Star-studded gala dinner raises record £180,000

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.

In the last year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care,

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

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Help can’t wait for children and families who desperately need Acorns vital care and support. Donate today by visiting www.acorns.org.uk/donate

At Acorns, our dedicated sibling care programme plays a vital role in supporting the brothers and sisters of children with life limiting and life threatening conditions. These siblings navigate challenges and responsibilities that most children their age do not. One of our newest and most exciting projects is the Birmingham sibling garden – a space that has flourished in more ways than one.

Whether siblings are pre- or post- bereavement or simply adjusting to life with a seriously ill brother or sister, Acorns provides one-to-one sessions and group activities. For many children, time spent outdoors in nature is particularly meaningful.

Sarah explains: “One of the things they love most is just playing outside. Many siblings don’t have access to gardens or parks – some live in high-rise flats, while others have family circumstances that make trips to the park impossible. For them, the hospice garden is a real haven.”

The birth of the sibling garden

The sibling garden at Acorns Birmingham was born from an idea shared by the siblings themselves. Roger, one of Acorns dedicated garden volunteers, recalls how it all began:

“We had a session asking them what they’d like to do, and they said they wanted their very own space in the garden – a place where they could grow things and play.”

With that in mind, volunteers and siblings worked together to design a special area now known as ‘The Eco Corner’, a name chosen by Acorns sibling, Amina, who is an eco-councillor at her school.

The children planted vegetables like rainbow carrots, onions, radishes, and even lettuce that they later harvested. “We got to take it home – it was yummy!” Acorns sibling, Cassidy, says.

The garden also celebrates wildlife. From painting butterfly decorations to building wormeries and ant houses, siblings have learnt how their efforts can attract birds, insects, and other creatures. “I love the wildlife section the most,” Cassidy adds. “I just love the animals, the nature, and seeing all the things we plant grow.”

Megan, another Acorns sibling, shares her painting of a butterfly, saying, “I chose these colours because it reminds me of the calmness at nighttime.”

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of rock history is coming up at a star-studded black-tie gala dinner in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.

A 2024 Gibson SG Electric Guitar signed by Ozzy Osbourne and the iconic artists who performed at his 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take centre stage in the live auction at the highly-anticipated Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner.

The unmissable evening, which takes place at the ICC Birmingham on Friday 28 February, is celebrating the award-winning TV drama series ‘This Town’ and is being supported by creator and writer Steven Knight, a dedicated Patron of Acorns, alongside Kudos – the production company behind the hit series.

Ozzy Osbourne, the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has generously donated the guitar in support of Acorns and its vital care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.

In addition to Ozzy’s signature, the guitar is signed by an electric lineup of rock and metal legends, including Jack Black, Wolfgang Van Halen, Billy Idol, Jelly Roll, Tool’s Maynard Keenan, Metallica’s Robert Trujilo, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zakk Wylde, Andrew Watt, and Steve Stevens.

The guitar’s donation comes hot on the heels of an announcement that Ozzy is to reunite with his Black Sabbath bandmates for a final performance in July. The Back to the Beginning’s show at Villa Park will bring together some of the biggest names in rock and metal and will see also a portion of the proceeds donated to Acorns.

Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner

The Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner is a tribute to Birmingham’s rich cultural history, inspired by the hit drama, which is set against the backdrop of the vibrant ska and two-tone music scenes and captures a pivotal moment in local history.

Guests can expect a journey through 1980s Birmingham, with entertainment, live music and a fine dining experience – all while helping local families across the West Midlands caring for seriously ill children get the care and support they desperately need.

The exclusive event will be hosted by the incredible Dave Sharpe, a familiar voice on BBC local radio and a fixture of the region’s 70s and 80s music scene. It will feature live music from RnB best seller Indigo Marshall and Reggae revivalists Young Culture Band. Plus Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020-2022, Casey Bailey, will also give a bespoke performance seen nowhere else.

The evening will also welcome some of the show’s main cast and, of course, Steven Knight himself.

Closing the gala dinner is music legend Neville Staple, frontman of the iconic band The Specials, with a special headline performance. Neville is a cornerstone of the ska movement and one of the genre’s leading figures.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.

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

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

To find out more about the lifeline care and support provided by Acorns, visit www.acorns.org.uk

Acorns Children’s Hospice has been named one of the UK’s top 100 employers after ‘remarkable’ success in creating a welcoming workspace for everyone.

The charity, which provides vital care for seriously ill children, was recognised among other organisations including the Met Office, Yorkshire Cancer Research, and Victim Support Scotland – and was praised for its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Acorns, said: “We’re extremely proud to be recognised among the top organisations across the country for our dedication to creating a workplace where everyone feels championed and supported and understands their role in the work we do with children and families.

“As the largest children’s hospice in the UK and Europe, diversity is integral to the compassionate, family-centred expert clinical care we offer at Acorns.

“By fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace for our colleagues, we ensure our team reflects the diverse communities we serve, enabling us to meet the unique needs of every child and family we support from our hospices and out in the community.”

In the past year, Acorns has demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusion not just within the organisation but across the local community.

The charity is proud to be part of a range of cultural celebrations, from Diwali to Ramadan, and joined the festivities at Birmingham Pride 2024. Acorns has also actively participated in key awareness days, including Mental Health Awareness Week, Autism Acceptance Week, and Parental Bereavement Day, reflecting its dedication to supporting everyone.

Commenting on the achievement, Solat Chaudhry, Chief Executive at the National Centre for Diversity, said: “I send my warmest congratulations to Acorns on successfully reaching number 54 in our Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Employers Index 2024.

“What better than to be recognised by peers and those travelling in the same direction towards the common goal of Fairness in the workplace. It is hugely motivational and a remarkable achievement.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.

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

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Help can’t wait. Donate to Acorns today by visiting www.acorns.org.uk/donate

Chelmsley Wood has welcomed its newest and largest charity shop – the Acorns Children’s Hospice superstore which is dedicated to supporting lifeline care for seriously ill children.

We dropped by to take a closer look behind the scenes and discover the top-selling treasures making waves with local shoppers.

It’s not what you would expect from a charity shop. For starters, it’s big. Spanning over 7,000 square feet, the store not only boasts a large shop floor but also a network of back rooms, including multiple sorting zones, a product testing area and even its own DIY workshop. With such an expansive layout, Acorns newest superstore is more than equipped to handle the high demand from shoppers.

What sets it apart even further is its retail park-style vibe. Specialising in furniture and homeware, the superstore offers an impressive range of items – from complete sofa sets and electric beds to tumble dryers and oak dining room tables. It’s the kind of place where you could furnish an entire house in just one visit.

Best of all, shoppers are scoring incredible deals thanks to the store’s budget-friendly prices, making it a must-visit destination for bargain hunters looking to support the vital care of children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.

Making an incredible £6,500 on its opening day, the Chelmsley Wood shop has become Acorns most successful launch to date. With over £2 million of the charity’s annual funding coming from its retail operation, it is poised to make a significant impact.

It’s no surprise the shop is thriving. Designed with extra logistics, it features a dedicated team of drivers for home furniture deliveries and collections, a donation station, and its own dock to handle large items with ease.

And when it comes to sales, it’s truly a case of ‘sofa, so good’. Deputy Store Manager Alina Murea shared a standout moment with us: “A couple of weeks ago, I styled this gorgeous sofa for the window display, making it look like a cosy living room. Within ten minutes, it was sold. I couldn’t believe it.

“I think the longest we’ve had an item of furniture on the shop floor is two weeks,” she said. “With our drivers making collections every day, it’s the kind of place you need to visit daily to snag a bargain – you’ll see one thing one day and something completely different the next – and people do!

“We have customers waiting at the door at 9am. It’s incredible.”

But the success doesn’t stop at furniture. The superstore also sells all the classic charity shop items and has become the top-performing branch in the charity’s ‘Not New, Not Perfect’ campaign. The initiative offers minorly flawed clothing items – like pieces with small stains or tiny holes – at heavily reduced prices, and it’s been a real hit with customers.

“Sometimes, I can’t even tell what the ‘not perfect’ part is on the item of clothing,” Alina admitted. “With prices like 50p for a gorgeous children’s jacket, it’s no wonder the campaign is so popular. I’ve even bought loads myself.”

The ‘Not New, Not Perfect’ scheme rolled out across all Acorns shops in December, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything the staff and volunteers do. From meticulously steaming every item of clothing to ensuring all electrical goods are PAT tested, the team is going above and beyond to provide a ‘seamless’ shopping experience.

“One moment really stands out to me,” Alina said. “We had an old-fashioned pram donated to us. It was beautiful but in need of some TLC. Thankfully, we had Craig – our very own ‘Mr. Fix Everything’ – on hand, and he worked his magic to recondition it.

“It only took three days before we sold it to a lovely customer who bought it for her granddaughter at the fantastic price of £100 – far more than we ever expected when it first arrived.”

Visiting the shop was an eye-opening experience, revealing just how innovative and modern a charity shop can be in its approach to selling items.

“One of the joys of working in our shops is uncovering hidden treasures and seeing the excitement they bring to shoppers,” Alina beamed.

“On top of that, knowing that every item sold, and every hour worked directly contributes to providing more support for the children and families we care for makes this job truly fulfilling.”

This New Year, you can make a difference by donating your unwanted items to an Acorns store or giving the gift of time by volunteering in one of their shops. Every bit of support goes a long way in helping Acorns continue to provide vital care for children and their families.

Every family deserves the chance to create unforgettable memories with their child, no matter how short their time together.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support that allows their families to make the most of each precious moment.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

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

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Give the gift of Acorns care and support for seriously ill children and their families this New Year by supporting your local Acorn shop or superstore. Visit www.acorns.org.uk/shop to find your nearest store.

Did granny gift you yet another Hawaiian shirt? Did you receive two of the same books or even airfryers? Make your unwanted presents the gifts that keep on giving by donating them to Acorns Children’s Hospice shops.

Acorns is calling on generous supporters to help replenish stock at its charity shops for the New Year by donating any unwanted Christmas gifts, which will help provide vital care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions across the West Midlands.

Gary Pettit, Director of Retail at Acorns, said: “Instead of letting your unwanted presents gather dust at the back of your cupboards or your wardrobe, why not give them a new lease of life by donating them to your local Acorns shop? Every donation goes such a long way in supporting local children and families.”

Acorns needs £35,000 each day to provide its vital services, with the charity’s network of nearly 50 shops playing a key role in helping to raise those funds.

Gary added: “There’s no time like the ‘present’ to declutter your home and extend the season of giving by donating your unwanted gifts to one of our Acorns shops.

“You might even need to clear space on your shelves for the presents you love. So why not donate your pre-loved items or furniture too? Help can’t wait for the children and families at a time when they need us most.”

Every family deserves the chance to create unforgettable memories with their child, no matter how short their time together.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support that allows their families to make the most of each precious moment.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

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

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Give the gift of Acorns care and support for seriously ill children and their families this Christmas. Find your local Acorns shop at www.acorns.org.uk/shop

‘Start the year by doing something amazing and help us provide vital care for local children with life limiting conditions’ – that’s the New Year’s resolution the public are being asked to make for Acorns Children’s Hospice in 2025.

There are many opportunities for supporters to get involved with Acorns. By volunteering, fundraising, joining an event, or simply making donations, every effort helps the charity deliver its lifeline care for seriously ill children and their families across the West Midlands.

Vicki Rowles, Director of Fundraising at Acorns, said: “We need your help. The New Year is the perfect time to make a resolution to give something back, and by supporting Acorns you’ll be helping us be there for children and families who need us the most.

“There are countless ways to support Acorns in 2025. You can meet new people by volunteering in one of our shops, keep fit by taking part in one of our fun runs, find great bargains by rummaging through our rails, or you can do good and feel good by simply supporting Acorns in any way you can and telling people of the vital work we do.”

Take part in fundraising events such as Glow Walk, Bubble Rush, the Sahara Trek, the London Marathon, or the Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner with special guests including award-winning screenwriter Steven Knight. Visit: www.acorns.org.uk/events

Volunteering with Acorns makes a huge difference, whether it is at the charity’s three hospices, out in the community or in retail shops across the West Midlands.

Businesses can also get involved by partnering with the charity, or by participating in our corporate volunteering opportunities. You can also leave a gift in your will, or make a donation to remember someone special.

There are numerous ways you can donate, such as a one-off gift or a regular donation. You can also support Acorns by donating your pre-loved items to one of their nearly 50 shops, helping them to keep their shelves fully stocked and sustain their vital work.

Vicki added: “Do something amazing and help us provide vital care for local children with life limiting conditions. You can help us change lives.  Help can’t wait for children who are seriously ill and with your support we can continue to provide lifeline care for them and their families, not just in 2025 but for generations to come.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support that allows their families to make the most of each precious moment.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

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

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Make 2025 the year you resolve to make a difference. Visit www.acorns.org.uk/make-a-difference to learn more about how you can get involved.

Christmas came early to Blackheath last Thursday (19 December) as Acorns Children’s Hospice opened its brand-new superstore – complete with with a squirrel-themed reading corner for the youngest customers.

‘Bushy-tailed and bright-eyed’ shoppers went ‘nuts’ for bargains at the store’s official opening, which offers a wide range of quality pre-loved homeware, furniture and electronic goods alongside bargain clothes, toys and books.

The Blackheath shop is the charity’s fifth superstore and the largest to date, spanning over 9,000 square feet, helping to raise vital funds for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.

Gary Pettit, Retail Director at Acorns, said: “We are thrilled to be opening our newest superstore and expanding our presence in the Black Country – giving more shoppers the chance to support children and families, as well as find some fantastic treasures.

“The people of Blackheath have been huge supporters of Acorns for over 15 years now, making our previous shop in the area such a success. We wanted to show our commitment to the town by investing locally and bringing our complete range of second-hand quality goods all under one roof.”

The store is offering exciting features unique to its location, like a designated donation drop-off zone and its very own on-site car park, in addition to the new children’s area which features a floor-to-ceiling spray painting of a squirrel by local artist Michael Batchelor.

Gary said: “There’s no better place for the local community to come together than at our very own children’s reading nook. Be sure to stay tuned as we prepare to unveil a stunning external mural featuring our squirrel – with help from local primary school children, who we’re sure will give it the perfect name.”

With the charity’s retail operation generating more than £2 million in profit every year towards Acorns lifeline care for local children and families, the team is calling on the community to shop, donate and volunteer at the new superstore.

Gary added: “To make our latest retail venture the most impactful yet for Acorns, we need the help of the local community. Whether it’s donating quality items, giving the gift of time by volunteering, or simply choosing to shop with us – we need you! However you choose to support us, you’ll be helping make sure children and families facing unimaginable challenges are never alone.”

The Blackheath superstore will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays. Contact the shop by telephoning 0121 728 5223, or arrange a furniture collection by email at furnitureblackheath@acorns.org.uk.

Every family deserves the chance to create unforgettable memories with their child, no matter how short their time together.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support that allows their families to make the most of each precious moment.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

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

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Give us the gift of time and volunteer at our Blackheath superstore. Visit www.acorns.org.uk/volunteering for current opportunities or to register your interest.

Christmas came early last week (Thursday 19^th December) as star players from Aston Villa Football Club brought festive cheer to young fans at Acorns Children’s Hospice.

A longstanding fixture of Acorns festive calendar, the annual visit by Aston Villa players is a highlight for the hospice’s children, families, and staff.

This year’s special guests included Club favourites Youri Tielemans, Kosta Nedeljkovic and John McGinn, who met adoring fans and their parents, gave out presents, signed autographs and posed for photos.

Becky Hughes, Interim Matron at Acorns in Birmingham based in Selly Oak, said: “There’s always such a buzz at the hospice when the players from Aston Villa visit. The children’s faces light up when they see their sporting heroes, and the atmosphere is truly magical.

“Christmas is a special time at Acorns, and events like these are all part of the care we provide – creating treasured memories for children and families, not just at Christmas but all year round. We are so grateful to the club for organising this visit, and to all the players for making it a day we’ll never forget!”

The children even had the exciting opportunity to challenge the players to a game of FIFA. Meanwhile, others proudly presented their best festive drawings and heartfelt Christmas cards to the players.

Becky added: “For the children we care for at Acorns, it’s about more than providing all their specialist medical needs, we are there whenever and wherever they need us.

“We’re also about making sure we help them and their families make every moment count, creating the fun, joy and laughter that all children need – and visits like this are the perfect way to do that!”

Every family deserves the chance to create unforgettable memories with their child, no matter how short their time together.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support that allows their families to make the most of each precious moment.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

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

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Acorns response to the Government’s announcement of NHS funding for children’s hospices will continue into 2025/26

Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive at Acorns Children’s Hospice said: “We welcome today’s Government announcement that NHS England funding for children’s hospices, formerly known as the Children’s Hospice Grant, will continue into 2025/26. The children and families we care for deserve this support.

“It is a positive step in the right direction and shows the Government is listening. We look forward to the new year and understanding more about how the £26 million will be distributed, and working with the government on the long-term picture for funding for the sector.

“This a significant investment in hospice care across England and will help us continue to provide essential services and lifeline support to over 1,000 children and families throughout the West Midlands when they need it most.”

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team.