At the end of a child’s life...
Help give parents the power of choice
A child’s last breath. It’s the darkest time of a family’s life.
No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child, but when the unimaginable happens, you can help.
Acorns gives families the power of choice when their child dies. We help them make heartbreaking decisions in those final moments.
The power of choice allows them to say goodbye where they feel most comfortable.
The demand for vital end-of-life-care at Acorns has increased by 47% over the past year. Your generous support means we can be there for every family facing this unimaginable journey until the very endand beyond.
During the darkest of times our hospices offer warmth, homeliness and calm.
We see families and children as individuals, providing personalised care and support. We support all religious and spiritual beliefs.
Without Acorns, families in need could be navigating this unimaginable journey completely alone.
Luca (aged 2), died peacefully in his parents’ arms at Acorns in Birmingham.
We were with Luca when he took his last breath.
It was the middle of the night and the nurses said we should cuddle him. I’m so grateful they did that. He died in our arms.
- Luca’s mum, Zoe
Help them make memories
Whether they are nearing the end of life or have already died, memory making is a way for families to remember their child.
A memory box of keepsakes, from handprints and footprints, to plaster casts, photos and crafts, helps them treasure the precious time they spent together.
This special work takes place at our hospices, in the family home, in the hospital or at funeral homes.
Your gift of support will mean we can give every family a memory box full of keepsakes they can hold onto forever.
Hannah knew what was happening to her and she chose to come to Acorns. When we talked about making a hand mould, she joked about how morbid it was.
But she wanted to make it into a heart shape, so we could remember her. Acorns helped make that happen and it showed her immense strength.
- Hannah’s mum, Christine
Help families say goodbye
At the heart of Acorns hospices are our special bedrooms. In these temperature-controlled rooms, a child can stay for around two weeks after death.
It gives families a sanctuary - and the chance to hold their child that little while longer. Your generosity will ensure families can stay by their child’s side and say goodbye at their own pace and in their own way.
Lily-Mai (aged 7) came to Acorns for the Three Counties for end-of-life care. She stayed in our special bedroom for three weeks.
The special bedroom meant we could still visit Lily at any time we wanted, and really to take our time to say goodbye.
That’s not possible in a funeral home. I couldn’t bear seeing them drive off with her and then having to make an appointment to see my child.
I could hold her hand, read her stories and give her a kiss goodnight. We were still able to give her love and care.
Because of Acorns, we spent extra time with Lily before she went to her forever bed.
- Lily-Mai’s mum, Liz
The growing need
In the past year, we have seen significant and unexpected growth in the level of support we provide for children and families coming to Acorns for end-of-life care.
Families are also spending more time at our hospice, with the length of stays almost doubling on average.
In the past year...
> The demand for vital end-of-life-care at Acorns has increased by 47%
> We have supported more than 400 bereaved family members
> There have been more than 15,000 instances of emotional and practical support delivered by the Acorns Family Services team
> We have cared for more than 750 children across the West Midlands, and supported almost 1,000 families
> In total, Acorns needs around £30,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care
Without your support, we will not be able to help them all.
Aum came to Acorns in Birmingham for end of life care. He lived for five days.
When Aum was at Acorns we wanted whatever time we had left to be the best it could be. We spent the whole of that morning holding him. When it was time for him to go, it was so calm. He was at peace.
- Aum’s dad, Vikas
How you can help
The need for Acorns care and support when a child reaches their final da has doubled in the last year. We cannot sustain this lifeline without you.
> £5,000 would fund two syringe drivers, vital pieces equipment that deliver medicine under the skin to help manage a range of symptoms including pain, nausea and seizures, at the end of a child’s life.
> £10,000 would cover the cost of running care services within one hospice and in the community, for one day.
> £25,000 would fund the role of an Acorns Family Practitioner for six months to work with families providing invaluable bereavement and psychosocial support.
> £50,000 will fund the role of a specialist children’s nurse at Acorns for a year.
> £100,000 would help fund the ongoing maintenance of our hospices and the hundreds of children that use these vital facilities, every year.
> £500,000 will fund 10 specialist children’s nurses at our hospices for a year.
Your generosity will give families the power to choose how they say their final goodbyes. With your support, we can help families cope during the darkest time of their lives.
Help us support every step and beyond
A family’s journey doesn’t just end when their child dies. Our specialist Family Services team is there whenever they are needed. They are experts in providing support to help families find ways of coping and navigating life following the devastating loss of a child. Your support will ensure families are not alone in their grief. We cannot sustain this lifeline without you. Together, we are
If you would like to know more about Acorns and how you can help, please contact us. philanthropy@acorns.org.uk
stronger.
Get in touch Watch
video about end of life care
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Registered charity no: 700859 Registered in England company no. 2036103.
Registered office: Drakes Court, Alcester Road, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6JR.
