We are passionate about the support we give to families each year. Since 1989, we have supported over 95,000 families from all walks of life. For those families, staying close to their child in hospital receiving care is the number one priority.
We support families with children who are seriously ill or injured.
We provide practical, everyday support at the moments it matters most. When a child needs hospital care far from home, families are often forced to travel at short notice and stay for much longer than expected. What begins as an emergency can quickly turn into weeks or months away from home, creating financial strain, exhaustion and emotional pressure at an already overwhelming time.
We believe that when a child is unwell, the entire family needs care and stability so they can cope, make decisions and continue to be present throughout treatment. Our Houses remove the biggest barriers families face – like distance, cost and isolation – by providing a safe, welcoming place to stay near the hospital.
Recent UK hospital‑based research (The British Medical Journal) shows that 95% of families incur non‑medical out‑of‑pocket costs when their child is admitted to hospital. These costs go well beyond medical care and commonly include transport, food and drinks, childcare for siblings, lost earnings and other everyday expenses.
These pressures compound quickly. Long journeys, disrupted work and caring responsibilities, and mounting everyday expenses can leave families exhausted, anxious and struggling to cope.
We know that financial strain does not exist in isolation. It affects emotional wellbeing, decision‑making and a family’s ability to remain present for their child during treatment.
When we interviewed families, we found over two thirds said the cost-of-living crisis was damaging their mental health. Our Family Check Out Report 2025 found that 96% of families said staying in one of our Houses reduced their financial burden.
