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Gareth’s blog: Building a brighter future for children and families

In his latest blog, our CEO shares our strategy for the next three years.

Gareth’s blog: Building a brighter, sustainable future for children and families

A young white boy with brown hair is lay on the floor of the soft play room next to some soft play equipment, looking up at the camera.

As we look ahead to the next chapter in Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice’s journey, we’re excited to share our new strategy for the next three years, a plan designed to ensure we can continue to deliver exemplary, personalised care to children and families who need us, today, tomorrow and into the future.

Our new strategy is built on four key pillars

  • Strengthening our foundations – investing in our people, culture, and data to ensure resilience and excellence.
  • Continuing to deliver exemplary care and support – tailoring our services to meet the evolving needs of children and families, with a focus on empowering them to live well.
  • Securing financial sustainability and resilience – growing our reserves, diversifying income, and embedding a fundraising culture across the organisation.
  • Future-proofing our facilities and infrastructure – maintaining and upgrading our spaces, embracing technology and AI, and working towards net zero.

We’re committed to embedding the ‘Forget Me Not Way’ – a culture of compassion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our strategy also places a strong emphasis on partnerships, research, and evidence-based practice, ensuring we remain sector-leading and responsive to the changing landscape of children’s palliative care.

Our new strategy is more than a roadmap. It’s a promise to our families, our supporters, and our community. With your help, and with the continued backing of government and local partners, we’re confident that Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice will remain a lifeline for those who need us most.

Gareth Pierce, CEO

Welcome news: £80 million government support for children’s hospices

A few weeks ago the UK government announced that children’s hospices in England will receive almost £80 million in funding over the next three years. While we wait to hear exactly what this means for our children’s hospice, this news brings welcome certainty and reassurance about what is the most significant part of our funding income (previously known as the Children’s Hospice Grant) and will help us to plan and deliver care over a longer period.

The funding will be distributed through local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), helping to end the cliff edge of short-term annual grants and allowing hospices like ours to plan and deliver high-quality, compassionate care.

However, while this announcement is hugely positive and recognises the vital role children’s hospices play, it’s important to remember that government funding still only covers a small proportion of our costs – and it’s simply not enough. At Forget Me Not, we must raise around 80% of the funds we need this year ourselves, relying on the generosity of our supporters and local community.

Why your support matters

The challenges facing children’s hospices remain significant. Costs have risen sharply in recent years, and demand for our services continues to grow. The government’s commitment is welcomed, but we still need your help to ensure every child and family receives the care and support they deserve.

By supporting Forget Me Not, whether through donations, fundraising, volunteering, or advocacy – you’re helping us build a future where no family faces the unimaginable challenge of losing a child alone. Together, we can continue to innovate, adapt, and deliver pioneering care for generations to come.

Together, we can continue to innovate, adapt, and deliver pioneering care for generations to come.

Gareth Pierce, CEO

Looking ahead

Our new strategy is more than a roadmap. It’s a promise to our families, our supporters, and our community. With your help, and with the continued backing of government and local partners, we’re confident that Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice will remain a lifeline for those who need us most.

Thank you for standing with us as we embark on this exciting new chapter.