Acorns Children’s Hospice 20/21 review

Acorns Children’s Hospice is the UK’s largest children’s hospice charity, measured by the number of children and families we support. We provide care, support, fun and laughter for children with life limiting or life threatening conditions and their families across the West Midlands. Our reputation for excellence and high clinical standards is recognised nationally and this is reflected in our ratings with the Care Quality Commission.

We run three hospices; Acorns in Birmingham (located in Selly Oak), Acorns in the Black Country (located in Walsall) and Acorns for the Three Counties (located in Worcester). Our hospices are purpose built with 10 specially decorated bedrooms designed to cater for children and young people from birth to 18 years of age. They are designed to be a home-from-home environment to help children enjoy their stay and make the most of every day. On-site hospice facilities include hydrotherapy pools and spas, multisensory rooms, complementary therapies, play and activity areas with landscaped gardens.

Over the past year, the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the world beyond recognition. Here at Acorns, we have responded to ensure that no family faces this crisis alone.

We have offered care and support to over 700 children and their families. Our Outreach teams made more than 160 visits to children most at need. We have delivered 4,320 bags of essential goods and supplies to families shielding at home. Our Family Team Workers have provided over 8,000 hours of support, including phone or video calls.

It costs £27,000 a day to run all of Acorns services. 60% of our funding, around £6 million a year, comes from the generosity of the general public.  Without the committed support and dedication of Childlife supporters, Acorns would not be able to take care of local children and their families when they need us most.

On behalf of the children and families we support, thank you so much.

Christina is the Senior Individual Giving Manager at Childlife member charity, Acorns Children’s Hospice.