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£5 million campaign launched to transform children’s hospice care across the West Midlands

Acorns Time Machine will bring specialist care closer to families across the West Midlands, helping to give more seriously-ill children time to be kids.

A young woman with her arm around an older woman's shoulder, both smiling at the camera.

A young volunteer’s journey

After finishing her A levels and feeling unsure about what to do next, young volunteer Charlotte decided to take the leap and join Acorns as a retail volunteer.

Three women smiling and wearing orange Acorns tops outside.

Entire hospice team takes on 100 Miles in March challenge

The entire team at our Birmingham hospice will be taking on a challenge to walk 100 miles.

A desk on which is a last Will and testament and a tube of pringles

10 fantastic facts about Wills

Acorns has released a list of the top 10 most amazing and surprising facts as the charity offers a free professional Will-writing service.

A young baby holding a brown bunny teddy.

The most powerful way to say that seriously ill children matter to you

Acorns Children’s Hospice has joined a major televised campaign to help local people protect their families’ futures by offering a free professional Will-writing service.

Our new Volunteer Management System is coming

Our new Volunteer Management System, Assemble, is coming soon. Find out how this system works and how it will help things run smoothly.

A festive winter wonderland

Our Black Country Hospice was transformed into a winter wonderland for its annual Santa’s Grotto event

Top 10 ways to do good – and feel great – in 2026

Make supporting Acorns your New Year’s Resolution.

Turn your unwanted Christmas gifts into a lifeline for local children

Did Santa bring you a gorgeous gift… that you already own? Did you get something fabulous and fashionable, but it doesn’t quite fit? Or have the festivities left your wardrobes and cupboards feeling a little too bloated?

Walsall FC hero brings sacks of smiles in advance of matchday takeover

A football legend from Walsall FC brought a goal-load of festive smiles when he stopped into Acorns Children’s Hospice in the Black Country.

Goal-den smiles as Villa players continue fantastic festive tradition

Top players from Aston Villa brought some goal-den smiles to children and families when they paid a special festive visit to Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham.

Massive new superstore with thousands of bargains on Bescot retail park

A massive new Acorns superstore has opened its doors in Walsall – the charity’s first ever store on a retail park – featuring a huge range of furniture and a dedicated book reading area.

‘Phenomenal’ – Talbots Law raises more than £118,000 for Acorns vital care

A phenomenal £118,136 has been raised for Acorns Children’s Hospice by award-winning law firm Talbots Law following ‘an incredible’ three-year partnership with the charity.

Alfie is a star whose memory shines in Celebrate Your Star

When Alfie was born the world was perfect – until doctors revealed he had suffered life limiting injuries during birth. Dad Paul tells their heartbreaking story as part of Celebrate Your Star.

A man wearing an Acorns branded hi vis and holding up an Acorns donations bucket.

Community Champion: Gary Prescott

Meet Gary Prescott, a key Community Champion volunteer at Acorns who regularly takes on a variety of roles to help support and fundraise.

The big unveiling of Acorns new garden after years of planning

A brand new garden at Acorns - made possible through the generosity of the charity Greenfingers.

Acorns new Chair of Trustees

It was a landmark moment when Samantha Watson, Store Director at Selfridges Birmingham, was revealed as Acorns new Chair of Trustees.

Step into Christmas and go the extra mile in a fun 12-day challenge for Acorns

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.

A man sat at a reception desk holding a phone up to his ear.

Acorns Reception and Admin Volunteers

Our Reception and Admin volunteers are often the first point of contact for those attending our hospices. They are a friendly face and a cheerful smile when welcoming our families and visitors in reception.

It’s official – Acorns in Birmingham is Outstanding!

Acorns in Birmingham gets the top rating from Government inspectors.

A legacy of love

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 desire to make a difference.

28 years of support from The Eveson Trust

Acorns is celebrating 28 years of generous support from The Eveson Trust. The Eveson Trust most recently donated £95,000 to help cover essential running costs, enabling the delivery of our vital end-of-life care.

Stunning victory in urgent petition to secure vital care

Thousands of people united and today their voices were heard – after the Government announced vital funding to secure the future of children’s hospice care across England

Qualification success for Nursing Associates

Acorns Children’s Hospice is celebrating the success of its Nursing Associates, with several team members completing their qualifications and making a significant impact on children’s hospice care.

Powerful message takes to the road across the West Midlands

A powerful message took to the road as Acorns Children’s Hospice revved up its fight to save vital Government funding for children’s hospice care.

A girl wearing an Acorns t shirt behind a stand full of toys and prizes.

Community Champions

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Community Champion for Acorns Children’s Hospice? Read about Katisha’s journey with Acorns.

Remembering Benjamin Zephaniah

On Thursday 7 December 2023, the world lost a remarkable soul – Benjamin Zephaniah. A trailblazing poet, writer, musician, activist, and proud Brummie. Benjamin left an indelible mark on British culture and on the hearts of all who knew him.

Local man to run up funds for late friend’s beloved charity

Hundreds of runners will soon take to the streets for the annual Run Solihull and one local man is preparing to take on the challenge in memory of a cherished friend.

Two women stood outside of an Acorns charity shop and wearing orange lanyards.

Sheryl’s volunteering journey

Sheryl Bolden began her journey with Acorns in Spring 2022, joining our Mere Green charity shop as a retail volunteer.

Three women and a man wearing orange hi vis jackets and stood at an Acorns stall.

Fun and friendship at our garden fetes!

Our annual garden fetes bring together families, friends and an incredible team of volunteers for days filled with laughter and a shared purpose.

Your chance to turn £2 into £8,000 is here

Acorns is launching its biggest-ever raffle this July giving supporters the unmissable chance to win an incredible £8,000 jackpot.

A deeper funding crisis within the heart of hospice care

A powerful message took to the road as Acorns Children’s Hospice revved up its fight to save vital Government funding for children’s hospice care.

‘Fitting and inspirational’ mural of Benjamin Zephaniah unveiled

A striking new mural honouring the life and legacy of renowned poet Benjamin Zephaniah was unveiled in the gardens of Acorns in Birmingham.

Hundreds dive into bubbles for a foam-tastic day of fundraising

Families and friends came together in their hundreds for a day of fun as they raced through billions of bubbles in support of Acorns.

Ozzy Osborne singing on stage with his band Black Sabbath

Remembering Ozzy Osbourne: the icon, the legend, and dear friend to Acorns

Ozzy Osbourne was more than a music legend, he was a proud Brummie whose compassion touched the hearts of the children and families at Acorns.

Acorns welcomes capital boost but continues calls for vital sustainable funding

Acorns Children's Hospice has welcomed a 'one-off' allocation of capital funding from the Government towards upgrading buildings, facilities and digital infrastructure.

Acorns ‘ready to play a key role’ in Government’s 10 year health plan

A powerful message took to the road as Acorns Children’s Hospice revved up its fight to save vital Government funding for children’s hospice care.

Made with children’s handprints – a message to the Prime Minister

An emotional artwork made entirely using the handprints of children who are dying or seriously ill has been unveiled – sending a powerful message to the Prime Minister.

Acorns offers last chance to see rock legends live!

Music fans who thought they'd missed out on tickets to Black Sabbath's sold-out Back to the Beginning show on 5th July are being given a chance be part of rock history with Acorns.

Man and woman hold hands as they run for #TeamAcorns at Run Solihull

Join #TeamAcorns at Run Solihull

In August, hundreds of runners will take to the streets of Solihull, with Acorns Children’s Hospice announced as the official charity partner for the market town’s biggest annual run.

Aktar Islam wearing his Opheem chefs uniform.

Michelin-starred chef named Acorns patron

Michelin-starred chef and proud Brummie Aktar Islam named Acorns newest patron.

Man stood with woman holding a microphone. Both in Bubble Rush t-shirts.

Third consecutive year for Bubble Rush sponsor

We are delighted to have Talbots Law back as our main sponsor for Bubble Rush - for the third year running!

Girl wearing goggles and an event t-shirt covered in colourful bubbles.

Get ready for Bubble Rush 2025

Billions of bubbles and a whole lot of fun – Acorns Children’s Hospice is bringing its biggest-ever Bubble Rush to the Black Country this summer.

Six children’s hospices, one extraordinary adventure

Six leading children’s hospices are coming together to shine a global spotlight on children’s hospice care with a once-in-a-lifetime trek through the breathtaking Indian Himalayas.

Walsall FC welcome mascot brothers for Acorns Matchday

Walsall's upcoming match against Port Vale is a crucial one in the Saddlers’ promotion battle. But for one family of devoted fans, this game holds an even deeper significance.

UB40 Memorabilia Package with signed prints and gold disc

Extremely rare UB40 memorabilia package in Acorns auction

An extremely rare UB40 memorabilia package is up for auction in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice.

Signed Peaky Blinders script on offer in Acorns auction

A signed script from the first-ever episode of Peaky Blinders is being offered in an online charity auction from Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Stellar online auction with Ozzy tickets and 71 lots from stage and screen

Tickets to the gig of the century with Ozzy Osbourne in his last ever performance are the star lot in Acorns online charity auction

Star-studded gala dinner is talk of ‘this town’ raising record £180,000

A record £180,000 has been raised for life-changing care at a star-studded black-tie dinner for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

A red guitar base with special signed signatures resting in a case

A piece of rock history: Acorns to auction Ozzy Osbourne signed guitar

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 group of people sitting around a table, smiling

Acorns among UK’s Top 100 Employers

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 exterior of a large building with 'Deakin & Francis' on the side.

A legacy of craftmanship

Deakin & Francis offer a unique gift to Acorns – a bespoke signet ring experience offered as an auction prize for the ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner.

Acorns Chelmsley Wood Superstore

Chelmsley Wood has welcomed its newest and largest charity shop - the Acorns Children’s Hospice superstore. Take a closer look behind the scenes and discover the top-selling treasures.

Turn your unwanted gifts into lifeline support

Did granny gift you yet another Hawaiian shirt? Did you receive two of the same books? Make your unwanted presents the gifts that keep on giving by donating them to Acorns.

Make supporting Acorns your New Year’s Resolution

‘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.

A painting of a large squirrel holding an Acorn on a wall in Acorns Blackheath superstore.

Acorns branches out to bring Blackheath something special for newest superstore

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.

An Aston Villa football player visiting children at Acorns Children's Hospice.

Aston Villa Stars Bring Festive Magic to Young Fans at Acorns Children’s Hospice

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

The Sahara Sisters - Aimee Guy and her friends get ready for Acorns Sahara Trek 2025.

Epic trek of a lifetime across the Sahara for Acorns

A team of friends will be taking the trip of a lifetime in an awe-inspring trek across the Sahara desert in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Baby Patrick in the care of Acorns with an Acorns nurse behind him

Government extends funding for Children’s Hospices

Trevor Johnson welcomed the Government's extension of NHS funding for children’s hospices into 2025/26, highlighting its importance in supporting families across the West Midlands.

A man holding a young girl and putting a decoration on a Christmas tree.

Making memories that last forever for the families of children with short lives

Acorns Staff Nurse Joanna Hutton speaks out about the importance of memory-making for families and children whose lives are short – as the charity launches its Celebrate Your Star campaign.

The exterior of the Acorns Birmingham Hospice.

Acorns response following MP vote in favour of assisted dying bill

Today MPs voted in favour of a bill to allow assisted dying. At Acorns, our position is that in any law must be the guarantee that quality palliative care is properly funded and available to all who need it – whoever they are and wherever they live.

A Acorns nurse sat smiling holding a mug in her hands.

Nurse Katie’s memories of Thea

Nurse Katie shares her memories of meeting Thea and her family and how the hospice team gave them the gifts of vital care and support.

Our response to comments from the Health Secretary on hospice funding

We welcome today’s comments from Wes Streeting in interviews for the BBC, stating that financial support for the hospice sector would be announced before Christmas

Last chance to join thrilling adventure before it’s gone forever

Santa’s Sky High Adventure is inviting festive families to jingle all the way around 36 high-rope obstacles at the Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham

A little girl sits wearing big gardening gloves, while a slightly older girl sits next to her with a watering can a potted plant. Both are smiling

Acorns launches environmental sustainability plan

Acorns has become one of the first children’s hospices in the country to launch an environmental sustainability plan.

Children’s Care Matters campaign takes step forward as mum Liz meets MPs

The fight to save a vital piece of funding for children’s hospices has taken a step forward as mum Liz Bishop travelled to Westminster to meet MPs.

Safe spaces to share feelings

At Acorns, we always aim to give the best care possible. This care isn’t just physical – it’s also about supporting the emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of everyone we support.

Acorns Mere Green Shop Manager Nicky Hales and Volunteer Sheryl Bolden

Acorns shop crowned winner in search for the UK’s favourite charity stores

Dedicated staff and volunteers at the Acorns Children’s Hospice shop in Mere Green are ‘absolutely elated’ after it was named as favourite charity shop across the whole of the West Midlands.

The exterior of a large building with a blue sky above.

Acorns campaign backed by Walsall Council motion

Walsall Council members have unanimously backed our Children’s Care Matters campaign to save the Children’s Hospice Grant.

MPs write joint letter urging the Government to save the Children’s Hospice Grant

A group of West Midlands MPs have written a joint letter to the Government on behalf of Acorns, calling on vital funding for children’s hospices to be secured.

Mum Liz delivers petition to 10 Downing Street for Save the Grant campaign

A mum from Worcester has delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street today on behalf of the children’s hospice who cared for her daughter.

Kasim signing the word chicken in Makaton.

Making Makaton a second language at Acorns

At Acorns, we embed Makaton across all three of our hospices to ensure every child is seen and heard – no child should be left behind.

Our Statement on St Giles and Hospice Funding

The future of the funding – known as the Children’s Hospice Grant – is uncertain, meaning Acorns may be forced to cut vital services.

Acting Stars and Celebrity Chefs Back Hospice Campaign

The future of the funding – known as the Children’s Hospice Grant – is uncertain, meaning Acorns may be forced to cut vital services.

Acorns launches campaign to save £2 million funding

The future of the funding – known as the Children’s Hospice Grant – is uncertain, meaning Acorns may be forced to cut vital services.

Statement on the 2024 General Election Result

We are calling on the new government to protect and maintain the Children’s Hospice Grant

Acorns Chairman awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours

The Chairman of Acorns Children’s Hospice, Mark Hopton has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of his services to education, healthcare and charities in the West Midlands.

Spine-tingling moment 60 flash mob singers came to superstore

This was the magical spine-tingling moment when around 60 singers took shoppers by surprise as they suddenly burst into song in a giant flash mob at the official opening of Acorns new charity superstore in Tewkesbury.

Acorns Children's Hospice at Birmingham Pride 2024

Acorns proud to be stronger together at Birmingham Pride 2024

For the first time ever Acorns Children’s Hospice joined one of the biggest and most important LGBTQ+ festivals in the UK – and it was a spectacular success.

Touching tribute in memory of brave Verity

An emotional one-minute applause was held at Walsall FC’s final game of the season to remember a girl who died after a brave two-year battle against cancer.

Hospice charities meet MPs to highlight ‘unsustainable’ funding model

Four major palliative care charities gave oral evidence today at a Health and Social Care Committee meeting on hospice funding, describing the current funding model as ‘unsustainable’.

Hospices reliant on people’s generosity due to lack of funding, MPs warn

Hospices are overly reliant on income from charity fundraising due to a lack of Government funding, MPs have warned.

Some of the teddy bears which were auctioned for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Grrr-eat donation of rare teddy bears claws up cash at auction

An un-bear-lievable donation of nearly 40 rare teddy bears has raised more than £1,600 for Acorns at auction.

At the opening of the John Overton Suite

Touching tribute as plaque unveiled at new family rooms

Acorns has officially opened vital new family rooms so parents can stay by their children’s side 24-hours a day.

Trevor Johnson sitting next to a screen that has writing dedicated to him from Acorns

Acorns CEO Trevor Johnson warns of funding challenges for the hospice sector

Acorns CEO, Trevor Johnson has warned of funding challenges in a series of interviews with the media. The interviews followed a report which revealed the sector is facing a collective £77 million deficit.

An Acorns shop volunteer cuts the ribbon declaring Acorns Erdington superstore open. He is using large scissors and stands in front of a balloon arch

Acorns makes its Erdington debut with huge new superstore

Acorns makes its Erdington debut after opening the charity’s biggest-ever superstore.

Aston Villa supports Acorns Children's Hospice

Aston Villa supports Acorns in Europe

Acorns logo made a welcome return to Villa shirts for the Club’s Europa Conference League clash against Ajax.

Two healthcare professionals at Acorns wearing scrubs interact with a large touchscreen monitor.

How Acorns is breaking new ground in education, learning and development

Kerrie Sprason, Head of Talent Acquisition and Development shares how Acorns ground-breaking Academy came about.

Magical new hydrotherapy pool making waves

A state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool featuring multi-sensory light and sound for children has opened.

Matt and George’s ‘oarsome’ Atlantic row for Jack

Read about how the Worcester Buoys rowed the Atlantic in 40 days in support of Acorns

Five adults are stood at the main entrance to a hospice.

Acorns secures £145,000 training fund boost

Acorns has received a £145,000 boost towards employee training, thanks to a leading global glass manufacturer.

A smiling woman sits with a little boy on her lap, playing with a toy. He is grinning at the camera

Leap into action for Acorns this February 29th

Make your extra day count this Leap Year and help ensure Acorns care never stops

Superstore is a success as Acorns opens biggest store

The shelves were stacked, the signs were up and the lights were on as Acorns opened its biggest ever store.

Scoring a hit with Acorns logo on stylish football kits

The logo of Acorns Children’s Hospice is taking pride of place on a host of smart new football shirts worn by AFC Wulfrunians.

Four men in smart clothing holding picture frames featuring colourful images created by children cared for at Acorns.

Remembering Acorns Trustee, Jim McCarthy

It is with great sadness we share the news that longstanding Acorns Trustee, Jim McCarthy has passed away.

A tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah

Benjamin Zephaniah will be remembered by Acorns for the amount of pure joy he brought to children and families.

Ambassador Moin shares his story at the House of Lords

Pride of Britain winner and Acorns Ambassador Moin was guest of honour at the House of Lords for a special event.

Mum and daughter Aime and Charlee sit in front of cinema screen

Movie magic as sparkling new cinema room unveiled

The magic of the movies has come to Acorns in the Black Country with the opening of a sparkling new cinema room.

Child with glasses playing with Magic Carpet Technology

Cutting-edge technology opens-up new worlds for children at Acorns

Acorns Children’s Hospice is using the very latest in cutting-edge technology to help open-up new worlds of experience for local children.

Masterchef winner Dan Lee with Sue Brown and Steph Edwards

Masterchef marvel cooks up a storm to officially open kitchen

Masterchef winner Dan Lee cooked up a winning dish to help Acorns Children’s Hospice launch its brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen.

Woman picking out a dress in an Acorns Charity shop

Make second-hand clothes your first choice in re-loved revolution

Shoppers are being challenged to look good, do good and feel good and join the re-loved revolution to help support local children…

Looking to the future with the CEO of Acorns

Our CEO, Trevor Johnson, spoke to the Express & Star recently about Acorns, the challenges the charity has faced and our plans for the future.

Supporters at start line of bubble rush race

Final call to take part in Acorns biggest-ever Bubble Rush – don’t miss out!

It’s the final countdown as the world’s foamiest fundraiser prepares to blast off in the Black Country to raise vital funds for local children…