Children’s hospices are funded by the generosity of donations and through fundraising activities; they also benefit significantly from Government grants.
At a meeting with the leadership team of Acorns Children’s Hospice, it was brought to the attention of the Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, that hospices like Acorns were under real threat of having to reduce their services, unless the Children’s Hospice Grant was secured for 2025/26.
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.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP, a former NHS surgeon, has led a campaign for the Government to continue this crucial funding.
Neil said:
The uncertainty around the Children's Hospice Grant was unacceptable, as it prevented 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, I wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, requesting the grant be guaranteed for at least five more years and that it increases in line with inflation.
In the lead up to the Budget on 30th October 2024, I met with representatives from, and families supported by, Acorns in Parliament to express my ongoing commitment to the campaign to secure the funding.
The Chancellor had the opportunity to give hospices the certainty they needed, however the Autumn Budget 2024 omitted key information and failed to give hospices the certainty they were so desperately looking for.
I continued with my campaign and, on 19th December 2024, the Department of Health and Social Care gave the welcome news that hospices for children and young people would receive a further £26 million in funding for 2025/26.
The funding will ensure that organisations such as Acorns Children’s Hospice can continue with their key services. The Government now needs to give hospices greater certainty by guaranteeing this funding for the long-term.
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