WellChild is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. Their vision is for every child with complex medical needs to be thriving at home. Over 100,000 children are living across the UK with complex medical needs. Many spend months, even years in hospital because there is no support enabling them to leave. Meanwhile, those at home face inadequate levels of support. WellChild exists to give this growing population of children the best possible chance to thrive – properly supported at home with their families.

They strive to shape a society in which every child, or young person with complex medical needs…

• Is cared for at home wherever possible.
• Has the right care and support around them.
• Has a stimulating, rich and happy family life.
• Is recognised, empowered and celebrated.

They provide support, advice and guidance to families across the UK. WellChild’s services include…

• The WellChild Family Tree, connecting families who feel isolated and alone via social media and group meet ups to share experiences and support one another.
• Their growing network of 53 WellChild Nurses who provide specialist support to enable children with complex needs to leave hospital and be cared for at home.
• Their Helping Hands programme, which creates accessible, practical and stimulating spaces in the homes of seriously ill children.
• A national network of specialist Better at Home Training Units to empower parents to care with confidence when they take their children home.