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Gareth’s blog: Our resolutions for 2026

In his latest blog, our CEO sets out our to-do list for 2026.

Our resolutions for 2026

As we step into a new year, I want to share what’s ahead and what we’re focusing on in 2026.

This year is all about moving forward with purpose, guided by our new Fit for the Future strategy. It’s a practical plan that helps us to strengthen our charity, reach more families and make sure we’re here for generations to come. Our strategy is built on 4 key pillars: Foundations, Families, Finances and Facilities.

Children’s hospice care is facing big challenges – rising costs, more complex needs and continued pressure on the systems around us. But we also have a huge opportunity: to shape a stronger, smarter, more sustainable Forget Me Not.

Gareth Pierce, CEO

So, what’s on our to do list in 2026?

1. Make it easier for families to get the right help and support when they need it most

We’ll simplify how families access support, from the first phone call to getting the right care at the right time. That includes:

  • strengthening our link worker approach so every family has a clear point of contact who can help them to access the support they need, no matter what life throws at them
  • making pathways clearer and more joined up, working more closely with partners and other organisations so children and parents don’t have to repeat their story or navigate services alone
  • evolving specialist services like our support for families devastated by the sudden and unexpected loss of a child, or our support during and after pregnancy, ensuring families facing the most complex and difficult situations can access expert help quickly.

Our goal: help families to live well and support them in accessing the care and support that they need, when they need it.

2. Support our people to do their best work

A hospice is only as strong as the people in it. This year we’ll:

  • expand volunteering opportunities within our care and family support services
  • strengthen wellbeing and development for colleagues across our charity
  • improve how we recruit, retain and develop specialist staff.

Our goal: a motivated, skilled and supported team.

3. Invest in the places and tools that help us care

To stay fit for the future, we need facilities and systems that work for the care we want to deliver. This year we’ll:

  • invest in upgrades across our systems, and at Russell House (funded by capital investment from the government in this financial year)
  • improve systems and data so we can work smarter
  • embrace technology and innovation where it genuinely helps.

Our goal: a modern, resilient hospice environment.

4. Strengthen our charity so we can keep going, no matter what

We can only deliver extraordinary care and support if we’re financially strong. In 2026 we’ll:

  • proceed with caution as we approach a new financial year that requires a careful balance between cost and income
  • continue to build our reserves so that we can strengthen our future and put our finances on a firmer footing
  • increase and diversify income through fundraising, retail and partnerships
  • push for sustainable, reliable funding for our core and specialist services.

Our goal: a hospice that’s financially secure and here for the long haul.

5. Keep listening, learning and improving

Families’ needs are changing. So are the pressures on health and care services. This year we’ll:

  • use better data to understand what works
  • evolve services based on family feedback
  • work more closely with partners across West Yorkshire.

Our goal: care and support that keeps improving because we never stop learning.

Why 2026 matters

Children’s hospice care is facing big challenges – rising costs, more complex needs and continued pressure on the systems around us. But we also have a huge opportunity: to shape a stronger, smarter, more sustainable Forget Me Not.

We have a clear plan. We have an amazing team. We have supporters who believe in us. And we have families who deserve nothing less than the best.

Thank you for standing with us as we take on this year’s to do list — together, I know we can make an extraordinary difference.