A children’s hospice has released a social media advert supported by the Duchess of Cambridge to show that palliative care centres for young people are not always the sad places people imagine.

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has joined a national campaign celebrating children’s hospice care by launching a perception-changing advert to show hospices are a place for families to enjoy cherished experiences together.

The advert includes a family having fun, enjoying different activities in and around a colourful and friendly environment – but not making it obvious where it’s taking place.

The clip then cuts to a children’s hospice.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, who has been patron of EACH for four years, said: “The amazing, and life changing support provided by children’s hospices and palliative care charities across the UK offers a lifeline to families under incredible pressure.

“This support gives these families the space they need to simply spend time together, which is so important in the most difficult times imaginable.”

Simon Hempsall, EACH head of marketing and communications, said: “We are extremely honoured Her Royal Highness has taken the time to send a message of support, not only for EACH but for all children’s hospices across the UK.”

Mr Hempsall added: “We want the advert to dispel the myth that children’s hospices are all about end of life care, when in reality we provide a full diverse range of specialist services for the whole family.

“When people visit our hospices, they often do it with a touch of trepidation; fearful of what they may see.

“We then tend to find a really good reaction on their way out – a ‘wow’ factor almost, as something completely unexpected and very positive.”

The film has been launched to tie in with Children’s Hospice Week which was spearheaded by the charity Together for Short Lives.

The EACH social media advert was produced by Ember Films, an Emmy award winning production company based in Norfolk.

The team donated their time and expertise to produce the advert having heard about the charity’s work.

Emma Jones from Ember said: “Our aim was to support EACH by offering to produce an effective promotional film that would benefit a worthwhile cause close to our Norfolk base.

“We heard about EACH’s nook appeal for their new hospice in Norfolk, as well as what they do for local families across East Anglia, so wanted to do more than just donate.”