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We’re here for families…

because having a child in hospital is an experience no parent chooses.

We were founded in 1989.

Since then, our 14 Houses across the UK have not only provided free ‘home away from home’ accommodation close to children’s hospitals, but they also offer a friendly smile, clean facilities and an invaluable support network.

We’re not just a bed for the night.

Did you know?

Last year, we supported 6,654 families for an average of 16 nights.

Our families lived an average of 73 miles away from the hospital.

On average, families would have spent £1,240 in out-of-pocket accommodation costs.

We know things are difficult at the moment…

Even though having your child in the hospital never gets any easier, the cost of living crisis has thrown our families an extraordinary curveball.

But we know how vital our services are, especially during trying times.

At the beginning of 2023, we conducted a survey with our families to see how the cost of living was affecting them.

How we help families in crisis

Free accommodation close to children’s hospitals

We offer rooms to families for as long as their child is in hospital, completely free of charge, just a stone’s throw away from their child’s ward.

Fully-equipped kitchens, for everyone to use

We encourage families to look after their wellbeing and invite them to cook meals in our kitchen whenever they need.

Grab & Go on your way to the hospital

Many of our Houses have a ‘Grab & Go’ scheme, providing families with free food items such as cereal bars and fresh fruit, saving them from having to buy expensive snacks to take to the ward.

Hear from the families we have supported…

“The Charity holds a special place in my heart”: Lillie and Harry’s story

25th Jul 2024

In November 2018, mum Vicky, from East Sussex, experienced an ‘emotional whirlwind’ when her daughter Lillie, who was six years old at the time, started…

Read more

“We nearly lost her”: Pixie’s story

30th Apr 2024

It was during Sam’s 20-week pregnancy scan that doctors discovered something was wrong with her unborn baby’s heart. The following week, Sam, who lives near…

Read more

“A terrifying experience”: Oliver’s story

26th Apr 2024

Oliver was a newborn baby when he was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a form of congenital heart disease affecting the heart’s structure and…

Read more

Did you know that our Houses are located a specialist children’s hospital, including one of the largest hospitals in Europe.

Tooting House Manager Rachel explains why we’re so important to families.

“One of the worse things to happen as a family is to have a sick child. But then to be taken far from home (where it’s their safe place) can make it unbearable.

“Unfortunately, we can’t make their child better, but we can give them a sense of normality, and somewhere safe to call their ‘home away from home’.”

Stay in touch

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Learn more about our Charity

Getting a place to stay

Our Houses provide a free and welcoming place to stay, available to families with children being treated at our partnered NHS hospitals. Families with a child in hospital can stay with us for as long as they need to.

Houses near me

How we use your donations

As an independent charity, we rely on the support and generosity of our volunteers, fundraisers and donors to keep thousands of families close to their sick children in hospital each year.

Learn more

Donate to help families

Your donation can help families be by their child’s bedside in a matter of moments, whilst maintaining a degree of normal life and reducing emotional and financial strain.

Donate today