Impact report shows the success Together for Short Lives has had

A charity for seriously ill children has helped more families than ever before.

An impact report shows the success Together for Short Lives has had in providing vital help, legal support and fundraising.

It has raised over £1,000,000 for lifeline support for children and families in children’s hospices and palliative care charities, and to kick-start innovative new projects to support seriously ill young people.

That’s the equivalent of 37,800 hours of care.

Over 2017/18, the charity helped an increasing number of families caring for seriously ill children requiring support and information.

It saw a 31% rise in calls from families, and a 52% increase in call from professionals seeking one-to-one support for their work.

At a time when support and services are being cut, the charity’s helpline remains an invaluable source of emotional support and information.

The report shows that Together for Short Lives has secured policy changes that will directly improve the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

This year a campaign led by the charity closed a legal loophole, enabling children under three to claim the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.

Andy Fletcher, chief executive of Together for Short Lives, said: “Seriously ill children don’t have time to waste. At a time when services across the UK are experiencing cuts, we are here to fight for families and make sure that no child is ever left behind when it comes to getting vital care and support.

“This year, thanks to the generous support of our funders, we have made a real difference to these families: campaigning for sustainable children’s palliative care services for all, supporting and empowering families, publishing information for professionals, fundraising for vital services and putting children’s palliative care on the political agenda.

“We’ve still got a lot to do, but by working closely with our members, supporters and families, we have the best chance of making life better for seriously ill children.”