Children’s hospices are funded by the generosity of donations and through fundraising activities, they also benefit significantly from Government grants. Such grants include the Children’s Hospice Grant. However, the future of this particular grant had become uncertain under the current Government.
Following a meeting with the leadership team of Acorns Children’s Hospice, it was brought to Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst's attention that hospices like Acorns were under real threat of having to reduce their services.
Locally in Solihull, over the last year, Acorns has cared for 26 children and 28 families, including those who are bereaved. It has also supported 58 family members and provided 81 short breaks for children.
Neil believes the uncertainty around the Children’s Hospice Grant is unacceptable, as it is preventing hospices from being able to forward plan the vital palliative care they deliver. This essential funding, is critically important in ensuring children’s hospices are there for every child and family who needs their support.
In September 2024, Neil led on the campaign to save the grant, by formally writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, requesting the grant is guaranteed for at least five more years and it increases in line with inflation.
Neil’s campaign was supported by and his letter co-signed by Mark Garnier MP, Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP, Saqib Bhatti MP, and Nigel Huddleston MP.