North East London, West Essex and East Hertfordshire, including respite and end-of-life care.

In the hospice children benefit from play activities as well as day and overnight stays. Through the Holistic Care Centre, opened in September 2014, children can access a range of therapies, including music therapy, physiotherapy and therapeutic yoga.

Families can also take advantage of support groups for mums and dads and siblings (Buddies) as well as complementary therapies designed to reduce stress and anxiety.

In their grounds there is a fully accessible specialist play area and tranquil sensory garden surrounded by many acres of beautiful woodland.

Vision, Mission, Values

Vision

The best possible life for every baby, child and young person with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition and their families, who live in their local communities.

Mission

To provide the highest quality palliative and holistic care services to babies, children and young people and their families in their local communities. Working in partnership they will deliver these services whenever and wherever families need them.

Values

A Happy and safe place for all
Advocates of quality and excellence across all our services
Valuing their people
Engaging with, and respecting the diversity of, all their communities
The Needs of our children and families always come first

Philo Trust was established by J.John in 1982 to work in four key areas:

1) Organising evangelistic events and projects.

2) Equipping Christians to naturally share their faith.

3) Mentoring evangelists.

4) Producing books and resources to help people in their journey of faith.