Zest offers a variety of social sessions and support for young adults, and their families, living with incurable illness throughout the week.
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Zest X-Change
Zest X-Change enables young adults to experience some independence as their families and carers leave them in the hands of capable staff and volunteers to enjoy playing inclusive sports, joining in with creative and sensory activities, music or playing quizzes and games.
X-Change is available for young adults aged 14 upwards to support the transition from children’s services. Staffing at X-Change is shared between Zest staff and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) for a co-ordinated approach to support patients and families.
The groups are family and socially orientated with fun, engaging activities in which everyone can take part, in a supportive environment. Clinical care is also provided if required.
In Ipswich, X-Change is on the second Tuesday of every month, from 4.30pm-7.30pm at St Elizabeth Hospice’s Community Care Unit.
Parent peer support is available from 6.15pm-7.15pm for parents and carers to attend so they can discuss issues, offer advice and support each other.
We have relaxing complementary therapy available for family members to access throughout the afternoon.
It is also a forum for them to share their thoughts on how we can improve the service for young people.
2026 dates:
13 Jan • 10 Feb • 10 Mar • 14 Apr • 12 May • 9 Jun • 14 Jul • 11 Aug • 8 Sep • 13 Oct • 10 Nov • 8 Dec
Zest Family Drop-In
Zest is here to support the whole family.
Drop-in days are open to families to see what Zest is all about and to share quality time together. You can stay for as long as you wish.
If you are new to Zest, our team can arrange for you to have a tour and meet other families too.
The drop-in sessions are staffed by the Zest team with our colleagues from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Zest Family Drop-In happens one Saturday per month, from 2pm-4.30pm, at St Elizabeth Hospice’s Community Care Unit on Foxhall Road in Ipswich.
Everyone in the family is welcome to come along for as long as they wish. If you are new to Zest, our team can arrange for you to have a tour and meet other families too.
2026 dates:
24 Jan • 28 Feb • 28 Mar • 25 Apr • 30 May • 27 Jun • 25 Jul • 22 Aug • 26 Sep • 24 Oct • 21 Nov • 19 Dec
I’m able to be mum to my other children who unintentionally take a backseat too often.
Parent of young adult patient
Student Clinicians
We support the learning and development of student clinicians.
They are monitored by registered professionals.
Your feedback may be beneficial to their ongoing learning.
If you would prefer not to have a student involved in your care, please alert a member of the team.
Chaperones
All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present during any consultation, examination, or procedure.
If you would like a chaperone, please ask a member of staff.
In accordance with our chaperone policy, clinicians may advise patients that a chaperone is necessary during any examination; this is to support both the clinician and you, the patient.
