Children’s Hospice Week 2025, taking place from Monday 16 June to Sunday 22 June, is the UK’s only dedicated awareness and fundraising campaign for children’s hospice and palliative care services. Led by the charity Together for Short Lives, this week brings together 54 children’s hospices across the country to shine a powerful light on the extraordinary work being done to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
A Lifeline for Families in Crisis
Children’s hospices provide critical care and support to children and young people who are not expected to reach adulthood. These services go far beyond medical treatment — they offer emotional support, respite, play therapy, bereavement care, and a place of comfort and dignity.
For many families, children’s hospices are a lifeline. They help parents and carers cope with the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges of caring for a seriously ill child. Whether through in-home support or dedicated hospice centres, these services ensure that families never face these difficulties alone.
2025 Theme: “Moments That Matter”
This year’s theme, “Moments That Matter,” celebrates the small but profound moments that families treasure during their journey — a child’s laughter during play therapy, a peaceful night’s sleep knowing their child is in safe hands, or creating lasting memories together in a supportive, loving environment.
The campaign will highlight real-life stories from families across the UK, giving voice to their experiences and showcasing how children’s hospices make a difference in their daily lives.
Why Awareness Is More Important Than Ever
Children’s hospices face mounting challenges in 2025. These include:
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Underfunding: Many hospices rely heavily on donations, with limited and inconsistent government funding.
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Staff shortages: Recruitment and retention in paediatric palliative care are ongoing issues.
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Public misunderstanding: There are persistent misconceptions about what children’s hospice care involves — often seen as only end-of-life care, when in reality, hospices provide support for many years.
Children’s Hospice Week is a vital platform to educate the public, advocate for sustainable funding, and show that this care is about life, not just death.
How You Can Support
There are many ways the public can get involved during Children’s Hospice Week:
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Donate: Every pound raised helps hospices provide care, equipment, and support for families.
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Fundraise: From bake sales to sponsored walks, communities and schools are encouraged to host local events.
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Share stories: Follow Together for Short Lives and local hospices on social media. Share their content using hashtags like #ChildrensHospiceWeek and #MomentsThatMatter.
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Write to your MP: Advocate for fair and consistent funding by urging your local representative to support children’s hospice care.
The Role of Together for Short Lives
As the leading charity behind Children’s Hospice Week, Together for Short Lives works year-round to champion the rights and needs of children with life-limiting conditions. They offer vital resources for families, campaign for policy change, and unite all UK children’s hospices under a common goal: delivering the best possible care and support to every child who needs it.
Their message for 2025 is simple but powerful: “Let’s make sure every child and family gets to enjoy the moments that matter — no matter how short life may be.”
A National Effort
From London to the Highlands of Scotland, from rural villages to bustling cities, Children’s Hospice Week 2025 will see people across the UK come together in solidarity. Schools, businesses, hospitals, and local authorities will all play a part in raising funds and spreading awareness.
Final Thoughts
Children’s Hospice Week 2025 is more than just a campaign — it’s a national movement of empathy, advocacy, and action. It reminds us that even the shortest lives can leave the longest impact, and that every child deserves moments filled with love, dignity, and joy.
As we mark this special week, let us honour the families navigating unimaginable challenges, support the heroes who care for them, and do our part in building a more compassionate future.
To learn more or get involved, visit:
🌐 www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk
Hashtags to follow and use:
#ChildrensHospiceWeek #MomentsThatMatter #TogetherForShortLives #CHW2025