Young people visiting our Birmingham hospice were in pole position for an unforgettable F1 residential weekend, bringing the excitement of the Australian Grand Prix to life – and none of it would have been possible without the generosity of our amazing supporters.

The weekend, organised by our Young Persons Worker Debra Clarke, was packed with motorsport-themed fun. From a big-screen showing of the Melbourne race to whizzing around an electric race track and even a special visit from a blue Ferrari – it was a dream come true for our motorsport fans.

It wasn’t just about the excitement on the track – although that was a definite highlight! The weekend is a wonderful example of how our care goes beyond medical support. Our dedicated teams work so hard to ensure that the children and young people who use our services can enjoy joyful, meaningful moments – just like any other child. All the while still receiving the specialist medical care they need from our expert palliative nurses.

Safe and supportive spaces

One young person shared their thoughts on the hospice. They told us, “It really is fun everytime I go. I get to play outside, go swimming and do the car racing weekend.”

These special residential weekends do so much more than provide entertainment. They create safe, supportive spaces where our young people can grow in confidence, build friendships and develop social skills – and at the same time do something they love.

During the Grand Prix weekend, young people who joined us told us they felt safe, supported and included thanks to the kindness and dedication of our staff.

One said they were especially happy to come ‘because of seeing the Ferrari car’ – and who wouldn’t be?

A young boy sat in the drivers seat of a blue Ferrari.

Another told us they were proud to have won a medal and trophy, which left them feeling really happy by the end of the weekend.

The podiums made out of cardboard with black and white balloons across the wall behind.

Fun, friendship and feeling part of something

It’s moments like these – smiles, laughter, new friendships and personal achievements, while providing specialist medical care – that show the real impact of what your support makes possible.

These shared experiences help to develop emotional and mental wellbeing, giving our young people the chance to connect with others who share their passions. For some, it’s the start of building lifelong confidence.

One young person told us they had fun with their peers but hoped for more children their age next time – and we’re listening. Every event helps us to learn and improve, guided by what our young people want and need.

Upholding children’s rights

Activities like these don’t just bring joy. They also reflect our commitment to upholding the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We make sure every child has the right to express their thoughts and wishes, to take part in cultural and leisure activities, and to be included in a way that respects who they are.

From creating opportunities for children with disabilities to connect with their peers, to ensuring their voices are heard and their preferences shape the day. Our approach is always centred on what’s best for them.

A young boy and a nurse on the floor playing with a race car track and toy cars.

Thank you

To everyone who donates, fundraises, and supports our work, thank you. You are helping us deliver not just specialist nursing care, but unforgettable experiences filled with laughter, adventure and friendship. Together, we’re giving children and young people the chance to be themselves, explore their interests, and feel truly special.

Because of you, our children got to race ahead – and they’re still smiling.

Support Acorns

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.

What is Acorns sibling care?

Sibling care at Acorns goes beyond simple playtime. Sarah and Jen, siblings workers at Acorns Birmingham, explain that their sessions aim to offer connection, comfort, and support.

“We can’t change what’s happening in their lives, but we can say, ‘You’re part of this community. You are unique and special’,” says Jen. “We want them to feel that Acorns is a place where they can be themselves, however they need to be.”

By creating a sense of belonging, these sessions help siblings feel less isolated. They can connect with other children who truly understand what it’s like to grow up with a seriously ill brother or sister – something they might not experience at school.

Every group session has a therapeutic element, following the FRAME method. From modelling coping skills to offering a space for self-expression, Sarah and Jen ensure that each session includes elements of self-care that children can carry with them when they need it most.

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.”

“We want siblings to feel that Acorns is a place where they can be themselves, however they need to be.”

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.”

Gardening as therapy

For many siblings, gardening is more than just a fun activity – it’s a form of therapy. Roger has seen its benefits firsthand: “They love getting involved with the planting and watching things grow. It’s really good to see.”

Sarah and Jen add that the garden is a space where siblings don’t have to think about anyone else. They can just enjoy being kids – getting the hands dirty, splashing in puddles, and taking a break from the responsibilities they often feel at home.

Studies show that spending even just 20 minutes in nature can reduce anxiety, boost mood and improve focus. For siblings facing the challenges of living alongside illness or bereavement, the benefits of the garden can transformative.

A space of their own

At its heart, the sibling garden is about creating a sense of ownership and belonging.

“Siblings need to know they have a part of Acorns too,” Sarah explains. “If their sibling comes for end-of-life care, they know they have this space and can think ‘I can go there because that’s ours.’”

Jen adds: “Acorns siblings are often deeply caring because of their home lives, so looking after this garden feels like a natural extension of who they are. But just as importantly, it gives them a break. Their homes can be busy and full of medical equipment, so having this space where they can just be is really meaningful.”

With spaces like these, we hope every sibling who visits feels a little more connected, a little more seen, and a little more at home.

“I just love the animals, the nature, and seeing all the things we plant grow.”

Get involved

Even families without access to large outdoor spaces can experience the benefits of nature – through scavenger hunts, nature walks, or small-scale gardening.

Jen says: “We recently took the siblings on the Bournville Scavenger Hunt. Seeing how much joy they got from it showed just how much they needed that time in nature.”

This Spring, Acorns invites families to experience the benefits of nature themselves by downloading our printable Collect the Rainbow activity sheet. Collect natural treasures in every colour of the rainbow on your next stroll.

Acorns Nurse Katie was among the team of ‘superheroes’ Karen and Jonathan say gave them ‘everything we needed without knowing we needed it’.

Katie shares her memories of meeting Thea and her family for the first time and how the hospice team at Acorns in the Black Country gave them the gifts of vital care, support and lifetime of memories.

I remember walking in and seeing this tiny beautiful little baby; her little features were absolutely perfect. Her family were soaking up every minute they could with her.

The gift of time

Thea’s family needed the precious gift of time. They needed time as a family of four, time to cuddle Thea, time to cry and time to laugh. Most importantly to be able to do all these things knowing they were being well cared for.

They didn’t need to fear what they may need to do or not do when by themselves at 3am. They didn’t need to think of the day-to-day mundane jobs of figuring out what to eat or when to wash clothes, because it was done for them. They knew Rupert was happy and could be watched if they needed some time alone with Thea. They just got to be parents.

The family wanted to spend time to create memories with Thea in a calm and caring place, and that’s what they got. We embraced them into the Acorns family and gave them the support they needed. They knew we were keeping a close eye on Thea and were ready to intervene to keep her as comfortable as possible.

Two women sit next to a lying baby. One woman holds a Christmas bauble with a printed baby handprint on it
Two white baubles hanging on a Christmas tree. One says Thea Evelyn and the other has a small hand print with eyes and a nose to make it look like a reindeer.

Creating memories

The most important thing we did was accept where they are at. We try our hardest to see a family’s needs and meet them there. Some families want to know we are there but need space, others want us to be involved as much as possible. Thea’s family fully embraced all we offered and from that, experienced lots of beautiful memories.

Johnny and Karen wanted as many memory making activities as we could offer. We had such a lovely time thinking of different crafts we could do. Hand and foot casts were one of the first we did. Thea had the tiniest little toes. I think I held my breath when I peeled away the casting!

We involved Rupert in some canvas painting so that he will also have something to look back on and know he was a part of.

When a family is going through end-of-life care with their child, so many moments can become a blur. There is so much to take in and try to understand, so many different emotions. But in these moments, these keepsakes, time has stood still. That handprint, footprint, photo, will always remain and bring back a memory. Keepsakes and memories like these are irreplaceable.

Christmas appeal

This Christmas we have launched an appeal to raise vital funds for children and families like Thea’s.

Acorns gives families like Thea’s some space and calm for those final days. We provide treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
But we can’t do that without you. Your gift today will help us provide vital care at our hospices in Birmingham, Walsall, and Worcester this Christmas and throughout the year ahead.

Donate to our Christmas appeal today
A woman, man and young boy looking over a moses basket at a small baby.

A major project to completely transform a vital hydrotherapy pool and turn it into a magical multi-sensory facility for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions has officially begun.

The hydrotherapy pool at Acorns Children’s Hospice for the Three Counties, which received the royal seal of approval after it opened in 2005, is being given the six-figure upgrade to totally renovate the facility.

Alongside a brand-new pool and changing rooms, a sparkling hi-tech lighting system and ambient surround sound speakers will enhance hydrotherapy sessions, which are an essential service provided by the Worcester-based hospice.

The improvements have been made possible thanks to a £205,297 grant from the Kildare Trust and will benefit around 230 children who receive care at the Bath Road hospice every year.

Becky Hughes, Matron at Acorns for the Three Counties, said: “This exciting project will completely transform what is such an important space for children and families. Hydrotherapy actively reduces pain and gives children at Acorns a sense of movement that they wouldn’t otherwise enjoy without the freedom that water allows.

Work begins on the new pool
Workers on site as the new pool is created

An incredible project

“Our hydrotherapy pool is so well loved and used by families who rely on our lifeline care and support. Not only does it enable us to provide vital hydrotherapy sessions but also allows us to offer family splashes, giving them precious time together to provide magical memories which wouldn’t be possible for a child with complex care needs in a public pool.

“The incredible project would not be possible without the generous support of the Kildare Trust. Words can’t explain how grateful we are. The impact will be felt for years to come, and will touch the lives of hundreds of families.”

Hydrotherapy not only helps with pain relief and symptom management but can also help a child to develop their play and communication skills.

The pool helps children to be as active as possible, both physically and emotionally, and helps to create happy memories for them and their families.

The Kildare Trust, which was endowed by the late Phyllis Richards, a Worcester farmer who died in 2021 aged 100 years old, provides financial support to charities across Worcestershire and has funded the entire project.

Ian Smith, Chair of the Kildare Trust, said: “The Kildare Trust has supported the wonderful work Acorns hospice in Worcester does for a number of years. When we heard that the swimming pool was desperately in need of a major refurbishment, we wanted to help.

“On a visit to see the pool and hear about the exciting plans, we were introduced to a foster mother who explained what a massive positive impact the pool and the staff who provide the therapy has on her severely disabled son. We are delighted to have been able to fund the entire project.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for 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 730 children across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

Acorns needs around £30,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous grants from charities like the Kildare Trust.

Find out how you can help Acorns be stronger together for local children and families by visiting our Stronger Together campaign.

Catherine Smith, Jamie Wyton and Nickie Ford smile for a photo

Proud of everything the apprentices have achieved

The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund was created by the WMCA to cover training costs for more apprentices in the region, through large employers donating a portion of their unspent apprenticeship levy to smaller companies.

The Fund keeps levy money within the West Midlands region by enabling the WMCA to partner large organisations with local smaller companies. This means the large employers donate a portion of their unspent apprenticeship levy funds to the smaller businesses, covering 100% of their apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, said: “This £45,000 boost – made possible thanks to the WMCA Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Fund – highlights our commitment to upskilling and supporting healthcare professionals.

“This initiative empowers participants to progress to nurse level in professional terms while delivering essential care to local life-limited children.

Nickie Ford, Trainee Nurse Associate

“By nurturing talent in this way, we’re ensuring fantastic care is provided to the children and families who rely on Acorns.”

Jamie Wyton, Clinical Practice Educator

Ensuring fantastic care is provided

“By nurturing talent in this way, we’re ensuring fantastic care is provided to the children and families who rely on Acorns.”

So far, more than £46 million has been contributed as a result of large organisations joining the WMCA partnership, boosting skills and productivity by supporting more young people and adults of all ages into work.

The scheme created approximately 3,500 new apprenticeships at 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the region.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for 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 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

Acorns needs around £27,000 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.

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@acorns.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

Due to the sensitive nature of Acorns care services it refrains from using the words ‘terminal’ or ‘terminally ill’ in its press releases and public communications when describing the children who use Acorns and the conditions that they have. Instead, Acorns uses the words ‘life limited’, ‘life limiting’, or ‘life threatening’. Acorns kindly requests that you respect this in your communications when referring to Acorns Children’s Hospice. Acorns children have a lot of living to do. Thank you.

State-of-the-art ‘ceiling technology’ at a Walsall children’s hospice is making a difference thanks to a generous local company.

Ten digital screens have been donated by Telford-based Camelott Digital Solutions and installed at Acorns in the Black Country, Walsall, giving children access to stimulation and entertainment in a way not previously possible.

 

A whole new world

With many of the hundreds of children Acorns cares for each year having complex clinical needs and limited movement, the screens are much more accessible in comparison to ‘standard’ screens.

Whether it’s watching films, playing computer games or even experiencing interactive multisensory visuals, the screens open up a whole new world for children and can be tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each child.

Vicki Rowles, Director of Fundraising at Acorns, said: “We are so grateful to Camelott Digital Solutions for the donation of these fantastic screens. The technology is wonderful and allows the children we care for to access a range of amazing interactive and multisensory features.

“At Acorns we work hard to make our hospices the special places they are, where children can take part in all the things children love to do, regardless of ability. These screens are a brilliant addition to our hospice and one that will really enhance the experience of the children who visit.”

The Black Country hospice has recently undergone a £2 million refurbishment, transforming the much-loved facility for the children and their families that use it every year.

The screens are a key part of the refurb work which has included completely modernised bedrooms, corridors, reception and dining room.

Local companies working together

John Ellis, Commercial Director at Camelott, said: “When we heard Acorns was looking for something like this we were only too pleased to be able to help. We supplied eight screens as well as two interactive screens incorporated into tables on wheels, and we hope they really make a difference to these children’s lives.”

Camelott was introduced to Acorns by Ian Bradley of Bion Electrical, a Wombourne-based company working with Acorns on the hospice refurbishment.

Mr Bradley said: “We knew Acorns were looking at these screens and we put them in touch with John at Camelott who came up with a package that gave a big cost saving. We are glad we were able to help and this is a great example of how companies can work together to help each other and the wider community.”

The screens were supplied by the display solutions specialist Melford Technologies, based in Buckinghamshire.

Steve Osborne, Managing Director of Melford Technologies, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Acorns project. It’s great to see our technologies being used to bring enjoyment and relaxation to the children living in the hospice.”

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@acorns.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

Due to the sensitive nature of Acorns care services it refrains from using the words ‘terminal’ or ‘terminally ill’ in its press releases and public communications when describing the children who use Acorns and the conditions that they have. Instead, Acorns uses the words ‘life limited’, ‘life limiting’, or ‘life threatening’. Acorns kindly requests that you respect this in your communications when referring to Acorns Children’s Hospice. Acorns children have a lot of living to do. Thank you.

Jabran, staff nurse at our hospice in Birmingham feels humbled to work at Acorns.

For him, being able to bring tailored care and fun to the lives of children is his favourite thing. Here is his story:

I’ve been qualified as a nurse now for 10 years which is scary to admit! I started my career working in hospitals, so I didn’t know much about the hospice scene.

Before applying to work at Acorns I did a mini tour to see what it was like. It wasn’t what I thought it was going to be, it was actually a really fun and warm environment, so I applied for the job and here I am!

What I really love about my role is the time I get to give to the children and their families. On my first day, I spent the whole day caring for one child who I woke in the morning, bathed, took into the sensory room and the garden, ate lunch with in the dining room, and watched TV with whilst looking after their care needs.

A nurse at Acorns, named Jabhran, calculating the right dosage of medicine needed.

Jabran preparing medicine at our Birmingham hospice.

“It wasn’t rushed, it was calm. It was completely different to the busy hospital ward. That’s what’s nice about Acorns, you really do get that one to one care in a relaxing environment.”

We have time to care and to get to know the child and their family, which means we can provide gold standard care. Every child is different, so we make sure we know everything about them by building a personal care plan.

When a family first comes to Acorns, we invite them to stay so we can learn everything we can about their child.

Obviously, we focus on the clinical needs such as medication, but we also cover things you might take for granted. For instance, what time the child goes to sleep, if they wake up in the night, what kind of things would calm them down? What are their hobbies?

We then create a personalised care plan for when they stay. By doing this we can care for them as a whole.

Everything we do is tailored because we want the best for children and families. We try to understand as best as we can, what they’re going through.

I love this job because it’s humbling to be a part of a child’s journey. That’s why I want to make it as fun and unique to them as possible.

Jabran 
Staff Nurse

For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team at news@acorns.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

Due to the sensitive nature of Acorns care services it refrains from using the words ‘terminal’ or ‘terminally ill’ in its press releases and public communications when describing the children who use Acorns and the conditions that they have. Instead, Acorns uses the words ‘life limited’, ‘life limiting’, or ‘life threatening’. Acorns kindly requests that you respect this in your communications when referring to Acorns Children’s Hospice. Acorns children have a lot of living to do. Thank you.