Bereaved Father Creates Powerful Documentary About Grieving Dads at Children's Hospice
Paul Woodward, the bereaved father behind the acclaimed documentary 'The Little Things' that brought Derian House Children's Hospice to global audiences on Amazon Prime, has released a new short film giving voice to the hospice's grieving fathers. The 18-minute documentary titled 'Voice Again' turns the camera toward fathers who have lost children, revealing the profound bonds they create within the hospice's supportive environment.
A Safe Space for Grieving Fathers
The film focuses specifically on the hospice's bereaved fathers support group - a safe space where men can talk openly about their grief over simple comforts like a cup of tea or a takeaway meal. Described as "powerful and emotional" by Screen Critix, the documentary was captured entirely on an iPhone 17 Pro and draws inspiration from Paul's own experience at Derian House in Chorley.
Paul's son, Kalel, received care at the hospice until his passing in 2019 at age 11. "From day one, the dads opened their hearts to me and to this film," said Paul, who lives in Skelmersdale. "That trust makes all the difference when you place a camera in the room. It quickly became a space of comfort, honesty and friendship, and I feel incredibly proud to have been welcomed into it."
Raw Conversations and Shared Hope
In the documentary, viewers hear heartbreaking stories that no parent should ever have to endure. The conversations are raw and deeply moving, yet alongside the grief, there is hope and even laughter. "That's because of the care Derian House continues to give these families, and the friendships the dads have built with one another," Paul explained.
"The hospice doesn't just support you through your child's life - it supports you afterwards too. And that ongoing care and connection is something incredibly powerful to witness." The fathers featured in the documentary recently enjoyed a special premiere screening at Derian House's in-house cinema, getting the first look at the finished film.
Continuing the Documentary Journey
'Voice Again' represents the first in what organizers hope will become a series of documentary shorts at the hospice, building on the success of 'The Little Things' and shining light on stories that didn't make it into the original film. "After filming The Little Things, I always felt there was more to explore at Derian House," said Paul, who previously worked alongside Benidorm star Steve Pemberton in producing the first documentary about the hospice.
Paul was recently named a Patron of Derian House in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the organization, which supports more than 400 babies, children, and young people with life-limiting conditions across the North West, along with their families.
Encouraging Men to Reach Out
"I wanted to return and look more closely at the deeper support it provides, and it made complete sense to begin with the bereaved dads group, as that is something deeply personal to me as another Derian Dad," Paul shared. "My hope is that Voice Again encourages men across the UK to come together and recognize that safe spaces do exist if we choose to reach out. If this group of men can support one another and make a positive difference in each other's lives, then others can too."
Hospice Leadership Praises Documentary's Impact
Karen Edwards OBE, Chief Executive at Derian House, expressed her appreciation for Paul's work: "Paul is a fantastic Patron of Derian House and has already done so much to raise awareness of the work we do. The Little Things brought Derian House to screens around the world, but there are still many stories to be told, and we're grateful that Paul wants to continue creating films about us."
"Supporting bereaved parents is a vital part of the care we provide, and this short documentary will showcase the courage, resilience, and even the humour that Derian House dads find in one another. It sends a powerful message to the world that hospices continue to be here for families long after the loss of a child."
The original documentary 'The Little Things,' directed by award-winning filmmaker Thomas Elliott Griffiths, told the comprehensive story of Derian House's impact on families, staff, and volunteers. That film received international attention and continues to raise awareness about the importance of children's hospices worldwide.
