Today: 2 August 2025
1 August 2024
2 mins read

Acorns Children’s Hospice Seeks HELP

Acorns Children’s Hospice has launched a campaign – Children’s Care Matters – calling on the Government to confirm the grant and safeguard it for at least five years, so Acorns can continue providing the range of services hundreds of local families need…reports Asian Lite News

Acorns Children’s Hospice has launched an urgent campaign to save vital £2 million government funding as it faces the prospect of turning away a child in need for the first time in the charity’s 36-year history.

The future of the funding – known as the Children’s Hospice Grant – is uncertain, meaning Acorns may be forced to cut vital services for life limited children and their families, unless the grant is confirmed before November.

The charity has launched a campaign – Children’s Care Matters – calling on the Government to confirm the grant and safeguard it for at least five years, so Acorns can continue providing the range of services hundreds of local families need.

To launch the campaign, staff and volunteers from Acorns are taking giant orange “HELP!” letters on tour around well-known West Midlands landmarks and asking the public to add their name to a Change.org petition.

Acorns executive nurse, Katie Burbridge said: “Every week that passes, the situation for Acorns and children’s hospices across the UK becomes ever more serious, affecting countless children and families.

 “We’re here to say that children’s care really does matter and the Government needs to take action to safeguard the Children’s Hospice Grant, so vital services like ours can continue providing the care that families need.”

Uncertainty around the grant has come at a challenging time for Acorns, amid a background of rising costs and increasing demand for services.

In the past year, there has been a 47 per cent increase in demand for the charity’s end-of-life care service, and demand for post-death bereavement services have doubled.

Katie added: “Uncertainty around the grant, rising costs and increased demand is extremely challenging mix for us to deal with. It means we’re ever more reliant on the generosity of local people for funds – a situation that’s simply not sustainable.

“Whatever people can do to support our campaign, we would be incredibly grateful, so we can raise awareness of this issue and get our voice heard, before it’s too late.”

The Children’s Hospice Grant is a national £25 million NHS grant, distributed to children’s hospices across England. It makes up around 13% of Acorns income, a total of £2 million.

For Acorns to continue, the vast majority of the remaining income the charity needs comes from fundraising and profits from charity shops.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 750 children across the West Midlands, and supported almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

ALSO READ-Sikhs in Midlands fight Indian woman’s deportation

Previous Story

It’s Working

Next Story

Indonesia, GCC Eye Free Trade Deal

Latest from -Top News

IBPC Dubai charts new growth path

Former Tata Motors CEO Ravi Kant headlines exclusive event as Indian business council sets course for transformation….reports Asian Lite News The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has signalled a significant

Miles in the Malls!

Dubai Mallathon kicks off today – The emirate’s biggest malls transform into indoor fitness arenas, inviting residents to walk, run, and win — all while staying cool, healthy, and community-connected….reports Asian Lite

Famine grips Gaza, WHO warns

WHO said Gaza’s population is facing acute food insecurity under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification…reports Asian Lite News The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its starkest warning yet about the

Lifeline from UAE to Gaza

UAE’s Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 sustains Gaza’s collapsing health system with hospitals, treatment, aid, and vaccines, offering vital relief to thousands amid deepening crisis….reports Asian Lite News The United Arab Emirates has

Modi, MBZ talk big ties

The call reaffirmed their keenness to “strengthen relations in line with their shared vision to leverage opportunities and deepen strategic cooperation.”…reports Asian Lite News In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra
Go toTop

Don't Miss

How to skip kids’ over screen time during vacation

More than 90 per cent of parents surveyed believe kids

Glaucoma in kids

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage