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.
In the lead up to the budget on 30th October 2024, Neil met with representatives from, and families supported by, Acorns in Parliament to express his ongoing commitment to the campaign to secure the funding.
The Autumn Budget 2024 omitted key information and failed to give hospices the certainty they were looking for.
Neil continued with his campaign and, on 19th December 2024, the Department of Health and Social Care announced hospices for children and young people would receive a further £26 million in funding for 2025/26.
Whilst welcoming this announcement, which will ensure that organisations such as Acorns Children Hospice can continue with their key service, Neil continues to press the Government to ensure this funding is maintained for the long-term.