A phenomenal £118,136 has been raised for Acorns Children’s Hospice by a local law firm following ‘an incredible’ three-year partnership with the charity.
‘We’re so very proud’
Award-winning Talbots Law demonstrated the power of the partnership by supporting key events such as Bubble Rush, the Worcester City Runs, the Alton Towers Fun Run and a major summer appeal.
The total raised is being used to provide vital care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as support for their families.
Dave Hodgetts, Chief Executive at Talbots Law, said: “Over the past three years staff have been overwhelmingly committed to supporting Acorns, and it’s absolutely amazing that we can hold a cheque for such a fantastic amount. We’re so very proud to come here today and celebrate that achievement.
“We’ve supported as many events as we could and wherever possible the team has really stepped up to help. I do get emotional and humbled when I visit Acorns. It’s an extraordinary charity and we’re honoured to be able to support it.”
Talbots Law has been the headline sponsor at Acorns Bubble Rush, taking part as a team each year to enjoy the bubbly fun. The firm also sponsored the Hannah’s Hearts appeal which saw hundreds of bespoke metal hearts being planted in a huge installation in the county.
Talbots Law has been remarkable
Additionally, it supported the charity’s Celebrate Your Star campaign, participated in a ‘Hunted’ challenge and a team trekked Snowdon and Hadrian’s Wall.
The firm also hosted three Talbots Law Golf Days, alongside volunteering, regular donations and other fundraising events.
Abi Coulson, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships, said: “Talbots Law has been remarkable. We’ve worked on so many different events together and it means so much to Acorns to be partnered with such an incredible organisation.
“The money they have raised is absolutely crucial, and because of Talbots Law and organisations like them we can continue providing vital care to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and support for their families.”
She added: “Every business which chooses to support Acorns helps us give a voice to children who need it the most and the impact that can have is immense. It ensures we can be there to provide care every single day, 365 days a year. We really couldn’t do without the support of our local business community.”
Join us and support Acorns today
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 more than 70% 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
When little Alfie Johnson was born the world was perfect – until doctors revealed he had suffered life-limiting injuries during birth. Dad Paul tells the family’s heartbreaking story as they remember Alfie’s life and beautiful smile as part of Acorns Children’s Hospice’s emotional Celebrate Your Star campaign. Now read their story and watch the video below.
‘A day we’ll never forget’
Alfie’s nursery was painted, his new cot was ready, and first-time dad Paul ecstatically phoned around the family with the joyous news of his son’s birth. Despite Alfie being born blue, nurses said it was nothing to worry about and he was taken as a precaution for neonatal care.
“I was so proud, he was moving around and kicking and I remember saying excitedly to my wife Vickie: ‘Look he’s going to be a footballer’,” Paul recalls.
Heartbreakingly, Alfie wasn’t just wriggling and stretching – he was, in fact, having a seizure.
“That’s when the walls closed in,” Paul said. “You’re taken into that quiet room, and the door is closed behind you, and they told us Alfie had suffered permanent brain damage during labour.
“We were heartbroken – destroyed. We’d never experienced such a high, and then four hours later, we have never experienced such a crushing low. It’s a day we’ll never, ever forget.”
Unwavering love and care
The family is telling their story and remembering Alfie’s life as part of Celebrate Your Star – a moving, festive campaign from Acorns Children’s Hospice which invites people to pay tribute to much-missed family members by dedicating a star in their memory and making a donation towards the charity’s vital care for seriously ill children.
In return, a beautiful star keepsake will be sent to their home, and another hung on trees at special festive events across the region on 6th and 7th December, to which everyone is invited to attend.
Alfie fought against the odds and after three weeks in hospital was discharged. He was later diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, a term for a brain injury that happens when it does not receive enough blood or oxygen during birth.
Despite having multiple complex medical needs, Alfie was given unwavering love and around-the-clock care he needed at home. It would be six years before he and his family visited Acorns Children’s Hospice for the first time.
Hospices aren’t just a place to die
Paul said: “We’d been aware of Acorns for many years, but it isn’t what people expect. Hospices aren’t just a place for people to die, they’re very much a place for people to live.”
He added: “When I walked through the doors of Acorns, everything was bright, people were so friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. For the first time in our lives, we were able to leave Alfie in the care of someone else. They were a saviour to us.”
Alfie had regular stays at Acorns and his family have very happy memories of their visits, taking part in many joyful activities, including Christmas-themed events.
At the same time the family could rely on Acorns expert children’s nurses, health care assistants, tailored medical care, rehabilitative respite, and a range of specialist therapies.
“We had very special times for many years at Acorns,” Paul said. “Although Alfie couldn’t talk, you knew exactly how he was feeling. When he was happy he had a big, beautiful smile.
“He was a wonderful character an in between the difficult moments, he brought a lot of joy to a lot of people and he was smart too.”
Sadly, just days after Alfie’s 16th birthday he became critically ill and he was transferred to Acorns for end-of-life care. After his death, Alfie’s memory has continued to live on with a JustGiving page, and through the charity that family and friends had earlier set up in his name in 2009 called the Friends of Alfie Johnson. Together the family has raised more than £38,000 for Acorns.
Paul said: “Christmas is a special time, and we always set a place for Alfie at the table. Things will never be the same, and you never get over losing a child, but there’s so much of Alfie’s life to celebrate.
“Everyone who’d ever met him, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, will remember his smile. His smile will stay with us forever. Alfie is a star who still shines.”This Christmas, the family will continue to remember Alfie’s bright shining light through Acorns Celebrate Your Star, kindly being sponsored by award-winning law firm Irwin Mitchell.
Ben Gilchrist, In Memory Manager at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “By dedicating a star you will help give the children and families who use Acorns invaluable memories throughout the festive season and into the New Year and to keep forever.”
He added: “Together, our galaxy of stars will help give the children and families who use Acorns magical moments throughout Christmas and into 2026. When you choose to Celebrate Your Star your gift will be a light in the darkness.”
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 more than 70% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
Our volunteer roles at Acorns vary as much as the wonderful people who fulfil them. And none are more diverse and flexible than our Community Champions.
One key volunteer within the Acorns family is Gary Prescott, one of our long-serving and much loved Community Champions.
For four years, Gary has been an unwavering extension of our fundraising team, helping to bridge the gap between our hospices and the communities we serve. Thanks to his generosity, we’ve been able to reach more people, share essential stories about Acorns’ great work, and inspire vital support. The role allows volunteers to assist the team in a way that suits their skills and availability – Gary has chosen to help in many wonderful ways, given freely from the goodness of his heart.
The impact of a Community Champion
Gary’s commitment isn’t just measured in the hundreds of hours of time he’s given; it’s measured in the smiles he creates and the awareness he spreads. His support is crucial because it allows the Fundraising team to be in multiple places at once, maximising our presence and impact, and every volunteer Champion brings their own unique help to the cause.
Whether he’s in the heart of the community or supporting one of our biggest events, Gary brings immense energy and dedication to every task. As a huge AVFC fan, he even brought his passion to Villa Park itself – delivering a heartfelt talk about Acorns in the Fan Zone at Acorns recent takeover day.
Gary’s incredible contributions
The Community Champion role is truly open-ended, meaning you aid the team where needed and as you like. Gary embraces this flexibility and has helped us in numerous ways, showing just a few of the possibilities:
- Ever seen Acorns’ mascot Alex the Acorn spreading cheer at an event? It’s highly likely that’s Gary spreading the joy!
- He regularly attends supporter events and cheque presentations to represent Acorns, meeting the generous people that make Acorns work possible.
- Gary was the polished and professional compere at our Hospice Garden Fete this year, keeping the atmosphere lively and the programme on track.
- Gary is crucial for securing donations, running collections at venues such as theatres, garden centres and supermarkets.
- Whether he’s getting into character as Santa or Olaf, he makes our seasonal fundraisers a memorable success.
- He delivers impactful talks in the community and assemblies at schools, ensuring the next generation understands the difference Acorns makes.
- He’s a logistics hero, efficiently helping with collecting, placing and servicing collection tins across the community, as well as dropping off materials to supporters, ensuring they have everything they need to champion Acorns too.
Gary’s list of contributions is not a job description! It simply shows the incredible variety of ways a Community Champion can support us. You only do what you’re happy to do; Gary just happens to love tackling everything with enthusiasm!
Inspired to make a difference?
Gary’s story shows that being a Community Champion is about making a deep impact by helping the fundraising team in any way you can. You don’t need to do any of the tasks listed above, you will just be a valuable member of our team!
If you feel inspired and would like to find out more about how you could be a Community Champion, please register your interest.
A very special celebrity gardener was invited along to open a brand new garden at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall – completed after years of planning and months of construction work.
TV gardener David Domoney, famous for Love Your Garden and appearances on This Morning, cut the ribbon to the garden with a host of invited guests.
The £200,000 project was only made possible with generous funding from Greenfingers, a charity which creates gardens for children in hospices across the UK.
‘The Centred Garden’
It features colourful zones for children’s activities, sensory enhancements, paths and arches, a sunken trampoline, and a basket swing. Every bedroom in the hospice looks out onto the new garden, which also features planters, and multi-coloured canopies.
The designs were created by VaRa Garden Design together with the team at Taylor Landscape and Design Ltd.
It has been named ‘The Centred Garden’ and a special sign was also unveiled.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers, said the opening of the garden was a ‘truly special day for everyone involved’.
“From the delicious cakes to the stunning garden and the uplifting atmosphere, everything was perfect,” she said. “To see the children enjoying the outdoors was incredibly moving and a reminder of what the garden’s design and creation was all about.”
A huge thanks to Greenfingers, Acorns staff, volunteers and everyone who was involved in the design, planning and making the project a reality.
Why help for Acorns can’t wait
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 more than 70% 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
It was a landmark moment at Birmingham’s most iconic store when a high-profile appointment at Acorns Children’s Hospice was officially announced – with a spectacular bang.
Samantha Watson, Store Director at Selfridges Birmingham, was revealed as the charity’s new Chair of Trustees at an exclusive event, celebrating Acorns as the charity of choice for supporters across the region and highlighting its world-class care.
An unforgettable occasion
A host of children and families cared for by Acorns were invited to the store for a VIP festive extravaganza – the first ‘Stardust Spectacle’ of the season at Selfridges Birmingham, which saw Santa and fashion fairy Stardust, dancing troupes of Mickey Mouse-inspired baubles and a confetti cannon spectacle mark the occasion and ensure that the announcement was a truly unforgettable moment.
Sam will formally take on the top role in November, following the departure of Mark Hopton, who is stepping down after leading the Board for the past eight years.
Her mission is ambitious; to ensure everyone in the West Midlands and beyond knows about Acorns and its highly specialist care and recognises the charity as an integral part of the region.
Sam explained: “The work we do at Acorns should be in the hearts and minds of everyone across the region. Every family should know that if they ever need children’s hospice care, Acorns is here to provide the specialist support they deserve.
“We are just as much a part of the region as its canals, historic buildings, music legacy, culture, thriving businesses and football clubs. It’s vital that supporters, fundraisers, donors and partners see Acorns as the charity of choice if they want to give back to their own community.”
‘I am deeply honoured’
Despite joining Acorns as a trustee just two years ago, Sam already had a long-standing connection to the charity. From fundraising as a schoolgirl in Walsall to taking part in the Acorns flagship Bubble Rush event, and most recently completing a China Trek alongside families supported by the charity, she has seen firsthand the life-changing impact the organisation has on children and their families.
Sam described her new appointment as an ‘honour’.
“I’m deeply honoured to have the opportunity to Chair the Board of Trustees,” she said. “Around the table is a wealth of knowledge and experience, and to lead that team and work with the Executive Directors at Acorns is incredibly exciting.
“As a relatively new trustee, I bring fresh energy, and being Acorns first female Chair allows me to offer a diverse viewpoint for both the Executive team and the wider organisation in a really positive way.”
Sam hopes the whole organisation will join her and make even more noise about Acorns.
Acorns world-class care
She said: “I want everyone at Acorns to be loud and proud about our world-class care and will use every personal and professional connection I have to make sure Acorns is part of every conversation.
“The care and support we offer children and families is like no other. We should celebrate it, fly that flag with pride, and recognise that what we do is unprecedented.”
Sam also paid tribute to outgoing Chair Mark Hopton, who was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours last year for his services to education, healthcare and charities in the West Midlands.
“Mark has been such a massive supporter and advocate,” Sam said. “I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance and the path he’s helped pave for our charity’s future.”
Mark, who became Chair in 2017, dedicated his MBE to Acorns and the children and families it supports. “It’s a profound privilege to be involved in a charity like Acorns,” he said. “This award bears testament to the children and families we are here to serve, whose courage and strength inspires us every day.”
Looking ahead, Sam is determined to grow that legacy.
“We’ve got a bright future ahead,” she said. “The task now is to take everything we do so well and build on it, ensuring Acorns is sustainable for the long term and here for generations to come.”
Acorns Board of Trustees is the charity’s governing body, made up of volunteers who bring a wide range of expertise to guide its strategy and safeguard its future.
Trustees oversee the work of the Executive team, ensuring the charity fulfils its purpose and that every decision is made in the best interests of the children and families it supports. The Board also act as ambassadors, championing Acorns in the community and helping to build the partnerships and support needed to continue its work.
Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive of Acorns, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam as our new Chair of Trustees. Sam brings incredible energy, passion and a wealth of commercial expertise that will help us shout even louder about our children’s hospice care. Her commitment to diversity, collaboration and community will be invaluable as we continue to grow and build a sustainable future for the children and families who need us.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Mark, whose leadership since 2017 has been nothing short of outstanding. His decision to remain as Chair during my appointment as Chief Executive, to avoid two major leadership changes at once and ensure continuity for our people and the children and families we support, is a shining testament to his dedication and commitment to Acorns.
“His wisdom, support and unwavering advocacy have helped steer Acorns through some of the most challenging times in our history. We are deeply grateful for his service.”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 more than 70% 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
For more details on the Selfridges Spectacle visit: www.selfridges.com/StardustSpectacle
Tinsel up your trainers and warm up your mistletoes – and take part in a fun and festive charity step-tacular for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
This December, the charity is urging people across the West Midlands to join its Step into Christmas challenge by choosing one of three goals and at the same time helping it provide vital care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
Step out for a cause that truly matters
Sophie Boreham, Events Manager at Acorns, said: “We’re calling on everyone to step up and get active while making a real difference for local children who need our care. Every step you take, every penny you raise, helps us provide lifeline care and support for children and families at the darkest times of their lives.
“There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit by stepping out for a cause that truly matters. So team up, dress up and step up and see how far-la-la-la-la you can walk or run.”
For 12 days the charity is challenging people to choose a goal of 6,000 steps, 10,000 steps or to go the extra mile with 12,000 steps every day. Or if you prefer something else, create your own fun moment that gets you moving and raising vital funds.
Step into Christmas runs from 1st to 12th December. By registering and putting your best foot forward you’ll receive an exclusive orange Acorns Christmas hat – the perfect accessory for sharing daily photos of you completing your challenge.
Sophie added: “By signing up you’ll also receive support from Acorns to help with all your fundraising and the amazing feeling you’ll get from knowing you’re making a real difference to local children.”
Helping to make a real difference
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 more than 70% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
Register for the Step into Christmas challenge today by visiting www.acorns.org.uk/step
When families walk through the doors of our hospices, they’re met with a friendly smile, a kind word and the reassuring presence of our dedicated Reception and Admin Volunteers.
Across our three hospices, 34 volunteers help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. They’re the calm, welcoming voices on the phone, the first faces families see when they arrive, and a vital part of ensuring that every visitor and colleague feels supported.
Amanda’s volunteer experience
Amanda, one of our valued Reception Volunteers at Acorns in Birmingham, shares what being part of the team means to her:
“I very much enjoy coming along to volunteer at Acorns, as it is such a wonderful charity and an extremely worthwhile cause. A service that is very much needed for the children and families of Birmingham. I enjoy meeting people and being busy and having worked in an office since leaving school, it is the best use of my spare time.”
“I come into reception and answer the telephone, greet visitors, help families to sign in and direct them to the people they have come to see. My duties involve scanning, photocopying, sorting out the files after the nursing staff have finished with them and filing them all away. The role is a busy one and I really enjoy it. After retiring from work, I never realised how much I missed office work until I came to Acorns. I like to think I do a very important job and I want to help the Admin staff in reception as much as I can as they are very busy.”
Admin volunteers
Our Admin teams couldn’t imagine life without our volunteers. Their support helps everything run smoothly. Rachel, Care Administrator at the Black Country Hospice, shared her appreciation for the volunteers who make such a difference every day:
‘Nothing is ever too much trouble and they are happy to help in any way they can. They are passionate and dedicate their time willingly. We are so grateful for everything they do, without them we would never manage to complete all admin duties. Many have been part of the administration team for a number of years. We would like to thank our volunteers for their continued support, for being fabulous at what they do and for being part of our administration “family”.’
Thank you to our volunteers
For some families, attending the hospice for the first time can be a daunting experience, but meeting our considerate and kind-hearted volunteers really makes a difference to them. Thank you to our volunteers for the amazing work you do and being part of our administration ‘family’.
The hospice in Selly Oak, which provides care for around 250 children and their families every year, has received the highest possible rating from Government inspectors.
In their report, published today (Wednesday 22 October), the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has described Acorns in Birmingham as ‘performing exceptionally well’. Inspectors praised the team’s ‘strong collaborative approach’ to care and focus on achieving ‘the best outcomes’ for every child and young person, with safety described as ‘a top priority that involved everyone’ and support extending to the ‘whole family and not just the child’.
Enormously proud
Katie Burbridge, Director of Care and Executive Nurse at Acorns, said: “We are thrilled to receive an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It reflects the dedication, passion and excellence of our care team, whose skill and commitment families already know and trust. Every day, they go above and beyond because the children we care for deserve nothing but the very best.
“Acorns exists for the children and families we support, and everything we do is driven by our purpose – to positively impact children with short lives. This recognition is as much for them as it is for our team. Every smile we see and every moment we share reminds us why we do this work.
“While we are enormously proud of this Outstanding achievement, it will inspire us to keep evolving and innovating to future proof our services so we can continue providing exceptional care and support for every child and family who needs us now and in the years to come.”
Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive at Acorns added: “This Outstanding rating is a powerful reflection of the incredible work of our teams every single day. It celebrates their commitment, compassion and the exceptional standards they deliver for children and families. It also shows our supporters, donors and partners that their belief in Acorns is well placed.
“At the same time, we are reminded that our work is never done. The needs of children and families continue to change, and we will always adapt our services to fit.”
Inspected under a new rigorous framework
Acorns in Birmingham was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in July. It is one of three Acorns hospices providing specialist palliative care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions and vital support for their families across the West Midlands.
The hospice was last inspected in 2016 under the adult social care system, when it was also rated Outstanding. It is among the first hospices in England to be assessed using the CQC’s new framework, which measures children’s hospices against the same rigorous standards as hospitals – recognising the high level of medical, clinical and nursing care they provide.
Following the new inspection, Acorns in Birmingham was again commended for its excellence, with inspectors rating the hospice as Outstanding for how caring, responsive, effective and well-led it is.
At the time of the visit, the hospice was undergoing improvement works. As a result, the final area of ‘safe’ was rated as Good – the highest level achievable while the work was underway. The refresh project is now complete.
Inspectors described the hospice as exceptionally well-led, with a culture rooted in transparency, equity, inclusion and a deep understanding of children and families’ needs. Leaders and staff demonstrated integrity, openness and compassion, fostering an environment where staff felt ‘valued and respected’ and able to raise concerns.
Care was praised as highly-personalised and compassionate, with each service user treated as an individual, taking into account each child’s ‘needs, culture and unique backgrounds and protected characteristics’, and with support extending to the whole family. Volunteer involvement was recognised as ‘invaluable and well received by the families’.
The report highlighted the hospice’s effectiveness and responsiveness, with staff thoroughly assessing and reviewing needs, planning care together with children and families and in partnership with other healthcare providers, so ‘people only needed to tell their story once’.
Services were found to be flexible and inclusive, tailored to diverse needs, and aimed at supporting children and young people to live as fully and independently as possible, knowing their rights and providing ‘choice and control over their own care’.
Inspectors found safety to be a clear focus throughout the service, noting that ‘safety and continuity of care was a priority throughout people’s care journey’. High standards were consistently maintained and closely monitored, underpinned by a strong understanding of safeguarding and a holistic approach to managing risk. Staff were also commended for maintaining ‘a clear focus on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety’.
Inspectors also noted that the hospice had achieved a gold accreditation by UNICEF for its work embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
What the CQC said
Following the publication of the report, Amanda Lyndon, CQC Deputy Director of Operations in Birmingham, said: “We were pleased to visit Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham and find they had maintained an exceptional level of care. They put children and young people at the centre of everything they did to provide exemplary treatment and support, making a difficult time easier for the whole family.
“People told us they were delighted with the service and that lovely staff treated them with warmth and kindness. We also heard how much families appreciated staff extending support to the whole family to support them as part of their loved one’s care.
“We observed staff involving people in their assessments and considering their communication needs and personal preferences. They ensured people were involved in decisions and could make choices about their care, while regularly reviewing assessment plans to make sure people received effective care that met their needs.
“Strong leadership helped shape care, as leaders constantly developed the service by learning from feedback and making improvements. They fostered an open culture where people and staff felt comfortable raising concerns. Managers investigated incidents thoroughly and shared their findings with staff.
“Staff continuously looked for ways to monitor and measure people’s outcomes and had identified that while several tools were available nationally for people in adult hospices, fewer existed for children and young people. In response, they worked with another hospice network to identify what data they collected and how they could adapt this, which improved their insight and understanding of people’s care and outcomes.
“Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham did everything possible to continually develop their services and give young people and their families the best possible experience and outcomes. Other care services should look at this report to see what they can learn.”
Opened in 1988, Acorns is Birmingham was the charity’s first hospice site – and only the second in the world. Over the past 37 years, the hospice team has provided lifeline care to thousands of children and their families across Birmingham and Warwickshire.
Acorns hospices in Walsall and Worcester, opened in 1999 and 2005 respectively, are also expected to undergo the same rigorous inspection in the coming months.
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.
Children receive care at Acorns for rehabilitative respite, pain and symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care, as well as through community nursing and family support in their homes and local communities.
Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care across the West Midlands, with more than 70% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
Read the full report here.
Why one mother is leaving a gift in her Will to Acorns Children’s Hospice.
When Joy Clarke talks about her support for Acorns, it’s clear that this is no ordinary act of giving – it’s a deeply personal promise, shaped by a lifetime of compassion, loss and a powerful desire to make a difference.
Joy’s journey with Acorns began when she was invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our hospice in Birmingham, having already been a dedicated donor. It was a visit that left a lasting impression.
Joy’s lasting legacy
Joy is a familiar face in Tewkesbury, where she runs a small but mighty craft stall alongside friends. Together, they handmake everything from cards and crochet blankets to knitted teddies and cross-stitch pieces, with every penny of profit going directly to support our care for children and families across the West Midlands. She graciously says: “I can only do this with the support of my husband who drives me to market venues.”
Joy pays for the stall herself, a quiet but impactful act of generosity that speaks volumes.
Her family are also part of this legacy of care. Her husband, a baker and fundraiser in his own right, is well-known for his homemade cakes, bread, and charity roasts at the Three Kings in Hanley Castle which also supports Acorns. Their son Anthony was also inspired to hold quiz nights for charity when he ran a pub.
But it’s Joy’s son Robert who truly inspires her support. Robert sadly died in 1988 at the age of 22, after living with epilepsy, scoliosis and cerebral palsy. He would have been 58 this year. Joy still remembers the difficult hospital stays, the lack of private spaces, and the fear of having nowhere to turn when staff went on strike. Her sons found the hospital visits overwhelming and there was no space just for family, no peace, no time just to be.
“There wasn’t much support back then,” Joy remembers. “Not like there is now with Acorns. If a place like this had existed when Robert was alive – it would’ve changed everything.”
Leaving a Gift in Will for Acorns
This reflection, coupled with the clarity brought on by the pandemic, led Joy to make an extraordinary decision: to leave a gift in her Will to Acorns. For Joy, it’s not just about giving, it’s about ensuring no other family has to face the journey alone, like hers once did.
“I’ve seen what a difference Acorns makes,” she says. “Children with short lives, and their families, deserve comfort, space, dignity and love. I want to help make sure Acorns can be there for them, not just now, but long into the future.”
Joy’s legacy will help Acorns continue to provide life-changing care to children and their families for generations to come – a lasting gift of hope, love, and support when it’s needed most.
Acorns is celebrating 28 years of generous support from The Eveson Trust.
In just under three decades, The Eveson Trust has gifted an incredible £1.5 million to Acorns, supporting thousands of children and families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire.
The Trust was established in 1994 and is the legacy of Mrs Violet Eveson. Trustees have since awarded over £80 million in grants to charitable organisations across the region. Find out more about the incredible work the Trust has funded.
Meeting the demand for our care
Acorns deeply values the longstanding support The Eveson Trust has shown as we have evolved and grown over the years. From our three hospices across the West Midlands, we provide rehabilitative respite, pain and symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care, as well as community nursing and family support in homes and local communities. It costs over £35,000 each day to provide this care and support.
In April this year, we were fortunate to receive a grant of £95,000 from The Eveson Trust to support the core running costs at our hospices.
At a time when more families need our care and support than ever, with demand for end-of-life care increasing by 47% in the last year alone, we couldn’t be more grateful for this gift. Thanks to The Eveson Trust and their latest grant, we can continue to provide the care children and families deserve during the darkest times.
Support from The Eveson Trust
At Acorns, less than a third of our income comes from statutory sources, meaning we rely on the generosity of the community and charitable organisations, like The Eveson Trust, for more than 70% of the funds we need to deliver our services.
Their support helps empower parents like Karen and Jonathan, by giving them a chance to say goodbye in their own time, supported by a compassionate team of specialist nurses, in a comfortable environment. When their daughter Thea died, she was just 23 days old.
Thanks to the support of The Eveson Trust, we can provide medical care to children like Thea and be there for their families, by helping them create special memories to treasure and by providing vital post-bereavement support.
“The Eveson Trust is proud to be a long-standing supporter of Acorns Children’s Hospice; to date, we have awarded over £1.5m to the charity and we have seen how Acorns has developed its provision over the years to provide modern, responsive specialist 24-hour care for children with complex medical needs and support for their families. We wish them continued success.” – Claire Bowry, Chief Executive of The Eveson Trust
Vicky Smith, Director of Income Generation
“Acorns is incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by Claire Bowry and the Trustees. Their steadfast commitment to supporting children with life limiting conditions is incredibly moving, and it’s clear they have made a significant positive impact on the lives of thousands of children.
On behalf of our children and families and our Care team, Acorns would like to thank The Eveson Trust for all that they have made possible. Thanks to their forward thinking and flexible approach to supporting organisations like Acorns we can continue to be there for children and families, whenever and wherever they need us.”
Transforming hospice facilities
The Eveson Trust has also contributed to major improvements in our facilities. Their support funded the refurbishment of corridors at our Black Country hospice, creating extra-wide spaces for children using wheelchairs and mobile beds. They’ve also help fund ultra-modern heating.
At our Worcester hospice, the Trust funded the multi-sensory room and a purpose-built adolescent room, creating tailored therapeutic spaces.
Thank You to The Eveson Trust
Throughout the challenges of Covid-19, and the ongoing fight for secure statutory funding, The Eveson Trust has remained steadfast in its commitment to seriously ill children and their families. From supporting the delivery of end-of-life care, to funding major facility upgrades, The Eveson Trust has been a cornerstone of Acorns community.
We are deeply grateful for their commitment to supporting children with short lives and their families.